This weekend the girls and I are hitting the road to Round Top, TX for our annual girls junkin’ trip! This sleepy little town is our favorite place to be & definitely holds a special place in my heart. Just thinking about it gives me a windows down, country roads, sippin’ sweet tea on a front porch swing kinda feelin’;) I still remember the first time we rolled into Warrenton 7 years ago. It was Junk Gypsy Prom night. We were headed there dressed in our vintage prom dresses and cowgirl boots jamming to The Dixie Chicks. As we were pulling up we all started screaming because we couldn’t believe our eyes! There were MILES & miles of treasure, people in crazy outfits without a care in the world, live music, twinky lights, good food and dancing. Right then I knew we were HOOKED on this magical place. If you are new to this whole Round Top thing let me give you the low down. Twice a year people from all over the world flock to this little Texas town (population 100) for Antiques week. The event has been around since the 1960’s, and has more than 2,000 vendors. The show spans 25 miles down hwy 237 all the way from Burton to La Grange.
Through the years we have learned the ins and outs of this interesting world of Round Top, Tx. I was an antique dealer last year with my friend Mandy with La Boheme. That really taught me a lot & was a dream come true! It is a huge place & can be a little overwhelming if it is your first time. So I thought I would compile a guide of important info & all our favorite things.
DATES & HOURS:
Round Top shows happen bi -annually {Spring & Fall}. They usually fall at the end of March & the end of September. If you go in the spring, the bluebonnets & wildflowers are in bloom! This years dates are Sept 25-Oct 3 2015 & March 25-April 2 2016 Usually vendors are open from 9:00-5:00. We always go during the last weekend of the show. I have found that there are less crowds and you get the best deals. There are fewer people if you go on a weekday. If you want the best selection, or you want to go before the fields have been picked over, I would suggest going the first week.
Link for show dates:
http://www.antiqueweekend.com/C-2015S.html
WHERE TO STAY:
There are many lovely B&Bs located in this tiny town & more popping up every year. You have to make your reservations super early. We love The Vintage Round Top, Rendezvous, and The Prairie by Rachel Ashwell and The Round Top Inn. All of these places are a dream! The vintage round top has an awesome booth in the vintage marketplace. I love their style so much! The Junk Gypsies have a B&B opening soon called, “Wanderinn.” How perfect is that name?! Can’t wait to see how amazing it is!
WHAT TO WEAR:
COMFY! You never know what this Texas weather will do, so be prepared for anything. I usually wear my favorite ripped jeans, a comfy shirt, and boots or converses. I love wearing sundresses too. The last day I’m usually in workout clothes and tennis shoes. Remember you are going to be walking A LOT.
WHAT TO BRING:
Always bring a large tote or rolling cart to carry your small finds. If you purchase big pieces, make sure you get a business card from the vendor & make note of the field you purchased it from. It is very easy to get lost! I always snap a photo of every piece that I buy, so I will remember to go back & get it! Bring cash!! Some vendors do not accept credit/debit cards. Bring your yeti & ice it down with cold waters/beer and snacks. Don’t forget your sunscreen and sunglasses.
WHAT TO EAT:
We love Royers for good comfort food. You have to make reservations to eat at their restaurant on the Square, but you can eat at their café at Zapp Hall in Warrenton. Also try Royers Pie haven on the Square in Round Top. Get a coffee from the Coffee bug in Warrenton! We also love the Methodist Men BBQ at Blue Hills.
THE SHOWS:
Here is a list of our favorite must see stops.
*The first show we always stop at is La Bahia in Burton. Here you will find a little bit of everything. We love it & always leave with something.
*Henkel Square Market– We love walking around Henkel Square. The old historic homes nestled beneath the oak trees are so charming. I could just sit there and be content. There are cute shops and vendors all along the square. Go to Pie haven while you are there.
*Round Top Triange- This area is cool! Neat jewelry and clothing + home decor. Lots of cute vendors across the street in the “Merry Christmas” grocery store area too!
*Downtown Roundtop- Too cute not to stop. We always take a walk around the big oak tree, get a coffee from Espressions and shop at Townsend Provisions.
*Blue Hills– Omg, this is a must. Here you will find quality, unique pieces from around the world. Very elegant!
*Mclarens Interiors- This is a gem of a venue! Endless selection of interesting pieces. I love this place. It is definitely worth a look.
*Bill Moore– European imports at wholesale prices.
*Chelsea Meadow– I love that it is landscaped with circus tents! Dealers offer great furniture, antiques and home décor.
*Junk Gypsy– We LOVE the Junk Gypsies {purveyors of the world’s finest Junk}. You MUST stop at the JG World Headquarters. It will knock your socks off! Plus they are having live music out on their porch this year!
*Marburger Farm Antiques Show– This place is amazing. There is a fee to get in, but it is so worth it. Incredible displays!
*Rendezvous– Antique venue and cabin rentals. Very cute!
*Ex-cess field- One of our favorites! If you are a designer you cannot miss this! It is higher end with lots of industrial, European, architectural, salvage.
*Jill Suzanne– Her house on the hill is amazing!
*Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture– This is definitely worth the trip! Shabby chic heaven. You will also get to see the Prairie.
*Renck Hall Field- You will find a little bit of everything!
*Zapp Hall Field– MY FAVORITE! Here you may have to dig a little but they have the best junk & the best prices! You will find a little bit of everything, from down right junky to shabby chic. They usually have live music at night in the beer garden at Zapp Hall! I love the atmosphere.
*Old World Antieks – This is a new favorite!! We fell in love with this place. They have antiques from around the world, from european to industrial chic. Very very cool.
You have to experience The Junk -O- Rama Prom at least once!! It is SO much fun! Grab your girlfriends & go this Thursday! Wear your funky gaudy duds & go dance the night away!
Hope to see you this weekend! Let me know if there are any awesome spots that I have missed! I hope you have a wonderful treasure hunting experience! Let your hair down, have a cold shiner, and make some good memories:)
Thank you for including us in your Round Top Guide and for your kind words! Your photography is awesome!
Paige
Thank you so much:)
We just heard about this show and I’m taking my mom! We are considering driving from California…with a 2 year old and a 7 month old? Is that crazy?
You totally should!! People come from all over the world. It would be SO worth the trip:)
I’m not that much of a internet reader to be honest
but your sites really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead
and bookmark your site to come back later.
Cheers
Thank you so much! I love your hoods! Cute:)
What a great post and SUCH good photos. You hit the hot spots for sure!