Winedale Historic Center, Winedale, Texas

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You'll find plenty of talent at Winedale Historic Center, located near Round Top on FM 2714. Operated by the University of Texas, this site hosts a annual Shakespeare productions.

A cast of students from assorted disciplines have come to Winedale every summer for the past two decades to perform the works of the Bard in an old hay barn. For 15 to 18 hours a day, the students make costumes, prepare lighting, and practice, practice, practice. Public performances are held Thursday through Sunday evenings in late July and early August.

Although Shakespeare at Winedale is only a summer-only activity, the historic center is a year-around attraction. Winedale is the creation of the late philanthropist Miss Ima Hogg, daughter of Governor James Hogg. The project began in 1964 and was donated to the University of Texas three years later.

Today the 215-acre complex is home to a collection of historic structures, a research center, a nature trail and a picnic area. Weekend tours take visitors through homes furnished with period antiques and boasting features such as stenciled ceilings that recall the German culture of the area.

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