The Round Top Antiques Show Guide

By Emily Glenn

You’re either looking for a quick weekend getaway in the Texas Hill Country or you’re headed to this glorified town for one Round Top’s Antiques Shows. If you’re anything like me, you want to pack your weekend with the best selection of curated antiques Round Top is known for.

As you toss your wide brim fedora in the back of your car, your expectations are just as full as your carry-on suitcase. And nothing will stop you from seeing every pop-up tent and showroom on highway 237 — except a slice of Not My Mom’s Apple Pie from Royers Round Top Cafe.

But you don’t want to browse vintage items camouflaged in 30 years of grandma’s acquisitions. Pieces from mid-century Sweden, tribal kingdoms of India, early 1800’s Louis XIV era of England, and turn of the twentieth century France bring you a deeper appreciation for design, curation, and a rich story. Getting locked in one of these vendor’s showrooms is your dream “I accidentally-got-locked-in-here” location (yes, that did happen to me at Scoville Brown one Sunday afternoon.)

Here’s a quick guide to Round Top, Texas — where to stay, vendors and markets to shop, and restaurants to dine in. Print this guide out and keep it in your oversized tote to reference during your stay.

The Fall 2020 Antiques Show
The Round Top community is back in business this Fall after the cancellation of the Spring 2020 show (all the locals, dealers, and designers rejoice!). The Fall Antiques Show is set for Thursday, October 15–Sunday, November 1 and is expected to usher in thousands of people to Round Top and its surrounding cities (Burton, Carmine, Fayetteville, La Grange, and Warrenton).

All the vendors and markets in this guide are open in the same timeframe. Some of the markets are open for business year-round beyond the annual Spring, Fall, and Winter shows and most vendor’s and market’s collections are available online. (Instagram is undoubtedly the quickest way to find contact info for any of your inquiries.)

Follow Explore Round Top on Instagram or Facebook for COVID related news and updates leading up to the Fall Show.

Planning and Negotiating
The average buyer or designer spends two to four nights in Round Top during the show. We want to make the most out of your allotted time out there — and tents, markets, and junkyards abound on highway 237 (check out this article from Jordan Breal to see what I mean).

I wholeheartedly believe in setting your antiquing intention — planning and measuring, transportation, and negotiation are all part of the business.

First, plan and measure. Get organized by making a list of the items you’re looking for. Note the furniture or decor you or your clients need and the dimensions of the space. (Of course, you won’t have trouble finding things you like.) Nothing is worse than getting a piece of furniture home only to discover it’s inches past the designated space. Before you leave:

1. Make a list of the furniture, decor, or accessories you’re looking for
2. Measure the walls or space you are designing within
3. Take photos or draw a sketch of the space
4. And don’t forget your tape measure!

Think about how you’ll load and transport your larger pieces. If you are close to town you could take multiple trips, but I would recommend renting a U-haul or using Roll’en Hills Moving & Delivery or Distinguished Transport who’ve mastered the business of shipping services for antique dealers and designer installations.

Antiquing is inspiring — and tiring. You’ll be walking the aisles of showrooms for hours. Wear comfortable shoes, clothes you can move in, and don’t forget to put some snacks in that tote bag! Mary from The Bull Market said, “it’s all the fresh air” that gives you a run for your money. It’s true — antiquing is for those with endurance! Bring water and a couple light things to keep your energy high throughout the day.

Lastly, and most importantly, practice the art of negotiation. This is a skill in sales and the social sciences.

I’ve found most of the time I can get a good deal on items if first, I simply ask and stay firm at my maximum budget and second, the dealer is looking to sell the particular item because it’s been in their inventory too long.

The trick to good negotiation — stay firm on what you want to pay and know when to say “no, thank you” when the deal can’t be reconciled. There are more vendors, collections, and markets ahead of you. Keep seeking and you will surely find.

Lodging
Finding lodging when shows are out-of-season is lovely. Pick any place on the map according to your taste and budget.

*When shows are in season, be sure to book your rooms months in advance. Hundreds of vendors, designers, and treasure hunters are coming in from around the world. Lodging in Round Top (and Burton, Carmine, Fayetteville, and Warrenton) will be completely sold out the closer you get to show dates.*

Think about which part of the show you want to stay for — early show typically guarantees you’ll have your pick from freshly imported containers. Markets will tend to be less busy during the workweek as opposed to weekends. If you want to go at the latter end of the show, the crowds and inventory are whittled down, but your odds of striking a deal are ever in your favor.

1. AirBnb can find you a stay in Shelby, 12 minutes east of town, for half the price of a one-night stay in Round Top. Carmine, Burton, Fayetteville, and Warrenton are options just north of Round Top (my recommendation is Camelia Farm for the most inviting hosts and property). Brenham is farther, but also, very accessible and within reasonable distance.
2. The Vintage Round Top provides modern-vintage luxury in open country pasture. The four cottages are available for individual booking and just one mile from downtown Round Top. The property is within walking distance to five antique shows during the show season.
3. FlopHouze is a unique concept from Matt White—transformed shipping containers as hotel rooms. They even have a shipping container turned swimming pool in the courtyard. Nextdoor is their mothership company, Recycling the Past, and guests receive 20% off items in the showroom and hotels!
4. The Round Top Inn is right in the heart of town at Rummel Square. With thirteen restored vintage cottages spread across their one-acre property, Round Top Inn is conveniently located within walking distance to Round Top Coffee Shop and boutiques along the square.
5. The Frenchie Guesthouses offers an 1890s farmhouse, a cottage, and an art studio available for guests to rent individual rooms or full suites. The property feels like a warm and personal urban boutique hotel within close proximity to downtown.
6. The Wander Inn may be recognizable from Junk Gypsy’s premiere on HGTV. The property offers several rooms for rent decorated in velvet chesterfield sofas and Persian rugs. But the space is less about the decor — it’s about dreaming, exploring, and rejuvenating your creative soul.

Vendors & Dealers
These are my go-to collections to browse and owners to talk with each weekend I’m in Round Top. Their showrooms are as rich and layered as the stories of how they started their businesses. Starting north on highway 237:

1. McLaren’s Antiques & Interiors, inspired by the commuter culture of London, McLaren’s is built on thresholds and doorways holding reclaimed industrial, architectural, and contemporary furniture and accessories. With an eclectic mix of styles, you’ll find Indian wood blocks used in the ancient art of Jaipur block printing, ceramic vases, and light fixtures among other cabinets, couches, and sideboards layered in scaffolding.
2. Gianna Allen Design is about the psychology of design and how to render interior spaces to reflect our authentic selves. As a designer, buyer, and consultant she lives in France curating primitive French and Italian case goods, seating, and gothic iron lighting to ship to the States. Layers of beautifully aged European antiques line her shop at Blue Hills — their history, craftsmanship, and glory fully intact.
3. Paul Michael Company is a field for treasure hunting, discovery, and design. Think of this as a world market with oddities and imported antiques, original art, and their own line of manufactured furniture. With styles including traditional Americana, reclaimed farmhouse, European antiques, and a space dedicated to the Garden Club, this a well seasoned marketplace for a breadth of tastes.
4. Antica Collection has one of the largest European showrooms at Market Hill. Lisa brings 17th and 18th century furnishings into the space she would find in her own home — or a banquet set in the Italian Renaissance. The gold plated ornate mirrors, 12-piece dining sets, and hand carved wooden tables offer timelessness and chivalry to any space.
5. Architectural Anarchy is home of the most eclectic European mid-century furniture, prints, and home decor in town. You might recognize Gosia and William’s collection by their intriguing curations like stone-carved coffee tables and organically shaped chairs, lighting in textured plasters, or brass and marbled seating. You might also recognize their curations from one of Kelly Wearstler’s interior designs.
6. SvO Antiques holds the most authentic mid-century modern collection with pieces primarily from 1960’s Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Germany. Looking for a pair of leather barrel chairs for a bachelor pad? A chrome and rosewood chair and footstool combo in mint condition? Steve from SvO has a tailored showroom for those who love the elements of textiles, minimal design, and fine carpentry.
7. Scoville Brown, focuses on recycling, reducing, and reusing old and unique decorative or functional architectural details. Jim looks for items that display fine craftsmanship and reflects historical significance — things like industrial light fixtures, fireplace mantels, and stained-glass windows (yes, there is a good chance you’d find the perfect antiqued crown molding or beams for your reno here).
8. Provenance Antiques, a pioneer in high-styled European furniture, hand-select and directly import their pieces from France, Spain, and Italy. The space is so inspirational, you might think you’re walking the cobbled streets of Southern Europe. Looking for a hand-carved chest of drawers or oil painting from the 15th century? Artur and Yarek have seasoned selection of carpentry, patinated metals, and home decor.
9. Nomadic Trading Company specializes in hand-woven carpets and kilims, textiles, and vintage furniture hand-selected from markets in the Near East. Their rug collection displays a breadth of different hues and patterns that work in more traditional spaces or those inspired by the Mediterranean.
10. Recycling the Past, otherwise known as Round Top Ballroom, is a showroom of vintage building materials and salvaged furniture within 10,000 square feet of wedding, farm-to-table party, or corporate retreat event space. Owner, Matt, might offer you fresh made ginger tea while you shop the salvaged lumber you need for a project and tour the Flophouze Shipping Container Hotel.

Showrooms & Markets
Each show listed here is locally owned and operated and their individual hours and show dates might vary from one market to the next. Complimentary parking and entry is available at nearly every market on the list, with the exception of the few noted below.

Be sure to carry cash to the show for instances such as parking or entry fees (dealers prefer a cash offer anyways!).

1. The Big Red Barn, the show that started it all in 1968 by Emma Lee Turney, is still the heart of antiques and salvaged goods in Round Top. You should expect light parking and entry fees upon arrival — but, please, visit the direct descendant of the original show.
2. Blue Hills is currently expanding to welcome additional vendors as they add to their 25-acre property. The barns and tents hold over 50 vendors and the market includes free parking, staffed bathrooms, and a bright blue adventure off highway 237.
3. Market Hill Round Top is my personal favorite — full of tenured antique curators and aged furniture. This market is a tailored selection of the most charismatic bunch of dealers and friends, a mix of interior tastes and styles, free Wi-Fi, and when shows are in season, The Restaurant at Market Hill.
4. The Arbors, one of the most renowned seasonal tent shows off 237, is known as one of the most diverse markets in town. Highly recommended by locals, the white tent show offers antiques to clothing and handmade bags, the Arbor Cafe, and free admission and parking.
5. Round Top Ranch Antiques, one of the newest markets in town, features three showrooms dedicated to Scandinavian antiques. Henrik and Mary Follin moved from Denmark to Denver to Round Top to see their vision come to life — now their 8 acres hold a European escape in rolling hills.
6. Marburger Farm, open twice a year for visitors, is a venture of tradition when visiting the Round Top Antiques Show. The designer, the collector, the treasure hunter going to Marburger need tickets to shop (and early-bird prices are available) but once inside the iron gates, collections and cuisine abound.
7. Bader Ranch, a family-owned show of fine European antiques and the Bader Ranch Cafe, is one of the smaller showrooms featuring salvaged antiques and fine prints. The Cafe is expected to open during the Fall Show of 2020 and the town anticipates as tasteful of a menu as the pieces you’d find in the barn.
8. The Bull Market displays enough reclaimed doors and corbels, crystal light fixtures, and mid-century dining sets for you to spend half a day here. Mary will tell you about her horses, her newest inventory, and give you a tour of the antiques and vintage on the property.
9. Old World Antieks has over 55,000 square feet of imported antiques primarily from Europe, India, Egypt, and Turkey. You can find an eclectic mix of antiques to contemporary pieces at their year-round showroom in La Grange. For their seasonal locations visit The Compound and Blue Hills.

Food & Drink
This town is known for the assorted antique kingdoms that graze the pasturelands — and its breadth of cuisine is right at par.

Of course, coffee and pie are of the most important necessities during antiquing. Carolyn, owner of The Round Top Coffee Shop (formerly Espressions Coffee) built the shop off of a love for serving her community. You can find a delicious latte as much as you can find community tables and a friend in your barista.

For snack, Royers Pie Haven offers enough pie flavors to try something new each day you’re in Round Top. They conveniently offer their pies in slices to quickly grab and go on with your antiquing.

If you’re passing through Carmine before Round Top, The Village Market is great for a quick deli sandwich (with fresh baked bread from Weikel’s) that reminds you of the kind grandma made growing up.

If you’re in the middle of the day and headed to the next market try out The Garden Co. Feed & Firewater and grab a bite under the oak tree overcast before hitting the next showroom.

1. Paw Paw’s Firehouse Cafe is complete with the best burgers, smoked meats by the pound, and hospitality. Dine like a Round Top local with double fried chicken, fried green tomatoes, and a personable staff that knows no stranger.
2. The Garden Co. Feed & Firewater offers both indoor and outdoor patio seating. This gem in Rummel Square offers beautifully plated American and whole foods dishes. The drink menu, farmhouse, and garden marketplace next door round out the Garden Co. experience.
3. The Texas Rose Cafe is a local favorite known for their rosemary chicken salad and hole-in-the-wall antique shop. These homemade dishes make for a tasteful lunch in between your destinations.
4. Mandito’s Tex Mex, the go-to spot for Mexican food and margaritas, sits right across from the Round Top courthouse. The local dealers often enjoy these classics from south of the border after a long day of shopping and purveying.
5. Royers Round Top Cafe makes the town that much sweeter. With imported seafood and a wide selection of homemade pies — even available for shipping — this hole-in-the-wall joint is a family favorite. (Be sure to ask your server for pie recommendations… and get enough slices to sample the selection!)
6. Lulu’s authentic Italian dining is full of robust flavors and rustic charm. This new restaurant in town is gaining a repertoire of one of the best palettes in town — fine dining and ambiance, Italian staples, and worldly and domestic wines. This is the place to celebrate your antiquing victory!
7. The Restaurant at Market Hill is located at the heart of Market Hill. In the spirit of bringing people together over cuisine and live music, Paul Michael with his background in Mediterranean culinary school and business partner, Lee Ellis, are busy concepting rotating lunch and dinner menus from scratch for the Fall show.
8. Bistro 108 in La Grange is one of the most up and coming diamonds in the rough. This quaint restaurant offers delectable dishes from Japanese Mero to prime beef tenderloin. They specialize in sourcing local produce, wines from around the world, and fresh fish from the coasts.
9. Prost Wine Bar is one of Round Top’s most intimate wine bars in the city’s most historic building. For after-dinner wines, charcuterie, and olive mixes, Prost on Block 29 will invite you to quiet conversation and the best flavors in the city.
10. The Ellis Motel, actually — not a motel, but an artful bar and lounge at Henkel Square, is the place for gatherings between markets, for cocktail hour, or after dinner. There may be no vacancies but there are plenty of chesterfield sofas and cocktails to go around.

So, with that—enjoy your stay, explore all that Round Top has to offer, and if I might leave you with one final suggestion—take the time to listen to the stories of dealers, designers, coffee shop owners, and AirBnb hosts. I hope you find a deeper appreciation for the life and beauty in all things around you—antiques, furniture, and handmade carpets, but more than these, I hope you see the beauty within yourself.

I’d love to meet you and hear about your time in Round Top—find me on Instagram at @emilypglenn. Many blessings!