Charming village on I-35 south of Temple in Central Texas dates from Texas’ early days. The town grew around the Sterling C. Robertson home and plantation, and it was...

Charming village on I-35 south of Temple in Central Texas dates from Texas’ early days. The town grew around the Sterling C. Robertson home and plantation, and it was incorporated in 1867. Named for Salado (salty) Creek, town prospered with the founding of Salado College in 1860, and it was prominent on the Chisholm Trail. First farmer’s Grange in Texas established 1873. But, when bypassed by the railroad, the late 19th-century’s ultimate transportation mode, the college closed and town dwindled to the status of an isolated village.

Today’s visitors find a fascinating variety of shops, art galleries, antiques, crafts and women’s fashions, 27-hole Robert Trent Jones Jr. golf course, fine dining, festivals, live entertainment and historic lodging. Today, there are 20 sites with state and national historical markers, including Salado Creek, which was the first Texas Natural Landmark to be designated by the Texas Historical Survey Committee.

The Salado Chamber of Commerce, located in the Civic Center on Main St., can provide information on festivals held here. It hosts the annual Wildflower Art Show and Art in the Park. 254/947-5040. www.salado.com. saladochamber@vvm.com.