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142 J eweler Richard Schmidt, a fourth-generation Fayette County native, has added a Round Top outpost of his popular La Grange boutique, Richard Schmidt Jewelry. Schmidt and wife Janet purchased the family business in 2000 — a traditional jewelry store that his parents had owned since 1977. The couple soon transitioned the business from traditional jewelry and repair to designing and handcrafting jewelry that has become coveted by collectors nationwide. For the past 18 years, the Schmidts have maintained show booths at various locales in Round Top. They jumped at the chance to open a 1,500-square-foot permanent studio and gallery on North Washington, built to their specifications. The beautiful light-filled shop features Schmidt's handcrafted Western-style jewelry — earrings, necklaces, and rings made of hammered sterling silver, turquoise, orange spiny oyster from Baha, along with a selection of home goods, clothing, and art. "Everywhere we go, we look for hats," Schmidt says of the wall of vintage hats that he's embellished. The tequila bar invites guests to sip, shop, and stay a while; paintings by the Schmidts' daughter, Lauren Surman brighten the walls, while son Tyler works alongside dad at the jeweler's bench. Proud of the family's heritage, both kids have tattoos of crossed arrows — one of Schmidt's most popular motifs and a family talisman of sorts. The shop is open Thursday – Sunday year-round, and daily during fall and spring shows. Richard Schmidt Jewelry, 601 N. Washington, richardschmidtjewelry. com. Anne Lee Phillips RICHARD SCHMIDT OPENS IN ROUND TOP THE ROMANCE OF ROUND TOP JENNY ANTILL CLIFTON THE ROUND TOP WINE SHOP A rmando Palacios may live much of the year in Round Top on an idyllic farm with wife Cinda, but instead of slowing down, they're revving up. In addition to their thriving Armando's restaurant in Houston, they've recently opened The Round Top Wine Shop, the latest offering from their Round Top compound (Mandito's, Bad Hombres, Lulu's, Armando's Round Top Houses, Popi Burger opening October). Located in Bybee Square next to Lulu's restaurant, the wine shop is small, intimate, and the perfect place for a glass before dinner at JENNY ANTILL CLIFTON Armando Palacios at The Round Top Wine Shop Richard and Janet Schmidt with their 1967 Toyota Land Cruiser in front of Richard Schmidt Jewelry L eave it to restaurateur Lee Ellis and his wife, Melissa, to add yet another cool factor to Round Top: Their new Ellis Motel Emporium & Lounge opens in time for the fall shows. The restored property in Henkel Square dates to the 1800s, but you'll know you've arrived when you spot the electric-blue doors. You can't check in, it's not a motel despite the name, but come for a cocktail, and leave with a bright red club chair. Things are a little different at this lounge because, as Ellis puts it, "All the contents are for sale." Order up classic cocktails, rosé, or Texas beers (Live Oak, Saint Arnold, Brazos Valley) and a few bar snacks. Keep your eye out for pop-ups with Ellis-approved CHECKING INTO ELLIS MOTEL JACK THOMPSON Lulu's, or to grab a few bottles to enjoy over the weekend. Beautiful cheeses and a charcuterie are also served. "I wanted that Ralph Lauren vibe," Palacios says of the handsome lodge-style design. In a historic building, its walls, floor, and ceiling are entirely of cedar, creating a cozy, cool vibe and a divine scent. A highly scrutinized collection of wines in the back room are all rated 90+, categorized by region, with beautiful maps to peruse. "People have heard, for example, Russian River Valley but they don't know where it is. Or they know Bordeaux but don't realize it is on the Atlantic," Armando says. Awareness of the region helps customers understand the terroir of wines they prefer so they can better discern their palate. Open year round Thursdays, 2 to 9 pm; Friday and Saturday, 2 to 10 pm; and daily during antiques shows. The Round Top Wine Shop, 206 E. Mill St., Bybee Square, rtwineshop.com. Anne Lee Phillips makers and artisans. First up, throughout the fall shows, is a Travis S. Weaver of Manready Mercantile, who will sell his Americana breed of general-store-style goods. Special dinners in Henkel Square with live music are coming soon. Ellis Motel open Wednesday through Sunday, year- round. Give Ellis' pup, Elvira, a few pats for us. Ellis Motel Emporium & Lounge, 185 Henkel Circle at Henkel Square, instagram. com/ellis_motel. Anne Lee Phillips Lee Ellis