One of my favorite antique, shopping trip destinations is Round Top, Texas - located 1.5 hours East of Austin. To visit from Kansas City (where Trader Bec's is based) I have both driven the ~12 hours, and alternatively flown the ~2 hours into Austin renting a car from there to drive another 1.5 hours into the countryside. Both are good options for obvious reasons depending on your objectives!
As of the 2020 census, the town of Round Top had a quaint population of just 87 people. Once you attend the show, you learn there are many small towns which contribute to and encompass the overall "Round Top" antique experience that happens twice per year - once in the Spring and Fall.
My first trip to Round Top was in October 2022; and my second trip was the following year in October of 2023. Both were amazing and unique! Each time I went for different durations, stayed in separate accommodations and didn't cover all there was to explore - it's just that expansive and everything is seen on foot and gotten to by car!
The first trip was a whirlwind as I drove alone and tried to see as much as possible in just a few short days. My road trip involved driving to Austin (from Kansas City) where I could stay the night at a friend's house stopping off in Waco, Texas at Chip and Joanna Gaines' Magnolia Silos property along the way.
At Magnolia Home in October 2022.
While Day 1 of that first trip was dedicated to car travel, Day 2 was spent touring the Round Top, Texas "fields." The fields are an area of vendor tents located along the main road, Highway 237. When you first see these tents start to appear along the road - you know that you are now entering the beginning of the "show."
The fields are a must-do for first time visitors as they are a significant part of the overall vibe. Even if you never go back (as you may fall in love with some more "established" venues further down the road) it's good to see them once. Prices are fair and the offering is really casual, and approachable.
Beyond the fields, are some metal buildings that appear to be storage units; all have their doors rolled open and are ready for businesses. This area is really neat, and a wonderful Kansas City vendor exists there named Green Door Antiques.
Round Top is multi-faceted. There are casual areas, and more trendy ones. The evening of Day 2 I found my way to a hip spot called Bader Ranch for a sunset cocktail served from an adorable airstream named Lady Elaine.
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HERE ARE FIVE TIPS FOR TRAVELING TO EXPLORE ANTIQUES IN ROUND TOP, TEXAS:
⭐️ CREATE AN ITINERARY
Create an itinerary even if you don't follow it. Research the vendors and venues ahead of time to see who might have items on offer that are of interest to you aesthetically. Vendors also sometimes post exact items that will be for sale and you can contact them or be the first to their location to lock-in your goodies.
⭐️ FORGE RELATIONSHIPS
Get to know the vendors and create lasting relationships that you can continue to nurture past the dates of the show. For many of these people offering up vintage, antiques and collectibles is either their full time job or their life's passion and they are excited to get to know those that support their hard work.
⭐️ RESEARCH ACCOMMODATIONS AND FLOW
It's good to research your planned accommodations as early as possible as places are limited and spaces get booked. Prices are also higher during this peak visitor period. The first time I stayed overnight in the area I did so 40 miles away from the center of the action which had it's pluses and minuses. After a long day your tired and willing to pay more to stay closer, which is actually what I did on my second trip, i.e. I switched accommodations mid-trip and did so gracefully thanks to a last minute cancellation at a booked bed-and-breakfast. BNBs are also the way to go as breakfast is included taking that off your morning "to-do" list before shopping again.
⭐️ SELF-CARE IS ESSENTIAL
This antique show has become somewhat of a Texas fashion show - thinking summer dresses with sneakers or cowboy boots! It's essential to cover the self-care basics, i.e. hat, glasses, sunscreen, comfortable clothes and shoes. You will be shopping for a few days back-to-back if you're lucky and you will get tired, sweaty and maybe even a little dusty. There were a few nights I had to soak my feet during the night and once I definitely left a pair of shoes behind at the end because they had plenty of wear!
⭐️ GO BACK AGAIN
I have gone to the Fall show twice thus far and really didn't get to everything yet. You will begin to find your preferred venues and vendors and that will start to shape your buying experience. So if you do go and love it, it would be wise to plan your next trip right after your first while the details are still fresh and while you might be able to capture that coveted accommodation once again.
I will always support traveling a distance to find your forever, unique treasures (as you are able)! Below are more details about my trips to Round Top so far.
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A primary draw to this oh so special antique's area has been the notable Marburger Farm Antique Show, but there are many things to see! Admissions is charged to enter Marburger but not for some of the other venues - something to keep in mind when you're planning your itinerary.
Up the road is another well-advertised shopping location called The Big Red Barn described as the "Original Round Top Antique Fair." See below a few pictures taken at and around that venue. It's a nice mixture of more traditional antique dealers and while interesting, it is not my favorite. Admission is also charged there.
One of my favorite venues is called Blue Hills - which can be seen in the images below.
Overall, Round Top is not to be missed if you are a lover of all things antique and vintage!
Stay tuned for details about future trips.
xBec
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PS - Have you shopped for vintage, and antique home decor in Round Top? Leave a comment to share your insights or dreams of traveling to explore antiques!