Duck into Belle's Alley, between Alamo and Commerce Sts, on your downtown wanderings. There tiny Toubin Park has illustrated signs that show the story of a devastating 1866 fire. You can also see below ground to one of the private cisterns built to combat water troubles. It's off S Park St.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site
18.24 MILES
This state historic site preserves and recreates parts of the original settlement that numbered 200 people in 1835. Make sure to watch the visitor center…
George Bush Presidential Library & Museum
29.76 MILES
Whether you agree with the former president's politics or not, it's hard not to be fascinated by this museum. Exhibits trace George HW Bush's life and…
0.14 MILES
The local history museum is housed in a landmark 1915 building. Exhibits are well funded and include the life of a local man serving as a confederate…
18.29 MILES
The Star of The Republic Museum tells a glossy story of early Texas through artifacts and exhibits.
15.41 MILES
In the countryside 4 miles northeast of Round Top look for the Winedale historic village, part of the University of Texas at Austin. Tours are by…
1.21 MILES
Explore the museum-like visitors center before heading to the gift shop and ice-cream parlor (scoop $1). Oddly there are no weekend hours. Production…
27.57 MILES
The tastings of the sweet and spicy honey wines at Rohan Meadery may be for adults, but there is a picnic area outside for families to enjoy. You can also…
11.88 MILES
Eight miles northeast of town, spring smells awfully sweet at this flower farm. Here you can picnic, roam the fields and cut your own lavender – or shop…
Nearby East Texas attractions
0.14 MILES
The local history museum is housed in a landmark 1915 building. Exhibits are well funded and include the life of a local man serving as a confederate…
1.21 MILES
Explore the museum-like visitors center before heading to the gift shop and ice-cream parlor (scoop $1). Oddly there are no weekend hours. Production…
3.12 MILES
This lovely little vineyard in the country has several well-regarded wines, including a much-lauded Blanc du Bois. Three to four tours are offered on…
9.71 MILES
Two miles northeast of town, taste the Barn Red, a rich berry blend, from these ranch vineyards.
11.78 MILES
Learn everything and more you ever wanted to know about growing cotton locally at this well-organized museum. Twice-daily 90-minute tours really get at…
6. Chappell Hill Lavender Farms
11.88 MILES
Eight miles northeast of town, spring smells awfully sweet at this flower farm. Here you can picnic, roam the fields and cut your own lavender – or shop…
7. Winedale Historical Complex
15.41 MILES
In the countryside 4 miles northeast of Round Top look for the Winedale historic village, part of the University of Texas at Austin. Tours are by…
8. Barrington Living History Farm
18.23 MILES
This was originally the home of the last president of the Republic of Texas. Today costumed docents, and real sheep and cows, recreate farm life in the…