Is it time for a girlfriend’s getaway? You probably do everything for others and rarely take time for yourself, so a best friends’ trip is the perfect time to unwind, relax, laugh, explore, and make new memories with your best gal pals. 

If you are more of a small town vs big city girl, then Salado, Texas, is the perfect place for a quick trip to fuel the soul. 

Salado, Texas, offers the perfect, quick getaway, whether it’s a romantic weekend for two or a girls’ Sunday Funday, you won’t be disappointed by everything this historic, small, quintessential Texas town has to offer.

Located about 45 minutes north of Austin and about halfway to Waco, a combined trip to both towns would make for a perfect weekend road trip. Salado is easily walkable from end to end and is anchored by the Salado Creek. The creek banks offer a lovely place to picnic, hike, play, and the waters are shallow enough for a dip, making for a nice relief from the Texas heat.

The Salado vibe has beckoned artists to set up shop, and you can observe them honing their craft, shop the finished products, and even participate if you need to get creative. For example, Salado Glass Works has numerous events to create your own work of art, like a stemless wine glass. Most of the classes include drink tickets and snacks.

This list is a small sample of the various artist workshops and galleries.

If shopping is more of your jam, then I’ve got you, and so does Salado.

Shops line the main street of Salado and offer everything from high-end to kitschy and everything in between. If you like antiques, Salado Creek Antiques or the Salado Antique Mall are just two options among many.

One of my favorite shops is 21 Main Street. The store is a beautifully merchandised shop anchored by an antique baby grand piano. The store is an eclectic mix of home furnishings, antiques, art, jewelry, gift items, hats, clothing, and men’s gifts.

The Shoppes on Main Street is the mecca for shopaholics.

The space is home to 25 individual vendors where you can find baby and kids’ gifts and clothing, shoes and boots, furniture and home décor, local hand-crafted art, women’s clothing, candles, art and so much more.

Wild Angels Boutique is a trendy, boho-style ladies’ boutique with ladies’ clothing, jewelry, shoes, and gifts. The name drew me in, and you gotta love that the boutique is the owner’s dream come true.  I’m all about supporting female entrepreneurs and locally owned businesses.

Flourish is marketed as an interior, flooring, and home accessories store. You’ll want to stop by and visit Kelly and this adorable shop located right on Main Street. When I was last there, she had plans to also host wine tastings…..shopping and wine, yes please!

 Christy’s of Salado is a women’s upscale designer boutique located on, you guessed it, Main Street. It is another locally owned boutique, and she carries a designer that I fell in love with after moving to Texas.  Johnny was luxurious fabrics, rich colors, and gorgeous detail are a modern take on a vintage, bohemian spirit. His designs are truly works of art.

Rosario, the rose, and her husband, the worker bee, owners and operators of The Rose and Bee boutique. This shop is among several you can find in Old Town Salado. You feel like you’ve stepped onto the set of a western as you walk on the raised wooden boardwalk, peering in the many shops and restaurants.

 If you love to cook and enjoy tastings and samples, then head to Wild Texas Cowgirl. You’ll enjoy Texas-made gourmet foods, coffee, spices, herbs, soup mixes, and more. You and your gal pals will giggle away the afternoon reading the quotes, witticisms, and sarcastic sayings found on tea towels, socks, magnets, and mitts. You might enjoy a free adult beverage like I did while checking out the handmade soaps, sampling local honeys, and shopping for a birthday gift. The shop can provide private shopping offered after hours for your girls’ night out, or you could stop by for one of the shop’s “sip and shop” events on the 4^th Friday of each month.

SophistiKatz Bead Emporium is not just about bead and jewelry-making supplies. Costume jewelry is my weakness, and I was drawn in by the displays of already crafted jewelry. The prices were so affordable, I bought several pieces.

After a long day of shopping, you can easily road trip back to Austin, but why would you want to when there are several historical, unique, and quirky options for staying overnight?

In my next blog, we’ll explore the hotels, inns, and restaurants that will entice you to spend an entire weekend in beautiful Salado!