Where The Locals Go: La Grange With Sam Hadaway

From breakfast tacos and local margaritas to vintage treasures and a thrift store with a serious mission, consider this your insider’s guide to La Grange.

You may have come for Round Top, but there’s a good chance you’re staying in La Grange.

Just down the road from the antique fields, La Grange becomes home base for plenty of shoppers during show season. It’s where mornings begin with coffee, evenings end over margaritas, and a quick grocery run might turn into a conversation with someone who’s lived here for decades.

But beyond the rental houses and the drive to Highway 237, there’s a town worth getting to know.

For our new series, Where the Locals Go, we’re handing over the itinerary to the people who know these places best. The ones who know which breakfast tacos are worth waking up for, where to grab a drink after a long day, and which shops deserve a little extra time.

First up, Samantha “Sam” Hadaway.

Raised in nearby Flatonia, Sam has called La Grange home for eight years. She grew up shopping Round Top with her mother, now shares the tradition with her own daughter, and spends show season working behind the scenes with Crooked Antler Boutique and The Glamp Inn.

Like many small-town kids, she once couldn’t wait to leave.

“Like most small-town kids, I couldn’t wait to leave. I went off to college, swore I’d never move back, and wouldn’t you know it, I couldn’t get back to Fayette County fast enough!”

Funny how a place has a way of calling you home. We asked Sam to give us the La Grange list she’d actually send a friend. No tourist checklist required. Just good food, good finds, and a few places you might not discover otherwise. So if you're here for the show, and staying in La Grange, here’s where the locals go.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

The Coffee Order: Latte on the Square

Every good shopping day starts somewhere, and for Sam, it’s Latte on the Square. Her order is a caramel and coconut iced latte with an extra shot of espresso, especially during show season.

“Plus, you’re almost guaranteed to run into a friendly face while you’re there. It’s one of those places that makes small-town living so special!”

The Breakfast Tacos: Taqueria Rio Verde

For a quick bite before heading to the fields, Sam sends friends to Taqueria Rio Verde. Fast, delicious breakfast tacos and the kind of stop that makes getting an early start a little easier.

The Sweet Stop: Weikel’s Bakery

You can’t talk about La Grange without talking about kolaches.

Weikel’s Bakery is a longtime favorite for travelers passing through town, but Sam’s order is particularly specific: the poppy seed kolaches.

Whether you’re picking up breakfast or something sweet for the drive home, this one belongs on the list.

COME HUNGRY

The Sandwich Stop: Reba’s

Sometimes you just need a good sandwich without making an entire afternoon of lunch. Reba’s is Sam’s reliable pick for exactly that.

The Unexpected Food Scene: Near The Crown Bar

Here’s a little local intel: don’t overlook the food trucks across the street from The Crown Bar.

Sam specifically recommends Noel’s Kitchen, Bertha’z, and Tia Tokyo for a variety of flavors you might not expect to find in a small Texas town.

“I love that you can find such a fun variety of food right here in La Grange.”

The Mexican Food Dinner: Las Fuentes

After a full day of walking the fields, there’s something especially appealing about sitting down to a good Mexican food dinner.

Las Fuentes is where Sam would send you.

No complicated dinner plans necessary.

STAY FOR ANOTHER ROUND

The Margarita: Alejandro’s

Some recommendations don’t require a long explanation.

“The margaritas at Alejandro’s! Enough said.”

Consider that your order.

The Local Dive: The Crown Bar

For strong pours, a laid-back atmosphere, and a true local watering hole, Sam recommends The Crown Bar.

It’s the kind of place to go when you’re less interested in a scene and more interested in settling in.

The Hidden Gem: Rohan Meadery

One of Sam’s favorite recommendations is Rohan Meadery, a family-friendly destination that she thinks more visitors should know about.

“It’s Texas’ oldest meadery, and the drinks and food are SO good. But what I really love is the family-friendly atmosphere.”

There’s even a scavenger hunt for the kids, making this one an option for families who want something a little different from another afternoon of shopping.

THE GOOD FINDS

The Vintage-Meets-New Shop: Soulstruck

Sam loves pieces with personality, which makes Soulstruck a natural favorite.

The shop mixes vintage and new, offering the kind of browsing experience where you might find something you weren’t necessarily looking for.

The Local Boutique: Julie B

Another stop on Sam’s shopping list is Julie B, a local favorite worth popping into while exploring La Grange.

The Treasure Hunt: Second Chance Emporium

If there’s one place Sam absolutely does not want you to miss, it’s Second Chance Emporium.

“Second Chance Emporium, HANDS DOWN!”

This volunteer-run thrift store is only open Fridays and Saturdays, and its impact extends far beyond the treasures on the shelves.

According to Sam, the organization gave back more than $600,000 to Fayette County last year alone.

“It’s some of the best thrifting around, and you know I love a good treasure hunt!”

For someone who has spent more than two decades hunting vintage treasures in Round Top, that’s quite an endorsement.

The inventory is always changing, and every purchase helps support the surrounding community.

A little local intel: Bring cash or a check. Sam says they don’t accept cards.

A LITTLE MORE TIME

The Downtown Stroll: La Grange Town Square

If you’ve got an hour between plans, Sam recommends spending it around the downtown square.

There are local shops to explore, and the historic Fayette County Courthouse makes a beautiful centerpiece.

It’s a chance to slow down and experience the town rather than simply driving through it.

The Family Outing: The Jersey Barnyard

For shoppers traveling with children, The Jersey Barnyard is one of Sam’s favorite recommendations.

Think animals, fresh air, and an experience that feels a world away from crowded shopping tents.

Its fall pumpkin patch is a particular favorite.

The Scenic Detour: The Painted Churches

If you have a little extra time, Sam recommends exploring the Painted Churches in the surrounding area.

Known for their beautifully decorated interiors, these historic churches offer a completely different kind of Texas treasure.

A little history, remarkable craftsmanship, and something worth seeing beyond the antique fields.

WHERE LOCALS GO DURING SHOW SEASON

Of course, we couldn’t ask someone who’s been shopping Round Top for more than 20 years for a local guide without getting a little show-season intel.

While visitors often focus on the most recognizable venues, Sam loves the places where longtime locals, familiar faces, and smaller vendors gather.

Northgate Fields and Bar W

These are two areas she recommends for finding local sellers and supporting the people who make the show what it is.

“A lot of local folks have booths set up in those areas, and I love getting to shop small and support familiar faces.”

The Glamp Inn

Another favorite gathering spot is The Glamp Inn in Warrenton, where Sam also works during the show.

With an air-conditioned bar, it’s an especially welcome stop when the Texas heat starts winning.

For Sam, these places represent something bigger than another shopping destination.

“These are the people and small businesses that help keep Round Top going long after the show crowds have gone home. Supporting them is just as much a part of the Round Top experience as finding the perfect treasure!”

THE PRACTICAL STUFF

Because sometimes the most valuable local recommendations aren’t glamorous.

Groceries and Essentials: H-E-B

For stocking the fridge at your rental house, grabbing snacks for a shopping day, or picking up the things you forgot to pack.

Wine and Spirits: Spiked Liquor

Sam’s pick for adult beverages when you’re getting the house ready for a weekend with friends.

Best Time to Shop Round Top: During the Week

Sam recommends visiting the show on weekdays when possible, when crowds can be lighter and there’s more time to visit with vendors.

One Thing Not to Forget: Comfortable Shoes

Broken-in sneakers or boots. Never a brand-new pair you haven’t tested.

ONE LAST WORD FROM A LOCAL

There’s something special about seeing a place through the eyes of someone who grew up nearby, left for a while, and found her way home.

For Sam, La Grange isn’t simply a convenient place to stay during Round Top. It’s a community of familiar faces, family traditions, small businesses, and people who show up for one another.

Her favorite part of show season isn’t necessarily just the finds. It’s seeing those familiar faces, catching up with friends, and watching people discover what makes this corner of Texas so special.

“Round Top is an experience, not just a shopping trip. Slow down, talk to the vendors, explore the surrounding towns, and enjoy the people as much as the shopping.”

We couldn’t agree more.

Follow Sam Hadaway at @itssamjoe. During the Fall Show, find her working with Crooked Antler Boutique at Blue Hills, Tent 2, and The Glamp Inn in Warrenton.