Round Top a Shopping Paradise

The first time I pulled into this tiny little down, which consists of one main road, conveniently named Round Top Road, I never thought I would ever make this statement: Round Top is one of my favorite places in the world. Yes, a tiny little town, population 77, is one the best places to be if you love antique shopping, good food and just a good town to escape with friends.

To briefly summarize the concept, because it can be confusing to someone who doesn’t know much about these antique shows (my husband was somewhat confused last spring when I missed Easter and left him with my one year old and in-laws to go shop for antiques in a cow pasture) there are large tents set up on designated land where antique dealers from all over the world transport their beautiful items to display and sell. It was a domino effect that took place when one antique show started, more started to follow, thus allowing Round Top, TX to grow each year with more and more vendors to take advantage of the local buyers. It might be a small town, but it is right in the middle of Houston and Austin. You will find shoppers, professional designers, antique junkies, or just some gals trying to find items for their first home traveling from all over Texas and Oklahoma two times a year to find some fabulous purchases. Yes, these shows are in the middle of land with only port a potties for relief, but it’s worth roughing it for that one of a kind chandelier or settee.

I was fortunate enough to go this year with a group of experts in everything antique and home décor. This was my fourth visit to the great little town, but could have been the first because of all the new places I discovered with my shopping partners. Below is just a little snap shot of our trip. It would take longer than a week, shopping all day into the evening to cover all the shows that take place. Next spring, I would like to attempt this. I would like to mention my first visit I was almost eight months pregnant, and I did not let that stop me from all the fields of shopping glory.  It just might be one of those places, and I hate to repeat such a cliché statement, you just have to go to understand!

These Are Vellum Books from the 17^th and 18^th Century, something that would look beautiful on your shelves and appreciate even more over time.

Isn’t this light fixture extraordinary? One of our lucky friends walked away with this one. What I also love: the Edison bulbs, so vintage!

Same booth, different light fixture. These were found in the Blue Hills area, we will definitely revisit this show.

We are pretty sure this bird house was made out of an old barrel. The new owner’s backyard will be even more fabulous with this treasure in it.

Mary and Monique with more birdhouses for their backyard. Terry suggested hanging on their fences? Too cute!

These wooden boxes and calligraphy brushes were all over Round Top.

I can’t wait to see what Terry does with these: gardening creativity at its finest.

Old groupings of keys- you could group them in a bunch, hang on a wall, put on top a pile of books…

Our Herbariums were available of course at Marburger Farms at one of my favorite booths. She displayed the Intaglios and Botanicals so well against her beautiful antiques. They were a hot item!

This chandelier was with our botanicals and intaglios, as you can tell this vendor has excellent taste!

I adore these old horse statues.  The faded colors in this one are perfectly subtle.

Another favorite vendor of mine also located at Marburger, “Kay the Book Lady.”

She has reasonably priced old books, and displays them so well. Some more old calligraphy brushes!

These lamps (they were a set) were so whimsical, perfect for a little girl’s room.

Kay also had this statue, of religious suggestion, which was a very common theme all over Round Top.

Here is our group walking to another show, just a good glimpse of what it’s all about. One main road, many wonderful shows.

Justin and Lisa buying treasures for their new store, Dekorum, and I can already tell by their purchases it is going to fabulous!

Waiting in line for lunch. Yes, they serve champagne. We might be roughing it, but fine champagne just makes it more fun!

The end of another productive shopping day.

Terry and Mary pleased with another great purchase, until next spring!