Round Top, Texas is in some ways very much what you’d expect from a small rural town or village. With a population of only around 90 or so people, there really is a sense of community. People know each other, get along, and importantly, like each other. There’s space, lots of it, and homes here are big and beautiful, charming, and luxurious. The natural surroundings lends itself to a more natural rhythm of life. Here, there’s room to take everything in your stride and expand your interests.
But Round Top, TX has something a little extra. It’s an area that has a deep love for all things antique, and twice a year this passion becomes an all-out obsession. An antiquing frenzy descends, and the area is quite literally engulfed by visitors from all around the world, keen to enjoy an antique festival.
Here we’ll delve deeper into the world of antiquing, and find out why this small town has become such an important location in the world of antiques. Who knows, you may even be tempted to visit and pick up a piece for yourself.
Table of Contents
A History of Culture
Round Top has always been a cultural center in Texas. The old town, formerly known as Townsend in the 1800s, was even home to the “poetess of Texas” Clara Rummel. It was in the 1960s that Round Top began to gain recognition as an antiques destination after Emma Lee Turney established a “country antiques show” called the Round Top Antiques Fair. The antiques show’s first weekend in October 1968 featured the best collections from more than 20 of the state’s top antique dealers. In 1969, Turney decided to make the show a semiannual event. The demand from antique seekers prompted the merchants and venues to grow. This growth became exponential and every 6 months, the event would see higher levels of people attending than had been seen 6 months earlier. Clearly, there was a need and desire that no one in their wildest dreams had foreseen.
The Round Top Antiques Show
Today, the Round Top Antique Show is one of the largest antique shows in the country where enthusiasts, shoppers, and those who are just curious can drive along Highway 237 and come across to shop at literally thousands of vendors and in different venues. Over 4,000 vendors from different parts of the world set up to show their pieces to over 100,000 visitors. Remember, this is an unincorporated area that has a population of only 90!
You will find a remarkable selection of beautifully curated antiques ranging from early American country, textiles, and art to continental furniture and accessories at the famous Round Top, TX antique Fair.
Where to Shop
With a vast range of merchants to choose from, shoppers are likely to find covetable pieces at the Round Top Antiques Show. For rare antiques, handcrafted goods, jewelry, and fashion finds, these are some of the merchants that stand out when you visit.
- Paul Michael Company At Market Hill
Paul Michael knows home goods and furnishing. He’s been in the business for 30 years and in that time has sold uncountable numbers of beautiful home decorative pieces. Paul Michael deals with antiques and home furniture that has a distinct style strongly inspired by the natural world.
- Excess
This venue is set in2 fields, Excess 1 and Excess 2. Excess 1 will have the top items and antiques while in Excess 2, you’ll find many restored or repurposed items. Be sure to visit both fields as you never know what you’ll unearth. Note that food and drink are available in both fields.
- Blue Hills
This venue is one of the most popular places to go in Round Top. Though there’s free parking and staffed bathrooms, what really draws in the crowd are the vendors who never disappoint with what they offer. Numerous vendors are housed in different barns and tents across the venue and there’s so much to see here that visitors can spend a large part of the day just in Blue Hills.
- Holler and Squall
This antique dealer is a fairly recent feature to the festival but they’ve certainly caused a stir. Holler & Squall is a curiosity shop of sorts from Brooklyn Heights, New York. They offer unique pieces ranging from architectural elements to textiles, and one-of-a-kind art. Their pieces have an odd allure that challenges you to put together unconventional pairings. Imagine bizarre and unusual pieces set alongside more conventionally beautiful items and then imagine them working wonderfully together. That’s a taste of Holler and Squall.
- Maison 30A Home + n
Owned by Christopher Bailey, Maison 30A Home + Garden repurposes industrial elements into highly desirable pieces. Items are made from raw materials such as steel, cast iron, reclaimed aged wood, rivets, and mechanical elements. Each work of art is functional and makes for stunning art furniture that seamlessly blends into modern homes, lofts, or office spaces.
- Prize Home + Garden
Search for “Round Top TX antiques” and not too far from the top you’ll find something about Round Top Antiques show veteran Steve Rogers of Prize Home + Garden. Rogers acquired a 6,000-square-foot showroom of his own located near the Marburger Farm Antique Show. Visitors can look forward to rustic furniture bearing their authentic patinas, natural stripped finishes, or vintage finds with softly worn leather or recovered in organic patterns. Most of his pieces are sourced from Europe and bear an old-world charm that fits so beautifully in the US landscape and homes.
- Courtney Barton
Textile designer and shop curator Courtney Barton has been a regular exhibitor at the Round Top Antiques Show since 2015 and finally opened a shop at The Arbors in 2020. Courtney Barton is known for her coveted East-meets-West linens and collection of furnishings and accessories. Her work carries design influences from her Southern roots and from her time living in other parts of the world. Courtney Barton’s textiles exude unexpected print and color combinations and are designed to be mixed and matched to elevate interiors. The impact Courtney’s work makes is at once familiar but hints at other faraway places.
- McLaren’s iors
This interior and furniture dealer offers a huge collection of antique and industrial materials that have been reclaimed. There are also contemporary pieces and accessories available. Pieces are hand-picked from all over the world and some are brought to their Mclaren workshop in the UK for loving restoration. The various treasures from his shop include traditional Chesterfield sofas from England, a collection of French furniture such as armoire and dressers, and colonial pieces from India.
- Susan Horne Antiques
This dealer first joined the Round Top Antiques Show with a small booth at The Arbors in 2013. After selling the majority of the items she brought to her first show, Susan Horne Antiques found itself seeking more furniture, accessories, and collectibles from the countryside of France, England, and Belgium. Horne is known for her “signature blue” as curations that combine beautiful antiques with elegant upholstery and distinct lighting and accessories.
These are just some of the heavy hitters at the festival, but all festivals have their hidden gems. Browse through the many tents and stalls and take a look at the less established vendors or even those set up by hobbyists for the chance to discover a rare piece that makes the whole visit not just a pleasure but a triumph.
Antiquing in Round Top
If you’re relatively new to the world of antiques and have only visited a few boutique stores, going to Round Top during the festival is like only having visited a small country church and then finding yourself standing in front of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Here’s your survival guide.
- Plan Ahead.
With so much to see and explore, creating an itinerary will help you make the most of your time in Round Top. Arrive early and beat crowds in order to get first picks of the finest antiques and items. Bear in mind there are thousands of stalls and vendors at Round Top. With all the enthusiasm in the world, you won’t be able to visit every one. Check the list of participating merchants ahead of time to narrow down which stores might offer the specific pieces or aesthetics you wish to bring home. Simply search the keyword “Round Top TX antiques” and you’ll find different places to visit with links to pages showcasing the kinds of pieces each merchant offers.
Or, you could do the complete opposite. Cast yourself to fate and let the winds blow you as they will. There’s something wonderful about being free to peruse wherever you want and having an adventure that unfolds. Who knows what you’ll find and who you’ll meet?
- Dress for comfort and protection.
Given the unpredictable weather in Round Top, check the forecast before heading out and wear something that will keep you protected. Depending on the season, weather in Round Top can range from warm to sudden drops in temperature, and from clear skies to a rainy day. Put on sunscreen for sunny days, wear layers that can easily be removed, and choose comfortable shoes that will get you through any mud, gravel, and pasture while moving from one venue to another.
- Engage with dealers.
Don’t hesitate to strike up conversations with antique dealers. They often have fascinating stories to share about their treasures. Hearing anecdotes about how they found the piece you’ve been eyeing will give you a greater appreciation of the piece you’re about to bring home. Remember the festival is not just about acquiring beautiful pieces, it’s very much about sharing an appreciation for these items and trading stories. The dealers might even give you great advice on how to find the perfect spot for your antique treasure in your space and how to spot similar great finds when you travel overseas for a hunt of your own.
- Practice the art of haggling.
Haggling is common practice at Round Top Texas flea markets and antique fairs. Most merchants are open to fair and friendly negotiations on prices, especially if you are interested in multiple items or ordering in bulk from their store. Bargaining is not just a skill but an art that can save you money or even help you bring home more valuable items than you imagined. Even rigorous bargaining is acceptable, just always try to stay within reasonable bounds and remember this is a fun event for everyone.
- Bring cash.
While some vendors accept cashless payment methods, cash is still king at the famous Round Top Texas Antiques show. Having cash on hand can also provide you with leverage for negotiation. It’s important to note that many vendors may not have access to an ATM, and the closest bank could be quite a distance away. To avoid the hassle of finding banks or places to encash, ensure you have sufficient cash on hand to facilitate your purchases.
- Consider shipping options.
If you find larger items, consider shipping them home to avoid the hassle of transporting them yourself. Loading big items in your vehicle lessens the number of items you can purchase and might compromise the condition of your new finds as you head home.
Collecting and Decorating with Antiques
After bringing home your treasured antiques, the next step is incorporating them into your work or home space. When you do this right, even the smallest pieces can elevate the whole space and completely change how it feels and how you use and enjoy that space. Don’t be afraid to play with different placings, that’s all part of putting something together, that just feels right. Just be careful that you don’t damage the piece as you experiment.
It is also important to learn how to properly store, preserve, and possibly, restore your antique finds. Taking care of your antiques will help to maintain their beauty and value for years and even generations to come.
Round Top TX As a Home
Then as quickly as they arrive, the vendors and visitors have gone and Round Top once again returns to its normal state of being a place where a beautiful home to its lucky residents. That is until 6 months later when the festival and the frenzy descend again. This gives ample time for residents to take stock, go about the other interests in their lives, and prepare for the next, probably even bigger antiques festival.
If you’d like to know more about life in Round Top, TX, and are even considering moving here or to any of the surrounding areas, why not give me a call?
As a real estate professional who lives in Fayette County, I have a strong connection with the community and a deep understanding of the area. Together, we can open doors and opportunities in this wonderful part of Texas.
For a free consultation, call 713.876.8666 or contact me here so I can help you successfully navigate the real estate market in Round Top, Texas.