In 1861, W. B. Armstrong, one of the area’s first settlers, erected this building on the footprint of the old Tonkawa village and opened the “Shady Villa Hotel.” It is believed that the Stagecoach Inn is the oldest remaining structure in Salado. Many varied and distinguished persons found food and rest inside these walls: Sam Houston, General George Custer, Robert E. Lee, Jr., cattle barons Shanghai Pierce and Charles Goodnight, and outlaws Sam Bass and Jesse James.

The Stagecoach Inn’s reputation has endured over the years and through generations of families who’ve celebrated many important occasions inside these historic walls. The restaurant’s menu has been updated to reflect modern dining habits and preferences, and its hotel rooms and grounds have been renovated with a mixture of mid-century Palm Springs and Texas ranch aesthetics; however, the core Stagecoach Inn experience remains as tribute to the rich history and authenticity of the Stagecoach Inn.

• A recreation of the inventor of Dr Pepper in the Old Corner Drug Store.

• An exploration of the history of bottling.

• A guided tour of the original bottling facility.

• And a of sample some hand-made Dr Pepper from our old-fashioned soda fountain.

The tour is $5 for children, $8 for adults, and $7 for seniors.