Shine up your boots and dust off your cowboy hat, it’s time for The Round Top Antiques Fair! If you’re a first-time visitor, then this is an unmissable Texas event, if not, then come and find out what’s new!
The event has grown from a 2-day antique fair which began in 1968, and was founded by the late Emma Lee Turney, to what has now become a legendary outdoor event, not only in the Lone Star state, but in the USA. There are 2 main fairs a year, this year’s Spring Fair is held on March 25th through 30th, and there is also a Fall show, and in the last few years, a new Winter show has taken place during January. As well as antique dealers from near and far, you’ll find re-makers, recyclers, restorers, artists and artisans, these small businesses gather to offer their collectibles ranging in everything from high-end imported European antiques to original art, homespun clothing and decor, handcrafted, antique and vintage jewelry, rescued architectural hardware and virtually any other essential paraphernalia you can imagine can be found, with a bit of browsing!
There are many different “fields” that offer differing shopping options, in some, the goods are humbly displayed in fleamarket style, while others have walls and floors, AC and perhaps even a chandelier or two! While most vendors exhibit only at the show, a few businesses are open all year round. Check out Via Vandi, Junk Gypsy, The Vintage, McLarens Interiors and Rockabilly Baroness at the 550 Market for some exclusive swank in constant supply.
Round Top can be a marvelous day trip, or a longer vacation lasting for the duration of the event, so consider staying a while in one of the top tier lodging options such as Hotel Lulu, The Red Antler Bungalows, The Wander Inn, or The Frenchie Boutique Hotel. Round Top food is there for the indulgence, the infamous Royers Café is known for its tasty pies, The Mill Street Café for its lavender oak milk latte, and Boone & Company for its flavorful woodfired pizzas. Check out the speakeasies and Honky Tonks such as The Mark in 550 Market and The Stone Cellar, where you can spend some time enjoying the live music, cold beverages and scrumptious hot food! The historic architecture of Henkel Square offers two lounges well worth a visit. The Ellis Motel, created by the late Lee Ellis, a Houston foodie legend, and the IL Cuculo in Hotel Lulu by celebrated restaurateur Armando Palacios, both lounges offer luscious cocktails! If you are a wine lover, then a visit to Round Top Liquor Shop provides a superbly curated selection of bottles to choose from, and a tipple at Prost Wine Bar is a must, especially for an after-dinner sip around the fire pit in their outdoor patio.
Round Top even has its own fashion sense; an eclectic mix of stylish boho, western, Texas chic. Fashionista favorites include cowboy boots and hats, embroidered cotton dresses worn with customized denims exhibit a free-spirited vogue. All accented with distinctive jewelry, created by silversmiths and artists. This casual artsy look is practical as well as stylish, comfortable footwear is a must and a hat will keep off the sun, a light cotton dress to keep cool and a jacket just in case it gets chilly. Don’t worry if you don’t have such a wardrobe, you can buy it all there.
The Round Top Fair is such an iconic event that many design professionals not only visit to seek out new inspirations and sought after adornments, but also to offer design and collecting advice in the form of talks and presentations. You can attend fashion shows, book signings, interior and home design discussion panels, and other pop-up shindigs with musicians, artisan beverages and food, so keep a lookout for them online ahead of time, some of them are spontaneous!
book signings, interior and home design discussion panels, and other pop-up shindigs
you'll find re-makers, recyclers, restorers, artists and artisans