Searching for a creative small-town escape filled with art, history, and Hill Country charm? Head to Salado! Located along I-35 between Austin and Waco, Salado is a Texas gem known for its artsy boutiques, glassblowing studios, and scenic creekside strolls. Whether you're wine tasting, antiquing, or exploring centuries-old ruins, Salado is a peaceful and picturesque getaway.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Salado is in the spring and fall (March to May and September to November). These seasons bring mild weather perfect for walking the village, attending festivals, and enjoying outdoor dining. Summers are warmer but great for shaded hikes and lazy days by the creek.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Salado is located off I-35, just 50 minutes north of Austin and about 1 hour south of Waco.
- By Air: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is the closest major airport, approximately an hour away by car.
- By Bus: Regional bus services (like Greyhound) operate in nearby Temple or Belton, just a short drive from Salado.
Where to Stay
- Stagecoach Inn – Historic hotel with beautifully updated rooms, on-site restaurant, and rich Texas heritage.
- Shady Villa Hotel – Boutique stay with retro-modern charm, nestled under towering oak trees along Salado Creek.
- Inn on the Creek – Romantic B&B with elegant suites, gourmet dining, and a serene creekside location.
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Salado Creek – Take a peaceful walk or picnic along this spring-fed creek that winds through the village.
- Royal Street District – Browse galleries, antique stores, boutiques, and tasting rooms on this charming, walkable street.
- Salado Glassworks – Watch live glassblowing demos or create your own custom art piece with local artisans.
- Salado Museum and College Park – Explore the ruins of Salado College and learn about local history at the museum next door.
Unique Attractions
⮕ Sip Craft Brews with Hill Country Vibes at Barrow Brewing Company
Savor craft brews, enjoy a relaxing atmosphere with local flavors.
Barrow Brewing Company was founded in 2014 in the village of Salado, Bell County, Texas, in the renovated old pole barn granary on the banks of Salado Creek. It is Bell County’s first microbrewery. With the strong philosophy of sustainability, at Barrow they reused much of the existing material while building the brewery, such as knotty pine planks that can be seen in the tap room. The brewery uses simple recipes to highlight the unique natural hop and grain flavors and create a range of year-round and seasonal beers. The tap room at Barrow Brewing Company is a popular community gathering place where people come to hang out with friends and try local craft beer at the source. Visitors can see directly into the brewing area and enjoy the full craft beer experience. The tap room hosts a variety of events including yoga classes and scientific seminars. There is live music on the weekends and a food truck on site.
108 Royal St, Salado, TX 76571, Phone: 254-947-3544
⮕ Stroll Through Outdoor Art at the Salado Sculpture Garden
Walk through artistic displays, admire unique outdoor sculptures in a peaceful setting.
Salado Sculpture Garden in Salado, Texas was created by the Public Arts League of Salado and Keep Salado Beautiful in a beautiful natural landscape with winding walkways and benches scattered all around. The artworks of stone, metal and glass are created by a diverse group of artists, of- varying ages, life experiences, male and female, living and working locally and in the surrounding areas. The first exhibit showcased many of the celebrated Salado artists such as Ronnie Wells of Salado and Bob Guelich of San Antonio, who have found inspirations in the nature and wildlife, Sandra and Lonnie Edwards, Jill and Johnny Shipman who have designed the entrance piece to the Sculpture Garden with Melissa Paxton, and many others. The sculptures are on loan during the exhibition for a few months and will change occasionally. Most of the art is for sale.
113 Salado Plaza Dr, Salado, TX 76571, Phone: 254-947-5040
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
⮕ Dine in Southern Elegance at the Historic Barton House
Explore historic architecture, admire Victorian charm and period furnishings.
The Barton House is a historic home built in 1866 on the Main Street in Salado, Texas, for the pioneering physician Dr. Welborn Barton and his wife Louisa Adeline Cox. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been marked with a Texas Centennial Marker. The original part of The Barton House, built into a hillside, was made of Texas quarry-faced limestone ashlar. The exceptional stone-masonry skills and asymmetrical placement of the front door were unusual for its period. The three story house has solid 24-inch thick walls and the floors made of long-leaf pine. The Barton House changed owners but remained a private home until 1997 when it opened as a restaurant. The current owners are operating an upscale Barton House restaurant using many of the period features of the house.
101 N Main St, Salado, TX 76571, Phone: 254-947-0441
⮕ Step Into the Past with a Visit to the Stagecoach Inn’s Storied History
Discover Texas history, explore one of the state’s oldest inns.
From 1860 to 1890, most of the north-south travel through Texas came through Salado, at the time a major stop along the famous Chisholm Trail, and a Butterfield Stage Lines stage stop. In 1861, W. B. Armstrong, one of the first settlers in the area, erected a building on the site of the old Tonkawa village and opened the “Shady Villa Hotel,” what was later to become the Stagecoach Inn. The Stagecoach Inn is considered the oldest house structure in Salado. Many distinguished and infamous persons stayed at the inn: General George Custer, Sam Houston, Robert E. Lee and outlaws Sam Bass and Jesse James. In 1943, Dion and Ruth Van Bibber restored the old building and opened the Stagecoach Inn. Just as in earlier times when local frontier women greeted the stagecoach passengers and cattle drovers, the inn and its restaurants welcome its guests with warm, welcoming comfort and traditional home-made food.
416 S Main St, Salado, TX 76571, Phone: 254-947-5111
Where to Eat
- Alexander’s Distillery – Elegant dining spot offering New American cuisine, craft cocktails, and beautiful views of the creek.
- Stagecoach Inn Restaurant – Southern classics and refined Texas fare in one of the state’s oldest restaurants.
- Barrow Brewing Co. – Enjoy craft beer brewed on-site along the creek, often with live music and food trucks.
- Lively Coffee House & Bistro – Cozy café with great espresso, light lunches, and a relaxing patio atmosphere.
If you are interested in local events:
- Salado Art Fair (August) – Local and regional artists display works in painting, pottery, sculpture, and more.
- Christmas Stroll (December) – Carolers, lighted parades, and horse-drawn carriages fill the village with holiday cheer.
- Salado Wine & Rogue Art Festival (March) – Sip wines from Texas vineyards while enjoying bold, offbeat art installations.
- Texas Fiddlers’ Contest & Acoustic Festival (Fall) – A beloved music event featuring fiddle contests, folk music, and family fun.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes to 1 Hour of Salado, Texas:
- Belton (15–20 min) – Visit Belton Lake, Bell County Museum, or stroll the historic courthouse square.
- Temple (25 min) – Explore railroad history, walk downtown murals, and dine at farm-to-table restaurants.
- Waco (1 hr) – Tour Magnolia Market, the Dr Pepper Museum, or walk the riverfront and suspension bridge.
- Georgetown (45 min) – Wander the charming downtown square, enjoy live music, or kayak on the San Gabriel River.
- Stillhouse Hollow Lake (20 min) – Ideal for boating, fishing, or swimming in clear Hill Country waters.
- Mother Neff State Park (1 hr) – Hike scenic trails and explore one of Texas’ first state parks, just west of Temple.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Where is Salado located and what is its history?
- Located on the bank of Salado Creek, fed by both fresh and mineral water springs, on the site of a Comanches campground and the Tonkawa village, Salado was organized as a town in 1859 and quickly became an oasis of culture on the rough frontier.
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What institutions were established in Salado?
- Salado College was established in 1860, as well as the first Grange in Texas, the Institute for the Humanities at Salado and the first bridge in Texas.
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What is Salado like today?
- Today, Salado is a charming village that many artists call home, full of beautiful historic buildings, restaurants, galleries, breweries, and wineries.
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What are some notable places in Salado?
- Stagecoach Inn is located in the oldest house in Salado and 1866 Barton House is today an upscale restaurant.
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What cultural attractions are in Salado?
- Salado Sculpture Garden houses many artworks of local artists.
Plan Your Trip