What is “Round Top?” Three times a year (Spring, Fall & Winter) people come from all over the country to shop the Round Top Antiques Fair in Round Top, Texas. Round Top is not a shopping trip, it is an experience!
It spans across 11 miles through this beautiful farm-like, country town with a population of under 100 people. All along the 11 mile stretch of road, there are many “fields” or areas that have bunches of individual vendors in tents or large barns or garages, selling every kind of antique, new decor item or the latest fashion.
“The Show” as the fair is often referred to as, has specific date ranges each year. It can be 2-3 weeks long but you’ll want to go during the time your favorite fields are open for business. Check their instagram accounts to get their dates! I’ve linked my favorites below.
It’s like a trade show of what’s to come in home decor. You’ll see top interior designers shopping the show for their installs.
Shopping and dining is the name of the game. Many fields have food or drink vendors (lemonade to cocktails or cappuccinos) as well. I’ve been at least 5 times and in this post you will get the tips on how to get the most out of this super fun event from the very first time you go! You need at least a full day (9-5) for Round Top and I think 2-3 days is ideal. By the end of this post you’ll know what to expect and how to plan for an amazing, curated experience.
Plan Ahead for Restaurant Dining & Lodging
Above, I’m dining with my friends, Shelley and Erin at Hotel Lulu! Be sure to get an online reservations WAAAY in advance! Everything from restaurants to VRBOs will book up months, if not a year before the show.
You can still have an amazing last minute trip! No reservations needed to shop and there are food trucks sprinkled through! Marburger Farm is pricey and charges for parking/admission BUT their food truck area is a scene with tons of park bench tables and options. We LOVE the Vietnamese food truck at the center of @thecompound_roundtop .
There is a tiny town center where you’ll find most of the restaurants:
and a few hotels. These will book up super early (not the pie place)! We have had great luck in renting a cute VRBO within a few miles of the event. Keep in mind that this is out in the country and you want to stay within 10 or so miles of The Show so that your drive is short! Burton, a town nearby has cute houses to rent and we love @bluewillowcafe there. PS there is also traffic in the morning and evening on that main road at the height of the show dates. We’ve booked a farther farm house that was more last minute and cheaper that was also fun-just more driving.
As you have probably noticed, you need a car for Round Top! You will be driving from field to field. Some fields are connected so you’ll be able to see a lot while just parking in one spot. Most areas have free parking and free entry. These are my favorites. Some paid parking/venue spots are pricey (Marburger Farm) and so are the items they sell there.
Erin took this photo of me in front of the famous @royerspiehaven ! Shelley told us to get the “trash pie” which tastes like a seven layer bar from heaven. OMG you need to try all the pies!!! We got it for breakfast one day with coffee. Be sure to call ahead for hours!
At Round Top, you’ll see decor items and then in 6 months or so, you’ll see them everywhere on the internet! It’s the place to go for the latest and greatest. You will find timeless vintage, and new Pinterest worthy pieces. You can also bargain at many of the vendors. Check out this post on how to love bargaining HERE.
My passion for antiques and housewares runs deep! My Grandfather would take me “junking” when I was a kid and he taught me an appreciation for beautiful things, rich in history! Round Top is an experience!
It’s so fun to come upon an item you’ve been admiring and getting to choose from a large selection! There are vendors that specialize in French Antiques, to vintage doors and more.
Some of my favorite closet pieces have come from Round Top! Erin got one of these gorgeous fringe bags from @slmcfadin and we came back for more the next year! So Yellowstone!
What to Wear & Pack
The vibe is a party and you will see many ladies DRESS the part! Style and comfort is key. Flowy dresses and hats are a staple. You will see groups of women wearing coordinating outfits. It’s a great girl’s trip event!
A comfy skirt or dress is ideal. You can buy one there too! I love the clothes at @bluehillsatroundtop.
Most importantly, be comfortable! You will be walking and some of the ground is uneven or a little gravely and even muddy sometimes. We have worn workout clothes and so do other people but a smart and cute outfit is what you’ll feel most comfortable in. For dinners at restaurants, you’ll want to dress!
It is Texas and the weather can be finicky. Wear a hat for sun protection, pack sunscreen and dress in layers.
There are places to buy water and food at most every field so no water bottle really necessary.
You’ll want extra room in your suitcase but there are also many options to have items shipped to you. Just ask the vendor you purchase from for the nearest shipping booth.
Bring sneakers for a morning walk to breakfast, boots for fun dinners and cute shoes if you dine at one of the restaurants.
Our friends, who we knew from Southern California, own The Porch. This is a must stop for very well priced and very on-demand furniture! We have 2 dining room tables from them, a buffet and more. They also carry some small wares like pottery sometimes. The Porch is sometimes open for shopping outside of the Round Top Antiques Fair dates. Check their Instagram!
One year, after a long day of shopping, we met a fun group of ladies while having pizza and sangria on a warm evening at @prostroundtoptx . They had been coming for years and told us we had to check out @kemosabe1990 hats and a field called @bluehillsatroundtop . We were hooked! At Kemosabe, they helped us choose a hat, embellishments and then branded our initials into them! So custom and fun! Blue Hills has some of the best housewears in my opinion!
Follow along on Instagram @christinajwarren for trips to Round Top and how I style my treasures in our home.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.