Round Top Antiques Show

A Guide to Visiting the Round Top Antiques & Design Show in Texas

If you are a treasure hunter or love flea marketing, one of the very best spots to visit is Round Top, Texas and the sprawling fields and rural communities along State Road 237. It is a whole vibe like nothing else you’ve ever experienced. Twice each year, once in the Spring and again the the Fall, people from every corner of life show up to shop literally thousands of vendors’ stalls amongst over 60 shows with wares ranging from high-end antiques to garage-sale finds and upcycled arts & crafts.

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Round Top is located pretty evenly between Houston and Austin in a rural area where longhorn cattle roam. Roughly 50 years ago, “the show” was established for the antique trade. It continued to grow over the years into what now attracts 100,000+ visitors over the course of each 2-3 week show. It’s HUGE!

Above photo: Round Top, Texas

I first found out about the Antiques Show about 20 years ago and started regularly attending at least once a year. It is a short 1.5 hour drive from Austin to Round Top, which is a perfect day trip for me. But, this event isn’t just for locals. Folks come from all over the US in search of home decor treasures. It is a complete blast!! Grab your favorite antique-ing buddy and your shopping trolley and get ready for a lot of fun!

Above photos: French jardinières from Antiques & Vintage at The Bull Market

In this post, I will share information, links to resources, and helpful tips for first-timers, including the best shows, where to say, where to park, and how to make the most of your time.

• Antiques Show dates
• Where to stay
• Pre-show prep & tips for success
• The shows
• Post-show & getting your loot home
• More reading and resources

Antiques Show dates

The Round Top Antiques Show takes place twice each year, in the spring and fall, with a smaller winter show in January. The spring show ends on the first weekend in April and the fall show ends on the last weekend in October. When you go depends on what you are looking for and your strategy. The front-end of the show will have a better selection while the last weekend may be somewhat picked-over. However, the later you go, the more likely you will be able to negotiate a great deal. I’ve always been a fan of going on the last weekend.

Be aware that not all the shows are open for the entirety of the 2 – 3 week event. A handful of shows open early along with the permanent vendors. Then, others start to open the second week. A couple are only open the last weekend, including the Big Red Barn (the original venue that started the Round Top Antiques Show) and Marburger Farm, one of my personal favorites for beautifully curated decor.

The complete show calendar is published by RoundTop.com and by AntiqueWeekend.com.

Where to stay

If you live locally, or even as far as Houston or Austin, the drive to Round Top is very do-able. Since I am able to attend on a whim, I usually just make a day trip out of whatever day I decide to go. However, last fall, my husband and I decided to make a full 3-day weekend get-away out of it by renting a cabin within about 15 minutes of the main shows.

I loved being able to attend the shows at a slower pace knowing that I didn’t have to cram everything into a single day. I was also able to re-visit a spot or two for a second-look at a big purchase. We stayed at a cabin at Scenic Hill Retreat. Our little cozy spot in the woods was a perfect romantic retreat.

Above photos: Scenic Hill Retreat

As the Round Top Antiques Show has increased in popularity, there have been more B&B’s come on the scene, but accommodations are still a bit scarce. Book your lodging early! I cannot stress this enough, especially if you plan on spending multiple days in the area.

VRBO: There are some great cabin and home rentals available through VRBO. The compelling upside to going this route is that you will have a full kitchen for meals. Click here to explore glamping and property rentals through VRBO.

B&B: There are numerous unique B&B’s available that cater to the whole vintage vibe that the area has become known for. My favorites include The Vintage Round Top, Red Antler Bungalows, Lone Star Glamp Inn, and Roline’s Guest House (the rooms are exquisite!). More options can be found on the Round Top Chamber of Commerce website.

RV Parks: If you have your own home on wheels or are renting a camper, there are several RV parks to pull-up and plug-into including The Ridge at Roundtop and Round Top Carmine RV Park.

Pre-show prep & tips for success

Check the weather forecast – because you’d be surprised how quickly the weather can change despite how nice things look in the morning. I can’t remember the last time it didn’t rain during the April show. And, October can still be sweltering hot come 2 pm. So, just be prepared!

Bring a hat, sunscreen, water, and hand wipes – because a few personal items can make a big difference. While most people apply sunscreen before heading outdoors, I learned the hard way when it came to the hand wipes. The fields, in particular, are a bit dusty and dirty — as are all the things sitting in those fields.

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes – because there is a lot of walking involved and rummaging through piles of stuff can be a workout. Flea marketing is the equivalent of a shopping marathon. The early mornings might be a little on the cool side, but Texas warms up fast and you’ll shed layers quickly. If there has been any rain, expect it to be muddy in areas.

Bring cash – because ATMs are far and few between and some vendors only accept cash. Higher-end dealers will likely be able to run your credit card. For the other bits and bobs, it is best to have cash. Also, since vendors must rely on cellular data in the middle of nowhere, it would be a crying shame if a connectivity issue ended up standing between you and your ultimate treasure.

Bring your measurements, swatches, and a tape measure – because you would be surprised what you find and then suddenly need to know if it will fit through a door, or in the space, or match the thing that’s already there. Wisdom from experience, friends. This tape measure from Amazon is a sturdy favorite to throw in your tote and keep handy.

Bring a shopping trolley and/or oversized shopping tote – because you will probably be parked a good distance away when you find that oversized charcuterie board or buffet lamp you cannot leave without. I ALWAYS flea market with my shopping trolley. If it doesn’t fit in your trolley or shopping tote, you can ask the vendor to hold it for you and come back with your vehicle later.

Above photos: Market must-haves: shopping trolley and cash

The shows

Even after years and years of attending the Antiques Show, I still have yet to visit all the shows. When coming for just a day, you will be lucky to cover a few shows. If you are coming in from out-of-town and want to visit as many shows as possible, you’ll definitely need multiple days. It is helpful to review show guides, set your priorities, and plot out a navigation plan.

I tend to focus on the Round Top and Warrenton shows, but attempt to visit new shows each year in Carmine, Fayetteville, and LaGrange. The ones I like the best, I go back to each year. But, it also depends on what I’m looking for.

Below are a handful of shows I have enjoyed the most over the years and recommend if you aren’t sure where to start. I’m more of a flea market gal and spend most of my time digging through the Warrenton shows. Design professionals shopping for their clients (and have more to spend) probably veer more towards the high-end shows.

Warrenton

Warrenton is the down-and-dirty, real deal flea market. It is my absolute favorite and first stop every single time. Warrenton is actually comprised of several dance halls, barns, and field areas that blend from one to the next. It is a massive and continuous expanse of everything. Literally.

Off the top of my head, some of the things I routinely see at Warrenton are rugs, housewares, linens, upcycled crafts, signage, architectural fragments, garden decor, cowboys boots, lighting, furniture, glassware, toys, vintage clothing, estate jewelry, and hardware.

Above photos: Warrenton Antiques Show

Having done this show so many times, my advice is to park across the highway from the gas station (there is only one – lol). Turn-in at the gravel driveway that leads to the parking in the back field. There is a $5 parking fee that benefits the local Young Life chapter. After parking, head down to Bar-W and the tents in the lower field and shop your way back up the hill.

The prices are generally the best in the lower field, but you’ll have to get your hands dirty and rummage through a lot of junk. It’s all good fun though. I usually end up spotting things from my childhood, like rotary phones and classroom globes, or things that my mother used to have, like casserole dishes and Tupperware.

Above photos: Warrenton Antiques Show

The vendors on the hill have more upcycled crafts, i.e., junk that has been transformed into something whimsical and clever. The dance halls will have higher-end finds, such as furniture and jewelry. All are worth going into!

The amount of stuff to see here can be overwhelming. I have found it helpful to go with a list in-hand of what I’m looking for. One year it was depression glass, another it was porcelain, another it was area rugs. There are inevitably surprises that I decide I can not live without – and those finds are what feed my flea market addiction.

Above photos: Warrenton Antiques Show

The Bull Market

3570 Texas 237, Round Top, TX 78954

I pulled into The Bull Market for the first time this last visit and it ended up being a great new discovery. On one side of the grounds is Casper & Gerard’s Antiques, which has crates and crates of really interesting imported antiques.

On the other side of the aisle is Antiques & Vintage, which specializes in European architectural salvage sourced from Hungary, Denmark, the Netherlands and France. The chandeliers were over-the-top gorgeous and the doors will having you making up excuses to renovate just so you can build one into your home. I definitely plan on stopping in again to see her latest acquisitions.

Above photos: Antiques & Vintage Round Top

The Compound

2550 South State Highway 237, Round Top, TX | Website

The Compound is another show on my list of favorites. This special event center completely transforms during the Antiques Show as it brings in a broad cross-section of furniture, decorative arts, and architectural fragments to their uber-charming barns and cottages.

The grounds of The Compound are stunning! It feels like a rustic resort — only you will eventually have to leave at 6:00 pm when they close. Definitely save some time to spend at this one. It is worth skipping some of the other shows to make time for this one.

Above photos: The Compound

The White Barn

101 Compound Ln, Round Top, TX 78954 | Website

The White Barn is located adjacent to The Compound. So, you can park once and walk both of these shows. I would describe The White Barn as refined-shabby. Think white-washed furnishings, gilded frames, and weathered stone accents with a champagne vending machine in the corner. Um, yes please.

Above photos: The White Barn at The Compound

Market Hill

1542 Texas 237, Round Top, TX 78954 | Website

Market Hill is an entire decorative arts center with multiple permanent buildings that are open year-round. At the center of the complex is Paul Michael Company. If you’ve ever been to Houston’s Nutcracker Market, you’ve probably seen the Paul Michael Company’s rows and rows of amazing Christmas decor. Well, you can find even more at this location at Market Hill. I opened my wallet wide for this visit and came home with cute throw rugs, decorative art glass, and several gifts.

The adjacent buildings house several high-end antique dealers, artists, jewelers and artisans. We came here on a Sunday morning as our last stop before driving back home to Austin. While most of the other shows close up on Saturday, it was nice to have one last hurrah exploring the exquisite showrooms at Market Hill.

Above photos: Showrooms at Market Hill

The Original Round Top Antiques Fair

475 South Texas Highway 237, Carmine, TX 78932 | Website

“The Show that Started it All” is the iconic venue of the Round Top Antiques Show. Also known as the Big Red Barn, this show offers authentic, high-end antique furnishings in 65,000 square feet of shopping space (and thankfully, air conditioned). There are many conveniences on-site including porters, shippers, and food vendors. Parking is free and plentiful, too.

Blue Hills

1701 South Texas Highway 237, Carmine, TX 78932 | Website

Blue Hills is a regular stop for interior designers and serious shoppers. With multiple barns (and more being built) on their 26-acre property, they have over 100,000 square feet of shopping space and 60+ vendors. Don’t be scared away by seemingly higher-end vibe here because there is plenty for every type of budget. I loved the eclectic mix of vendors and antiques here, including old world maps and gorgeous linens. Be sure to check the show dates for Blue Hills in advance because they usually close ahead of the final show week.

Junk Gypsy World Headquarters

1215 Texas 237, Round Top, TX 78954 | Website

Junk Gypsy is a grassroots, adventurous lifestyle brand that resonates strong with Texas women. Their headquarters and flagship store in Round Top is eclectically decorated and bursting with sassy personality. Although it really isn’t an antiques show, the vintage vibe and super fun live entertainment on their front lawn during the Antiques Show weeks cannot be missed.

Above photos: Junk Gypsy

Round Top Antiques & Design Center

199 Henkel Circle, Round Top, TX 78954 | Website

Another great place to stop and wander around a bit is Henkle Square where you will find the Round Top Antiques & Design Center. Parking is a little tight and scarce here. You may have to circle around the block in order to find street parking.

Henkle Square is Round Top’s most iconic historic square. There are numerous historic building markers around the square, mostly German homes that have been revitalized into galleries, eateries, and shopping spaces.

Probably the most popular place on the square is Royer’s Pie Haven, a quaint coffee bar serving sweet & savory pies, breakfast pastries and Amy’s ice cream. The line is always out the door and it is always worth the wait.

Above photos: Round Top Antiques & Design Center (left); Royers Pie Haven (right)

Post-show & getting your loot home

I guess this is where I have really lucked out being an Austin-ite who drives a large capacity SUV. I’ve been able to haul home some pretty impressive loads, including a massive oak sideboard that we use as our media console.

If you have your own (preferably large) vehicle, be sure to throw a few things in the back before leaving the house, such as a moving blanket, tarp, rope, and/or bungee cords. Blankets and tarps will protect your finds from scratches and water damage. Ropes and cords will help tie-down anything hanging out of the back of your trunk or secure a partially open hatch.

If you need to transport any purchases, you may first want to ask the vendor if they have any shipping options available. In the event you need to make your own arrangements, there are a couple local LTL agents that can help. Of course, if you know ahead of time you’ll be making sizable purchases, you may opt to rent a trailer or moving truck (it is not uncommon at all!).

More reading and resources

Last, but not least, I leave you with some of my favorite resources and articles on the Round Top Antiques Show. These have helped me navigate the shows, inspired me to seek out vendors and events, and been helpful in keeping up with the shows as they have grown over the years. Happy reading!

Thank you for reading my post! Please feel free to add friendly comments or questions below!