I love my adopted hometown of Rosenberg, Texas for many reasons. Two big ones are proximity to Houston; roughly 35 miles, which translates to around an hour during high traffic times and far less outside of rush hours. And the second big one: small town charm.
Rosenberg is charming year round. The historic downtown is full of antique stores, boutique shops, art, and quaint dining options. But at the holidays, there is an abundance of charm. Rosenberg’s historic downtown goes all out with lights, a beautiful tree in the square {showcasing murals painted by local artists- just a few of many around this four block radius} and lots of opportunities to find a perfectly unique gift for everyone on your list! Also, if you have a child who loves trains, they will LOVE this destination!
Historic Downtown Rosenberg is the area from Avenue F south to Avenue H {also known as Alt-90} and from 2nd St east to 4th St.
Here are a few can’t miss recommendations:
Antiques
Antique stores abound! So many of these “antique” stores also sell more modern goods, like handmade soaps, candles and more from local vendors. At the holidays, there are so many gorgeous vintage decorations and ornaments to be found. Even if antiques aren’t your style, browsing through the past is a lot of fun- especially with kids!
Even if you’re making a day of shopping, you won’t run out of antique stores to explore. My personal favorite is Red Queen’s Attic {900 3rd St, Rosenberg}. They are celebrating their 15th holiday season in business and are the largest antique store in Fort Bend County.
This store is huge and each vignette within is beautifully arranged. Don’t miss the secret back garden space!
Some other notable antique stores:
Barn Door 934 3rd St, Rosenberg
Roots and Relics 828 3rd St, Rosenberg
Once Again 801 3rd St, Rosenberg
Boutiques
If antiques aren’t your thing, there are plenty of boutiques to browse! I could spend hours in Southern Sister {817 3rd St, Rosenberg}. They carry a huge variety of clothing and gift items, including some goods from The Royal Standard {a favorite of Nutcracker Market shoppers}, Swig cups and koozies, Kancan premium denim, and more. If you have any women on your gift list that are hard to shop for– Southern Sister has something for them!
Other Notable Boutique shopping:
Wild Blossoms Texas- Third Street Mercantile 905 3rd St, Rosenberg
{Home goods, clothing/apparel, bath and body.}
Pur Luv Boutique 923 3rd St, Rosenberg {Face and Body products for women and men}
Portilla Home and Garden 823 3rd St, Rosenberg {Furniture, Art, Home Decor, Lighting. They also carry Annie Sloan chalk paints}
Museums
It’s always good to have a backup plan if shopping all day isn’t for you. The most kid friendly activity {other than getting sweet treats!} is a visit to the Rosenberg Railroad Museum and Depot {1921 Ave F, Rosenberg}
The main building has a lot of history and artifacts to discover. Beyond the main building, the kid friendly fun really starts! The museum has an outdoor Garden Railroad, a larger scale model train set that is super cool. They even have a Thomas The Tank Engine train that gets brought out when the model trains are running.
You can go inside a Mopac Caboose and a railcar from 1879. They also have a large barn with intricate model trains and a play room for the kids.
Rosenberg is also home to the Black Cowboy Museum {1104 3rd St, Rosenberg) which features the true history of Texas cowboys.
Art
I could never tell someone about my town without mentioning the incredible artists who make this community their home. And they make our community more beautiful by sharing their talent! Street art in the form of murals, on benches, abstract sculpture installations- historic Rosenberg has all of it!
The Art League of Fort Bend is housed at the Ford Bend Art Center {2012 Ave G, Rosenberg. Open Wednesday-Sunday from 12-5 pm} and you have got to check this place out.
Inside there is art displayed {and for sale} by local artists. Looking for a one of a kind, high end gift for someone impossible to shop for? Support talent by purchasing them some original artwork or photography prints.
Some artists rent their studio spaces in this building. I was there recently with my children and they were in awe as an artist welcomed us into her studio and showed us some of her works in progress. Amazing!
Art can be found all around downtown Rosenberg. Even on the street benches!
Dining
Nestled among all these charming shops and artwork are a few great dining options. My children and I love having lunch at Another Time Soda Fountain. This adorable diner is designed to take visitors back in time, to an old fashioned Soda Fountain. They make all their sodas- you guessed it- the old fashioned way. The menu has a lot of great sandwiches and burgers {I’m partial to their patty melt with sweet potato fries} and make sure you save room for dessert. Of course, they serve up ice cream treats, shakes, and malts.
Ol’ Railroad Cafe {1901 Ave G, Rosenberg} has a delightfully upscale menu, serving burgers, salads, and sandwiches on their lunch menu, like their Strawberry Salad or Seared Ahi Tuna Sandwich. They also serve brunch and dinner {and they have a liquor license- fyi!}
Gino’s Italian Joint {808 3rd St, Rosenberg} recently opened and has been voted Best Pizza in Fort Bend County in the Fort Bend Herald. They serve up Italian food but definitely specialize in New York Style pizza- which isn’t always easy to find around Houston!
Bob’s Taco Station {1901 Ave H, Rosenberg} is a traditional Tex-Mex restaurant open for breakfast and lunch. The food is excellent and the restaurant is decorated local flair, kitschy memorabilia, and they’re known for tamales. Don’t skip the salsa verde!
And for sweet treats year round, but especially if you’re making a trip to Rosenberg around the holidays this season:
Mrs. Claus Cookie Company is an adorable bakery full of {you guessed it} Christmas decor! The cookies are delicious and it’s a special stop that’s worth making.
Festive and Charming
Downtown Rosenberg goes all out with Christmas decorations. My family even took our family photos there several years ago.
The string lights over 3rd street are lit year-round, with extra added for the holidays in December. Make a day of visiting Historic Downtown Rosenberg this holiday season, or any time throughout the year- and prepare to fall in love with the history and charm of this adorable Main Street, USA destination less than an hour’s drive from Houston.
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