Shopping, San Saba Style!

A savvy local innkeeper takes us on a tour through the must-see shops in the heart of pecan country.

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Editor’s note: One of our long-time readers is a San Saba innkeeper, and this month we invited Mae Gonzales to give us the scoop on shopping in one of our favorite Hill Country towns.

If you know anything at all about San Saba, Texas, then you know it has the best pecan shops in the land. This is, after all, the “Pecan Capital of the World.” Thus, there’s a pecan store around every corner, with each shop showcasing its own offerings and unique recipes. Deliciously tempting delights—ranging from simple shelled nuts to fancy candies, jellies, and coffees—await visitors. Meanwhile, baskets filled to the brim with pecan goodies make great gifts for foodie friends back home. 

Beyond the pecan pickings, there are several other great locally owned shops. Take for instance the J. C. Campbell & Co. Mercantile. Located in one of downtown San Saba’s beautifully restored historic buildings, the business is home to approximately 12 vendors. You never know what great things you will find inside. Truly, there’s something to fit every shopper’s budget. Downstairs are antique pieces, perfect for those of us who still appreciate the craftsmanship of yesteryear. Nearby are original works of art by local artists. There’s also a cornucopia of fun and unique gift items ranging from perfumes, soaps, and lotions to college sports-themed goodies and drinking do-dads.

In the mood for a little bling-bling as we head into the holiday season? Looking to dress up or refresh a favorite suit or blouse? One vendor at “The Mercantile” has a huge variety of handcrafted Tibetan jewelry; others showcase super cute and affordable costume pieces. Rounding out the first floor offerings are rustic and vintage home decor and signs plus pet goodies. You can even find local honey, coffee, and jelly—not to mention a well-stocked Merle Norman Cosmetics booth. On offer upstairs are everything from children’s and women’s clothing to hats, handbags, shoes, and other adorable accessories.

Planning to visit the local golf course? Then you might also want to check out the recently added assortment of golf goodies.

After checking out The Mercantile, you will want to go across the street to the new Texas Hill Country Sass Ladies Boutique for more fashion options and The San Saba Olive Oil Company. Just be prepared to walk out of the olive oil shop with your hands full of delicious, flavor-infused olive oil and vinegars. Too yummy to resist, they’re also very good for you. 

Looking to bring home something sweet smelling? Then you must visit The San Saba Soap Company. These fragrant, small-batch, locally made soaps and bath items will delight your senses and baby your skin. Plus, the showroom, situated in an old car dealership, is a marvel of adaptive reuse. And don’t forget to stop at Madeline and Me, a delightful store that carries unique kitchen and home gift items to get or give. 

Finally, no visit to the heart of San Saba would be complete without a visit to San Saba’s landmark, legendary western wear store, Harry’s Boots. With five store fronts, you won’t find a better selection of boots or ranch-ready where anywhere! 

Tucked upstairs at the top of a creaky old back staircase, Harry’s has a fun hat room that you’ll want to see. If you’re really lucky, you will catch someone shaping hats and get an on-site lesson on what the different shapes mean as to region and type of work. Beyond the hats and boots, also have a huge selection of men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing. 

Even if you aren’t in the market for western clothing, you must stop by just to smell the scent of leather in the air—and take a look at Harry’s legendary “weather wall.” Since 1939, people have been jotting down significant weather events in San Saba on a back wall. It’s just one more interesting insight into country life that you can’t experience anywhere else. 

Once you are ready to relax, come rest a spell at my own property, Aunt M’s Illustrated Inn. Whether you want to pick up a new work of art or just kick back and relax out on the balcony, you’ll get a great night’s rest and awaken to a delicious breakfast that will get you up and ready to shop another day.