The Essential Insider’s Guide to the Famous Round Top Antiques Shows
Rachel Barrett
·32-min read
The Essential Guide to the Round Top Antiques ShowBuff Strickland
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Becky-Luigart Stayner
The secret, it seems, is out. This tiny town—just one square mile with, last we checked, a total population of 90—now draws 100,000-plus shoppers every spring and fall (and more recently, winter) for Texas Antiques Week (which, not to confuse matters, actually spans more than a week).
Conveniently nestled in the picturesque Hill Country between Austin and Houston, the map-dot destination has inspired endless comparisons—“The Hamptons of Houston,” “The Cotswolds of Texas”—but visitors know Round Top is uniquely, well, Round Top. Where else can you find social media influencers holding up traffic to get a photo of a longhorn? Dressed-to-the-nines designers rushing into an antiques tent at the clang of a dinner bell?
Wearing hats by Sissy Light, shoppers frolic in the fields outside of Bader Ranch, just one the many treasure-filled venues to be found in Round TopBailey Hart for Sissy Light
Given the popularity of all things vintage and the more-is-more movement known as cluttercore, it’s no surprise the show is enjoying so much momentum. (As much as we love shopping for vintage online, nothing quite rivals the live-action thrill of the hunt.) “Round Top now attracts shoppers and dealers from all over the globe,” says Mayor Mark Massey. “I always say if you can’t find it in Round Top, then it does not exist.”
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But buyer, beware: Round Top can be overwhelming. After repeat trips, we’ve learned a lot along the way, as have Country Living contributors (tastemakers, designers, antiques dealers...), some of whom have attended the show 30+ times. Whether you’re a repeat visitor looking to make the most of your next trip or a first-timer seeking a comprehensive overview, with this guide, we’ve got you covered like a cozy pieced quilt (or Welsh blanket, if that’s your antiquing preference).
But First, Some History:
HOW THE ROUND TOP SHOW CAME TO BE
Because any true antiques lover always wants the story behind the thing.
It was the late Houston socialite Emma Lee Turney, now known as the Godmother of Texas Antiques, who had the vision of turning a tiny Texas town into an antiquing destination. If you want to dig really deep on Emma Lee’s legacy, there’s a whole book on the subject, but here’s the short version: In the 1960s, some well-to-do ladies from Houston were snatching up country houses in a pastoral area not too far from Houston. They wanted a country look, but didn’t have anywhere to shop for country house-worthy antiques.
In the fall of 1968, at the encouragement of a few friends (see: aforementioned Houstonians), antiques dealer Emma Lee recruited roughly 20 fellow dealers to set up shop at a venue known as Rifle Hall, owned by—yes—the Round Top Rifle Association, for a two-day “country antiques show with unsurpassed standards of excellence.” She even sent a press release to Life magazine. “It was such an extreme rural setting for the kind of polished collectors and cultural leaders we had in mind,” Emma Lee recounts in Denim and Diamonds.
After the success of that show—which locals still refer to as “The Show”— word spread. By the early 1980s, dealers from all over were asking about setting up at Round Top, but Rifle Hall was at max capacity. It was magazine editor and country style icon Mary Emmerling who, upon hearing Emma Lee’s concerns about accommodating a vendor waiting list, suggested she simply put a tent up out back “like they do in New England.” Although tents were common along the East Coast for high-society events and markets, the idea was more novel down South. “My first reaction was, Texans will never go for that—they’ll think I’m selling used cars,” Emma Lee recalls in her book. “But after thinking about it for ten whole minutes, my decision was made...if I could find a really good tent man.”
Even with rapid expansion, the waiting list grew, which led to a third site, and another, and the rest is history. “Emma Lee Turney had such vision—she was way ahead of the curve and created a whole industry, one that’s resonating with a new generation of design lovers,” says Round Top Mayor Mark Massey, who owns the 45-vendor facility The Compound. Although Emma Lee passed away in the spring of 2021 at the age of 92, her legacy and influence is on full display 57 years after that small pop-up show at Rifle Hall. Says Mark: “Round Top has an incredibly dynamic energy, and that’s all a credit to Emma Lee and the magic she created.”
The most photographed sign in Round TopBuff Strickland
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Lay of the Land:
GETTING THERE & GETTING AROUND
Most shoppers tend to fly into either Houston (IAH, HOU) or Austin (AUS), both of which are about a 1 1/2 hour-drive to Round Top, give or take. It’s best to have access to a car—or, for optimal cargo space, a truck or van—as Lyfts and Ubers are in very high demand during the shows.
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Speaking of, if you use a ride-sharing app to get to Round Top from the Houston or Austin airports, don’t assume it will be quite as easy to get a ride back to the airport. Instead, for peace of mind you may want to pre-arrange a taxi or car service; try ATX Lux Rides out of nearby Smithville (512.934.3707) or Richard Magjarevich of Town Car Service (979.451.5580). Hostie Vacation Rentals (979.451.6661) also offers a luxury chauffeured sprinter van.
Once you’re there, you’re within easy reach of pretty much everything. Round Top itself is teensy tiny—we’re talking less than a square mile in size. Most of the 100 independently owned and operated shopping venues, both permanent and pop-up, can all be found along an 11-mile stretch of Highway 237—often referred to as the Antiques Corridor—that encompasses the adjacent towns of Warrenton and Carmine.
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Timing Your Trip:
WHEN TO GO AND HOW LONG TO STAY
“The Spring show is my personal favorite,” says designer and frequent Round Topper Claire Zinnecker. “I feel like everyone is excited that winter has come to an end, the weather is (typically) good, and the country is beautiful with wildflowers blooming.”
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No matter the season, scheduling your specific dates can be tricky because there’s no single governing body of this event. In other words, show dates are inconsistent from one venue to the next, and some last just a few days while others span multiple weeks.
Logistically, it’s best to narrow down which venues you most want to check out—don’t worry, we’ve got you covered (see below)—and plan your travel from there. For example, in spring 2025, most of our favorite venues are open between March 14th to April 6th, so any pocket of time within that window is sure to offer fruitful shopping and prime people watching.
Also worth noting: Historically, the design community has considered the Marburger Farm Antiques Show—a.k.a. “Marburger”—a must visit, so you’ll find that many tastemakers (read: those designers you follow on Instagram) plan their travel around the dates of that show (this year, March 25-29).
The pickin’ is always good in Round Top!Courtesy Marburger Farm
Another big draw of each season is the Junk-O-Rama Prom, a toe-tapping chiffon-a-thon hosted by sisters Amie Sikes and Jolie Sikes Smith, a.k.a the Junk Gypsies. (You’ll hear their names a lot—they’re beloved locals with an enthusiastic following.) This spring the festivities are set for Saturday, March 29, which means March 27–30 would make for a good long weekend of hunting and gathering.
Still, if you’re looking for deals, remember that the tail end of any show is always the best time to negotiate. “You can even shop some of the fields as vendors are packing up,” says Amie Sikes, who has also been known to pick the fields after the fact. “You never know what items they'll leave behind,” she says. One man's trash...
In terms of length of stay, we’ve found that a three- or four-day weekend is enough time to get a lay of the land without feeling overly rushed or overwhelmed. Yes, you’ll feel like you only scratched the surface, but that’s also true for those who stay for a week or longer.
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Dreaming of Vintage:
WHERE TO BUNK UP
Given Round Top’s tiny footprint, local accommodations can be hard to come by. You’ll find a few of our go-to spots to rest easy below, but if you’re coming up short on options, consider seeking out hotels rental properties in nearby towns like Brenham, LaGrange, Carmine, or Burton, camping out in an RV, or staying in Houston or Austin and hitting the road early in the morning. (Yes, as noted above, you can hitch an Uber or Lyft to Round Top. Getting a ride home on those apps, however, can be much harder; see above for car service companies to plug into your phone.) The Round Top Chamber of Commerce also has a thorough directory of accommodations.
Checking in: Hotel Lulu is a beloved local option, but you’ll have to beat everyone else to the booking.PÄR BENGTSSON
The Tried and True Hotel Lulu 204 E Mill St., Round Top, TX 78954 979.249-5174 One of the more established spots to stay, this property’s main grounds include 14 rooms across six bungalows, as well as a white linen Italian restaurant, bustling bar, and stylish pool. Hotel Lulu opens up reservations roughly four months in advance of each show, and those on the mailing list are the first to be notified of the official release date.
The Cool Kid Newcomer The Frenchie Boutique Hotel 311 N Live Oak St., Round Top, TX 78954 979.208.9851 “The Frenchie is the best!” says eight-time Round Topper Sara McDaniel (@simplysoutherncottage), who restores old houses and has been featured on both HGTV and the Magnolia Network. With its turquoise blue front door and proximity to downtown, this circa 1890s white farmhouse has emerged as an especially popular pick for girls’ getaways. Don’t miss the pool and pickleball court.
The Frenchie, a charming newcomer on the boutique hotel sceneRachel Barrett for Country Living
The Western Wonderland Rancho Pillow 11222 Schuster Rd., Round Top, TX 78954 210.332.0995 You’ve likely already run across photos of this neon-lit 20-acre property owned by designer and Round Top insider Sheila Youngblood, who has been visiting this area since she was 19. It’s also a popular setting for stylish farm dinners (more on that below).
The Rustic Retreat The Wander Inn 1215 Texas 237, Round Top, TX 78954 979.249.5865 For a truly Texas experience, check out this property owned by sisters Amie Sikes and Jolie Sikes-Smith. You’ll go to bed under a pitch-black Texas sky and wake up to views of longhorns and, if you’re lucky, freshly baked biscuits delivered in a galvanized bucket. (Psst: That may or may not be Miranda Lambert staying in the Airstream parked out back.)
The Lodge-and-Learn The Vintage Round Top 1450 Texas 237, Round Top, TX 78954 713.859.5993 Paige and Smoot Hull have been hosting visitors for more than a decade at this cozy venue that offers just the right amount of rustic. Looking to get inspired? The VTR also frequently hosts workshops and creative retreats featuring everyone from designer Emily Henderson to tastemaker Camila Alves McConaughey. (You may also recognize their property from the 2014 issue of Country Living.) The Budget Bet FlopHouze 1132 W Farm to Market Rd 1291, Round Top, TX 78954 979.353.2627 Round Top draws its share of upcycling enthusiasts, which is why this venue, which includes six cool converted shipping containers and two real-deal houses, deserves a spot on the list. (Fun fact: If you enjoy your stay, the containers are also available for purchase.) Don’t forget to shop the architectural salvage at the property’s parent company, Recycling the Past, which is also on the grounds.
The Farmhouse Fix Round Top Inn 407 S White St, Round Top, TX 78954 979.249.5294 Conveniently located in downtown Round Top, this one-acre property (guest capacity: 32) has been in operation since 1991 and includes multiple farmhouses and cottages—some dating to the 1880s—shaded by big Texas oaks.
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The Country Cabanas Red Antler Bungalows 125 Gretchen’s Way, Round Top, TX 78954 979.217.2620 Just on the edge of Round Top, this new-ish option features multiple two-bedroom bungalows, a communal pool, and a well appointed pool house twirled up by Texas designer Meredith Ellis.
The Home Away From Home Hostie Vacation Rentals 979.451.6661 With an impressive portfolio of luxury vacation homes in and around Round Top, this short-term rental company offers everything from cozy sleeping quarters in a converted silo to a luxury ranch that houses 16. Don’t miss the newly renovated “’Round the Round,” the Leanne Ford- and Grace Mitchell-designed Leanne Ford- and Grace Mitchell-designed cottage that was featured in the February-March issue of Country Living.
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Country Cosplay:
WHAT TO PACK
There are the obvious musts—a big roomy tote or cart, plenty of sunscreen, field-friendly footwear—but you may be surprised how much Round Top shoppers bring their style A game. While the town and its tents have always drawn design-minded tastemaker types, the Hill Country hamlet has become more of a scene as of late. “Round Top shoppers have definitely upped their game in recent years, with a much more elevated, fashion-forward style,” says Paige Hull, owner of The Vintage Round Top.
Opening day at the popular Marburger Farm venue, for example, offers prime people-watching, with a parade of stylish woven sun hats, vibrant-print prairie dresses, quilted jackets, canvas coveralls, statement jewelry, and more bandanas than the Running of the Bulls.
“It’s like cosplay for cowgirls,” says Amie Sikes, whose Junk Gypsy store is smack dab in the middle of the mayhem. And when the sun goes down, the style factor heats up like a big ol’ Texas bonfire. “With so many new bars and events—dinners in the field, cocktail parties, live music—the evening fashion can be epic!” says Paige.
Notice a theme? Dress to impress in boots and bold colors.Becky Luigart-Stayner for Country Living
You can also just wait ’til Round Top to supplement your suitcase, because there’s a lot of great fashion—new and old—to be found. Here are some of our favorite purveyors of pasture-friendly apparel. (That’s a compliment, by the way.)
Fraulein Boot Company @frauleinboots Sisters Margaret Walker and Sarah Caruth named their line of vintage-inspired cowboy boots in homage to their late father, whose favorite song was a 1957 honky tonk classic of the same name. Where to Find it:Blue Hills Hunter Bell @hunterbellnyc After studying fashion design at the University of Alabama and Parsons in New York, founder Hunter Bell started her eponymous label of apparel in 2006. While you can find it everywhere from Tuckernuck to Anthropologie, she now lives in Texas, and her colorful clothing—we’re partial to the skirts and dresses—is right at home in Round Top. Where to Find it:Bader Ranch
Lady Lancaster @ladylancaster Founder Elizabeth Leaman designs this line of quilted jackets, dusters, and accessories for “globetrotters and homebodies” out of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The quilted scrunchies come in quite handy in the Texas heat. Where to Find it: The Honey Hut at River Oaks Farms
Marian @marian_tx_ This Austin-based jewelry line by Marian Amini has accessories of all sorts (cute bandanas, baseball caps) but we’re eyeing the on-trend Southwestern jewelry. Where to Find it: The Halles Shapeau @shopshapeau A New York City ER doctor by day (!), Lauren Shapiro found sewing to be a much needed creative outlet during the stressful pandemic. The “Shappy” quilted coat is her signature, but she’s recently expanded to quilt-embellished sweatshirts (hello, honyecomb elbow patches!) and denim jackets. Where to Find it:Blue Hills Sissy Light @shopsissylight Founder Kristin “Sissy” Light put her fashion design degree to good use with these sun hats that are handmade in Ecuador from the palm fronds of native coastal plants. Where to Find it: Bader Ranch
A wall of hats on display at the Sissy Light boothBailey Hart for Sissy Light
Topped Hats @toppedhats Founded by mother-daughter duo Dana and Sophia Vidal, this company offers an interactive hat bar that allows shoppers to customize felt cowboy and bolero-style hats with a la carte adornments (ribbons, scarves, pins, feathers, and so on). Where to Find It: The Arbors
The West Place @thewestplace Cody and Lauren Medina are just plain cool*, and one can only hope that some of that coolness rubs off while shopping their tightly curated, impeccably styled booth filled with old belt buckles, wonderfully worn-in cowboy hats, vintage Levis, turquoise jewelry, and so much more. *But they’re also not “too cool,” if you know what we mean. Where to Find It: The Horseshoe
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Viva La Vintage!
WHICH SHOWS TO SHOP
Okay, y’all. This—this—is what you came for! While the below list is by no means exhaustive, these are the venues our editors and contributors have perused firsthand and agree they would go back to in a heartbeat. It always helps to have cash—some smaller vendors require it—and to give your bank a heads up of your antiquing adventures. (With vendors from all over the map—New York! Colorado! Georgia!—it won’t take long for your bank to assume your card has been stolen. Save yourself the headache by calling ahead so that you don’t sacrifice shopping time yelling “representative!” from the middle of a hayfield.)
To allow ample time for browsing, we suggest aiming to hit up 2 to 3 shows per day. Oh, and remember: For the best deals, be sure to get to “the fields” in the nearby unincorporated community of Warrenton (see below). “You’ll find rows and rows of yard sale-style tents filled with anything and everything you could imagine,” says designer Claire Zinnecker.
Note: For ease of use, the venues below are listed in the order they appear along Highway 237 from Burton to Warrenton. In other words, if two venues are side-by-side on the list, they’re worth hitting up in one fell swoop. But, be sure to check the dates, as not all shows are open on the same days.
La Bahia 550 Texas 237, Burton, TX 77835 @thelabahiaantiqueshow March 21–29, 2025 What’s not to love about an antiques show set inside a 100-year-old Texas dance hall? (No, it’s not the one from Hope Floats. We already checked.) While you won’t find Harry Connick Jr., you will find 70+ vendors selling antiques and collectibles from all over the globe. Don’t Miss: The pretty German textiles from dealer Paul Fox Big Red Barn 475 Texas 237, Round Top, TX 78954 @bigredbarnroundtop March 26–April 1, 2025 Look for—no surprise—the big red barn and you’ll know you’re in the right spot for a refined mix of English and American antiques. Bonus: Unlike many others, this venue is climate-controlled, which will matter more than you know after a fiercely hot day in the fields. Don’t Miss: Jeff R. Bridgman’s star-spangled booth, which is a great source for rare flags and patriotic textiles.
Blue Hills 1701 Texas 237, Carmine, TX 78932 @bluehillsatroundtop March 22–April 5, 2025 Owned by the same sixth generation Texans who run the aforementioned Big Red Barn, this editor-favorite venue is also quite popular with the design set thanks to its eclectic mix of both antiques dealers and stylish artisan-made goods. Don’t Miss: The colorful textiles at Hibiscus Linens, the large-scale statement-makers at East End Salvage, and the pretty grasscloth and rattan furnishings at Society Social Ranch.
Market Hill 1542 Texas 237, Round Top, TX 78954 @markethillroundtop March 16–April 6, 2025 Although this stop is a bit smaller than some other venues, what it lacks for in size it more than makes up for in quality. It’s also rich with how-to-display-it inspiration. Don’t Miss: Paul Michael of Paul Michael Company, who is both the venue founder and dealer—and a favorite resource of designer Leanne Ford. (He gets a shoutout in our February-March issue.)
The Arbors 1503 Texas 237, Round Top, TX 78954 @thearborsroundtop March 22–April 5, 2025 Look for the neat rows of white tents set up over 12 acres and you’ll find a wide, 100-dealer selection of European and American furniture, as well as linens, industrial pieces, and contemporary and fine art. Don’t Miss: The complimentary daily happy hour from 3:00 to 6:00 P.M.
The Halles 1465 N Texas 237, Round Top, TX 78954 @thehallesatroundtop March 22–April 5, 2025 Save this spot for later in the day, when you can grab a cocktail from Country Sunshine and make the rounds at this art- and antiques-filled venue that has a buzzy mix-and-mingle energy. Don’t Miss:Lela Rose Ranch, a whimsically western pop-up shop by fashion designer and Country Living Contributor Lela Rose
Bader Ranch 470 S Washington St., Round Top, TX 78954 @baderranchatroundtop March 21–April 5, 2025 Featuring more than 10,000 square feet of fine European antiques (handpicked by French dealers Patrice Watine and Cyril Clerc) alongside fashionable finds by brands including Miron Crosby and Mignonne Gavigan, this tightly curated offering overlooks a scenic hayfield that sure is pretty come sunset. Don’t Miss: The world-famous margaritas from Marfa-based Lady Elaine Company—served from a vintage Airstream, naturally
Round Top antiques dealer Seth Hunter (Toll Gate Revival) poses with her personal collection of maritime flagsRob Larsen for Country Living
Marburger Farm 2377 S. State Highway 237, Round Top, TX 78954 @marburgerfarm March 25–29, 2025 This 25-years-strong show—known simply as “Marburger”—is a favorite stop for discerning designers and retail buyers for its broad assortment spanning everything from industrial to art déco to midcentury modern. It’s also where you may spot a celebrity hiding under a baseball cap. (Joanna Gaines, Matthew McConaughey, and Gwen Stefani have all visited the venue.) Don’t Miss: Opening day, if you can swing it, when the ceremonial ringing of a cowbell kicks off a Running of the Bulls-like frenzy toward furniture. It’s also fun to keep your eyes peeled for claim tags put down by big-name design firms (think Amber Interiors).
Just one of the pretty rustic buildings on the property of Marburger FarmAvani Palazzo Moscova Milan Hotel Breakfast Buffet
The Compound 2550 Texas 237, Round Top, TX 78954 @thecompound_roundtop March 20–April 6, 2025 Owned by Round Top mayor Mark Massey, this venue includes stunning (think wedding-worthy) barns and stables alongside beautifully landscaped grounds. Inside you’ll find a mix of both find European and American antiques—much of it in the form of furniture and architectural salvage—as well as contemporary items (textiles, clothing, artwork). Don’t Miss: Henrietta’s, the venue’s new cocktail lounge, which opens this spring Excess I and II 3907 Texas 237 and 145 Rohde Rd., Round Top, TX 78954 @excessfield March 20–April 6, 2025 You’ll likely do a little more digging at these famous fields right across the street from one another, but that’s part of the fun, right?! “This is my personal favorite place to shop,” says designer Claire Zinnecker. Don’t Miss: North Star Antiques, owned by Mark Dooley (@jerseyjunker), the self-professed “Grand Poobah” of the Excess venues
Talk about a secondhand find: Vintage Seiko clocks tick and tock at John Petty Antiques at ExcessBuff Strickland
Northgate 3955 Texas 237, Round Top, Texas 78954 @northgate_roundtop March 27–April 1, 2025 Here’s another thing to know about Round Top: With so many shoppers, it’s getting harder to find legitimate bargains. However, multiple locals and dealers we spoke to mentioned Northgate as a must-stop for deal-seekers. (Psst: Some say the more upscale buyers at other shows head here to supplement their booths.) Don’t Miss: The assortment of architectural salvage
Bar W 4001 Texas 237, Round Top, Texas 78954 @barwfieldwarrentontx March 13–April 6, 2025 This 100+ vendor spot—the largest outdoor shopping venue in Warrenton—is a great spot for honest-to-goodness pickin’. You'll find a little bit of everything, from cameras to couches. Don’t Miss: The rainbow-tastic Fiesta Ware assortment (Look for the big yellow “Retired Fiesta Ware” sign)
Chicken Ranch 4150 Texas 237, Round Top, TX 78954 @chickenranchwarrenton March 13–April 6, 2025 In addition to some of the budget-friendly shows mentioned above, Amie Sikes says this eclectic venue, owned by Andrea Canova, is a locals’ favorite spot to find deals, from midcentury modern wares to primitive signage. Don’t Miss: The midcentury assortment (artwork, glassware, candlesticks) from Heather Cantwell of @avid_emporium
Zapp Hall 4217 Texas 237, Round Top, TX 78954 @zapphall March 22–April 5, 2025 The antiques and collectibles offered at the show—which feels like a party!—range from old farm tables and walnut church pews to school maps from the ’40s, painted pine cupboards, crazy quilts, French trims, and cowboy kitsch galore. Don’t Miss: The beer and wine garden, which often features live music and has an Oktoberfest energy
Campbell Building 4328 Texas 237, Round Top, TX 78954 @campbellbuilding March 20–April 5, 2025 While you’ll find a little bit of everything at this smaller venue, fashion enthusiasts will be happy to explore the vintage estate jewelry, vintage clothing (boots, leatherwork), and assortment of furs. Don’t Miss: The red Adirondack chairs out front for prime people-watching
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Fueling Up:
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
FOR BREAKFAST:
The offerings aren’t vast, but they’ll get the job done.
Round Top Coffee Shop 111 W. Wantke St., Round Top, TX 78954 214-356-3280 Beloved for its breakfast tacos, this friendly spot in a cute green cottage will leave you feeling like a local. Early-risers, take note: It doesn’t open until 8:00 A.M. Mill Street Cafe 102 E. Mill St., Round Top, TX 78954 737.280.5210 Offering smoothies and acai bowls, this breezy spot is a refreshing respite from all the richness. (From-scratch pastries are also available, if you’d prefer a bit more indulgence.) Highly opinionated coffee drinkers will appreciate the use of beans and brews from Austin-based small-batch roaster Greater Goods. Weikel’s Bakery 2247 West Hwy 71, La Grange, TX 78945 979.968.9413 No trip to this part of Texas is complete without sampling the Czech pastry known as a kolache, and in nearby LaGrange you’ll find sweet and savory options made with soft, fluffy dough.
FOR LUNCH:
These are spots of the sit-down-and-contemplate-the-merits-of-that-French-armoire sort. For a quick bite, most antiquing venues also have food trucks on the premises.
Boon & Co. 206 S. Washington St., Round Top, TX 78954 979.378.3003 Sometimes you just want a good salad from a place that doesn’t treat salads like an afterthought. While this European-inspired market-slash-bistro is happy to serve up heartier options from their intricately tiled pizza oven, we love it for those moments when you’re looking for something on the lighter side.
Duo Modern 1542 Texas 237, Round Top, TX 78954 979.203.7053 This venue within the Market Hill store is repeatedly cited by insiders as a must-stop—“especially when the tamales are on the menu,” says dealer Kim Leggett of Nashville-based City Farmhouse, who has shopped the Round Top shows for 30+ years.
Merritt Meat Co. 197 Henkel Circle, Round Top, TX 78954 979.400.4180 If it's barbecue you’re after, look no further than this Henkel Square haven named after Lee Ellis, the beloved proprietor of Ellis Motel who passed away in 2023. Round Top Mercantile Co. 438 N. Washington St., Round Top, TX 78954 979.249.3117 This local general store offers homemade sandwiches that hit the spot. It’s also the go-to local destination for forgotten toiletries and last-minute wine or beer.
The Original Mandito’s 102 S. Washington St., Round Top, TX 78954 979.249.5181 This Tex-Mex spot is admittedly no frills, and that’s kind of the point. After a swelterin’ morning of shopping, sometimes all you really want is an ice-cold margarita with chips and queso.
FOR DINNER:
If you ask us, sitting around a table recapping a day of antiquing with friends is one of life’s greatest pleasures. And when there’s pie? Perfection.
Lulu’s Italian & Il Cuculo 204 E. Mill St., Round Top, TX 78954 979.249.5171 Feeling a little fancy? This Italian mainstay tucked into the lively Lulu’s hotel offers “incredible design, great people watching, and delicious food,” says Claire Zinnecker. Order up caviar service and pasta before retreating to the chic Il Cuculo bar. (Lulu’s also offers breakfast of the truffle polenta and focaccia-and-lox variety.)
Prost on Block 29 112 Bauer Rummel, Round Top, TX 78954 979.249.5981 Housed in a historic stone cottage surrounded by a roomy patio and fire pit, this local favorite has a bit of a laid-back beer garden feel with an Italian menu. If you’re in the mood to graze on a cheese board while debating whether you should buy that 18th century sideboard, this is the place do it. (Bonus: There will probably be an interior designer sitting nearby who is willing to weigh in.)
Round Top Brewing 101 W. Austin St., Round Top, TX 78954 512.294.8641 Owned and operated by UT Austin alums Paul and Brooke Michie, this order-at-the-counter operation serves up shareable snacks along with heartier fare including duck confit tacos and Wagyu burgers. While beer is the draw, you can also opt for wines and ciders.
Royers Round Top Café 105 Main St., Round Top, TX 78954 979.249.3611 If you can only eat at one place, this is the one. Past the Coca-Cola signs and patriotic bunting, you’ll find this Lone Star state institution serving up comfort food with a side of see-and-be-seen socializing. Around the corner, Royers Pie Haven is a good spot for sweet-specific delicacies. (The Texas Trash pie, with chocolate chips, coconut, caramel, pretzels, and graham crackers, is a signature.)
Celebrate your scores with a slice at Royer’s Pie Haven.PIERCE INGRAM/TRAVEL TEXAS
The Garden Co. Feed & Firewater 104 W. Wantke St., Round Top, TX 78954 979.249.2588 This Rummel Square restaurant is a favorite for farm-to-table fare. Locals repeatedly mention the Famous Crispy Brussels Sprouts as well as the Honey Sriracha Salmon Bowl. (Don’t miss the cute gift shop next door.)
FOR BITES, BEVERAGES & LATE NIGHT CAROUSING:
Ellis Motel 185 Henkel Circle, Round Top, TX 78954 Phone N/A With its inviting front porch, this two-story 1800s building sits on the eastern edge of Henkel Square not too far from Royers. While its name is deceptive (you can’t stay there), you can kick back on the eclectic (for sale!) furniture with a mean spicy paloma in this self-described “emporium and lounge.”
The Mark Speakeasy 550 N. Washington St., Round Top, TX 78954 979.249.3390 To find this somewhat-of-a-secret spot, look for the tufted blue door inside Round Top’s 550 Market, then order a cocktail and settle into a leather Chesterfield sofa.
The Stone Cellar 550 N. Washington St., Round Top, TX 78954 979.249.3390 For craft beer, live music, and thin-crust pizza about a quarter-mile from the town square, mosey over to this spot tucked in an old 1860s train depot. (The on-site Jon Perez Lounge offers more of an upscale dining experience.)
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When in Round Top...
WHAT ELSE TO SEE & DO
Bask in the Bluebonnets (and Beyond!) What the shamrock is to Ireland, this purply-blue wildflower is to Texas, and late March into April is prime time to frolic in the fields. (You’ll find these beauties dotting the ditches along Highway 237.) Other spring Texas wildflowers to add to your vocabulary include the white prickly poppy, the Winecup, and the Texas Indian paintbrush.
Should you seek out a bluebonnet photo op, just watch out for those longhorns, okay?Anna Dean
Browse Year-Round Boutiques In addition to the seasonal shows, Round Top also offers excellent shopping outside of the tents and pavilions. Local spots like Townsend Provisions stay stocked with curated country wares new and old, including vintage Americana, gifts with Texas twang, and preloved cowboy boots. In the new-ish Round Top Village, Courtney Barton’s eponymous store offers a thoughtfully curated assortment of housewares and pretty patterned textiles and Richard Schmidt Jewelry is the place to go for handcrafted silver and turquoise pieces. (Side note: Check out the whimsical dollhouse Courtney created for a charity auction.) Filled with apparel and home goods and perhaps the most glitter per capita of any venue, the Junk Gypsy HQ tends to stay bustling with music, food trucks, and an evolving roster of makers and artisans. (Last time we visited, we bought a custom chain-stitched bandana from our friends at Rancho Sueño.)
Shop owner Courtney Barton knows her textiles.Wynn Myers for Country Living
Get Gussied Up for Prom Hosted by Amie Sikes and Jolie Sikes-Smith, the twice-annual, 22-years-strong “Junk-o-Rama Prom” started back in 2003, when the antiques-dealing sisters noticed that few vintage prom dresses had gone un-purchased. They put them on to restore them to their forgotten glory, drank sangria and danced around, and, behold, a tradition was born. Since then, the event has grown into a Hill Country hootenanny with food trucks, live music, and the occasional celebrity sighting everyone (Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves, and unconfirmed reports of Willie Nelson). Corsages optional.
Explore the Squares It’s pretty much impossible not to wind up on Henkel Square in the heart of town, what with all of the aforementioned must-sees sitting on its seven acres. While you’re there, be sure to check out St. Cecilia’s church and the Round Top Antiques & Design Center. Other squares to explore include Rolland Square (previously known as Rummel), which offers great dining (Prost on Block 29, in particular), and shopping options (Curate by Stash, Townsend Provisions), and Minden Square, which is home to Round Top Brewing.
Attend a Dinner in a Field What can we say: Round Top shoppers love a good party in a pasture, as evidenced by the ubiquity of pop-up dinners under the stars. Rancho Pillow hosts a popular “Feasts in the Field” series (follow the venue on Instagram for updates), which is not to be confused with the twice-annual “Dinner in a Hayfield” hosted by Mariana Barran Goodall, owner of Hibiscus Linens, and Stephanie Layne Disney, who owns shopping venue Blue Hills.
Visit the Round Top Festival Institute Considered a must-visit for music-lovers, this architecturally impressive concert hall and 210-acre campus was founded in 1971 by world-renowned concert pianist James Dick. Begun with a handful of gifted young pianists in rented space on the town square, the project is now an internationally acclaimed music institute for aspiring young musicians and distinguished faculty. Texas musician Robert Earl Keen will take the stage on April 11th.
Hearst Owned
You bought it. Now what?
HOW TO GET IT HOME
Let’s be honest: This is the least fun part, but somebody’s gotta do it. Many venues have shipping services on-site, but be sure to check out their reviews online before handing over your precious [insert item here]. Another idea: Befriend a Round Top dealer who happens to be from your area. Dealers come from all over, and they may just be willing to haul your item back for you—especially if you also buy a couple of things from their booth. (Hint, hint.)
Antiques lovers have been known to go to great lengths to get their haul home.PAUL HAVEL AND JACKIE GREANEY
Distinguished Transport 979.249.3473 If you’re a design enthusiast, this company, with shipping stations at multiple Round Top show locations, may be worth going ahead and adding to your phone. In addition to Round Top, it services Atlanta, home of Scott Antique Market and the new Marburger Atlanta show, as well as the furniture mecca of High Point, North Carolina.
The UPS Store at Marburger Farm, LaGrange, or Brenham If your item falls within UPS Ground shipping guidelines (less than 150 pounds, among other requirements) you can go this familiar route. Tony Brock, the owner of the LaGrange UPS location, also has a UPS shipping outpost conveniently set up at Marburger Farm. “You can’t miss me—I’m right between the main office and the restrooms,” he says. It should come as no surprise that Tony has seen it all. “I’ve packaged a lot of things over the years—taxidermy, artwork, precious glass vases.” Particularly memorable: a barnacle-covered port window from a sunken Spanish galleon ship and multiple (yes, multiple) vampire slaying kits with silver-tipped arrows. “The first time I thought it was crazy—now I’ve shipped several.”
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