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Salado History
Salado is a very charming small village just off I-35 between Austin and Waco. Salado, incorporated in 1867, dates from the early Texas days and  started with the home and plantation of Sterling Robertson. Named after the Salado (which stands for salty) Creek, this flowing spring fed creek provided a welcome oasis for early Central Texas visitors from native American Indians to Spanish and Mexican travelers as well as early pioneer settlers. The town prospered as a stop for the Overland Stage and Pony Express on the the Chisholm Trail and the founding in 1860 of Salado College helped the city grow. One of Salado's most well known landmarks, the Stagecoach Inn, still stands as a reminder of the important role the stagecoach line played in the growth of the village. When the college closed and the new railroad bypassed Salado in the 1890's, Salado eventually dwindled to a small village.
Today, Salado has grown into an artsy town was a fascinating collection of antique shops, art galleries, good restaurants, and other quaint shops. There are a number of very nice Bed and Breakfast accommodations in historic homes. Salado has 18 listings in the National Register of Historic Homes, some of which are available for touring. Salado's website states: "Visit Salado once, and it may well become one of your favorite Texas escapes. Salado, with 2,350 residents, is famous for its laid back atmosphere laced with the magic of days gone by. Innkeepers, restaurateurs, artists, shopkeepers, retirees, and long-time residents give the village its unique and delightful character." Salado provides a nice break for food, shopping, or an overnight stay if you are traveling north or south on I-35.
There are over a dozen well maintained historic homes in Salado, some of which have been converted to restaurants, shops, or exquisite Bed & Breakfasts, which makes this a fun place to spend a weekend. See Shopping and Sleeping in Salado for some ideas for a fun Salado Weekend.
Things to Do and See in Salado
- Shopping - one of the main reasons, if not the main reason to visit Salado is to shop all of the quaint antique shops, art galleries, and more along the two mile long Main Street shoppers paradise - if you can't find something to spend your money on in Salado, you are not a professional shopper
- Golf - Mill Creek Golf Course has 27 holes of very good golf - you can golf while the shoppers are shopping
- Restaurants - there are some very good restaurants in Salado including Browning's Courtyard Cafe (254 947-8666) for lunch Inn on the Creek for dinner (reservations required - 254 947-5554)
- Spend an evening at the Salado Silver Spur Theater for a picture show, vaudeville stage, or live music
- Camp on Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir at Dana Peak Park or Union Grove Park and drive 10 to 20 into Salado for shopping, food, or golf
- Check out the Tablerock Amphitheater to see what's happening for music, Shakespeare, fairs, and more
- Visit Stillhouse Hollow Lake
- Go fishing - call Bob at Holding the Line Fishing Guide Service and tell him you want to catch some big fish on Stillhouse Hollow, Belton Lake, or Georgetown Lake and he'll pick you up at your hotel or B&B, and take you fishing - Texas Outside visitors can save $20 on a fishing trip with him - print his coupon
- Cruise, ski, scuba dive, kayak, or canoe on the lake - click here for a list of places that will rent boats or kayaks or take you on a dive tour of the lake if you're certified
- Ride the road bikes around the Salado area - see a trail map
- Drive about 10 minutes west of Salado and hike the 5 mile Chalk Ridge Falls Park trail at the base of the Stillhouse Hollow Lake dam - excellent and fun hiking trail with bridges, waterfalls, and a suspension bridge
- Visit Salado.com to learn more about restaurants, lodging, and more
   
Nightlife
- Good luck, you are on your own here - let us know if you find any!
Events
- Annual Christmas Stroll - tour six beautiful homes, an historic church, and two log cabins
- Wildfire Ranch has different types of events year round including team roping, barrel racing, and cowboy mounted shooting
- Gospel Festival at Tablerock Amphitheater for music and food
- Annual Salado Art Fair with over 100 artists and artisans from Texas and the Southwest
- Shakespeare Festival and performance under the stars at the Tablerock Amphitheater
- Visit Salado.com for a complete listing of events by month
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