Picture this: 20 miles of rural Texas landscape transformed into the largest antiques market in the country – where cowboy boots meet French finds, and seasoned designers brush shoulders with collectors, retail buyers, and those just looking for a really great shopping experience. Not once or twice, but three times a year in the spring, fall, and winter.
Welcome to the Round Top Antiques Show – equal parts treasure hunt, social gathering, and design enthusiast’s dream.
Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, it’s definitely a beloved event for many. And if you landed here because you’re dreaming, planning, and preparing for your visit, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned after my third time going (and countless miles logged under the Texas sun).
What Makes Round Top So Special? Why Should You Go?
If it helps paint a better picture of the absolute mecca that is Round Top: it’s both the name of a charming Texas town and the antiques fair that has really put it on the map. During fair seasons, the event itself spills into neighboring communities, creating a true treasure-hunting paradise.
And given the magnitude of it, people attend by the thousands (like 100,000 – according to Round Top’s website). Beyond that, here are some other things you can expect to see and experience:
- Come one, come all! This event isn’t just for designers or pro pickers. The beauty of Round Top is its diverse crowd. It really welcomes all. You’re sure to see a good mix of people – from a bachelorette group to a couple from Florida sourcing vintage gas station signs (true story).
- Vintage, one-of-a-kind pieces, and more. There are many perks to purchasing antiques – like their storied elements, longevity, and ability to make your space feel warm, welcoming, and lived-in. While vintage pieces are the main draw, you’ll also find vendors selling new clothing, shoes, and accessories. It’s the best of both worlds!
- You’ll leave wanting more. Every Round Top regular knows that no matter how much you plan or how many times you’ve navigated the fields before, you’ll only scratch the surface of what’s available. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, you’ll hear about something you missed. The FOMO is real. So that’s why many of us keep making our return trips.
How to Prep for the Show?
Woo! The time is approaching for you to make your appearance. If you’re anything like me and a planner to a T, here’s my best (unkept) advice for some savvy Round Top Antiques Show vintage shopping.
- Pack for comfort. Because Texas weather means business. On our most recent visit, we braved triple-digit temperatures to find all the deals. Still, I’m always surprised to see the number of people decked out during their time at the fair. The fall show can get HOT (despite the venues running A/C). So save the dressing up for dinner. And opt for more casual attire during the daytime. Comfy shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen were a few of my non-negotiables. Trust me, there will be the perfect moment for that Texan ‘fit – sundress, cowboy boots, hat, and all. But walking and shopping for miles isn’t it – for me, at least.
- Rent a car. A non-negotiable, if you ask me. While attempting to get around without one might make for quite a story, there’s a ton of territory to explore. You’ll appreciate the freedom, especially in this rural setting.
- Get familiar with your must-visit venues & vendors. Some venues are pay-to-attend, like Big Red Barn and Marburger. Personally, I prefer to take my money elsewhere and hunt for more approachable pricetags myself. Also, there are some vendors who have carefully selected, organized, and styled their items, while others require you to dig. And the latter, from my perspective, is where you can find the best deals. It’s a thrill!
- My favorite venues? Blue Hills, Market Hill, and The Compound for more curated settings featuring European antique vendors. Excess I & II when I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and dig for those hidden gems. And, of course, the eclectic wonderland of Cisco Village.
What to Do When Vintage Shopping at Round Top Antiques Show?
When you finally plant your feet on Round Top’s soil, the vastness can feel overwhelming at first. There’s just too much to explore in a single visit. And that’s what draws me (and so many others) back. But embrace that feeling! Every trip here leaves me buzzing with excitement, already planning my next treasure hunt for vintage pieces.
That’s what I like to call the Round Top effect. It’s less about seeing and doing it all, and more about the journey. Your experience will be one you’ll remember forever, no matter how much ground you cover.
To help make sure of that:
Start your shopping day early.
Especially if you’re attending in the spring or fall. After bopping around, you can still squeeze what’s left out of the day by cooling down – in the pool or with a cocktail (or both … whatever you fancy!), before getting ready for dinner out on the town.
Score hidden treasures.
- Strike up conversations with vendors. They obviously know they’re stuff. And there’s usually a cool story they’re ready and willing to tell about what they sourced and where.
- When something catches your eye, do your research on the spot. Pull out your phone and do a Google image search of the piece. It’ll help you compare pricing and assess the authenticity – you know, whether or not something is a “real” antique. Also, take time to scrutinize the quality of the piece. Are there any scuffs or markings? Do the drawers work?
- Respect the art of the hunt. Read the room and trust your instincts when deciding whether there’s room to negotiate. Or when you should 1,000% respect the price. Also, offer to pay cash versus credit card. There are ATMs on Round Top grounds should you need some extra $$$.
- Know your options for getting large purchases back home. There are several on-site shippers to lend a hand. While I bought only a handful of large pieces during our recent Round Top trip, I was able to get in touch with a shipper who had a booth at the venue to coordinate getting it back home to Evanston. Here’s what that typically involves: 1) they’ll base the fee on how large the piece(s) are and their value, 2) the shipper will pick up the piece(s) directly from the vendor(s), and 3) depending on the destination, it can take anywhere from two to six weeks for it to arrive at its final destination.
- Some tips for a smooth(er) delivery:
- Take photos and notify the shipper of any existing damage before saying “see you later” to your piece.
- Let the shipper know if there’s anything particularly delicate about a piece. In my case, I asked the shipper to blanket wrap the corners of a large bookcase I bought for a client, as the trim seemed very delicate.
- Some tips for a smooth(er) delivery:
Keep spirits bright.
With all that activity and brain power spent scouting for the best finds, you’re definitely going to need to fuel up to keep your treasure-hunting momentum. Yes, it might be hard to break away when you’re on a roll – spotting one amazing piece after another … and another. But taking food & bevy breaks will pay off.
Most venues have food trucks or booths set up to serve everything from sushi to smoky BBQ, spicy Thai, and Mexican. Whatever you’re craving, there’s a good chance you’ll find it on the menu! I kept a stash of snacks and water bottles on hand, too, so I could refuel while on the go – without losing out on too much precious shopping time.
What Treasures Did We Take Home?
Sourcing (and styling) vintage treasures is my favorite sport. And I would say I won the fall trip at Round Top, in my very humble opinion!
I scored a pair of French leather club chairs from the 1930s (and in mint condition!) for a client. They were stunning. And for my own collection? Artwork, mirrors, French antiques, and a beautiful vintage bookshelf that I plan to use in place of building new built-ins.
No matter what you walk away with, there’s a 110% chance you’ll enjoy the experience. Check out Round Top’s official website to stay up to date on show dates. And if you prefer to leave the shopping to the designer? Get in touch. As a personal vintage curator, I love helping homeowners near and far build their perfect collection of timeless pieces.
