How to Shop the Round Top Antiques Fair Like Designers
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Each spring and fall, designers and design lovers from across the world descend onto a quaint Texas town looking to find one-of-a-kind and rare furniture pieces and artwork. The Round Top Antiques Fair has served as one of the country's most celebrated antique shopping destinations with its rolling fields filled with countless vendors. This year, the fall fair takes place from October 24-28, with Blue Hills opening on October 14.
“Only in Texas will you find open pastures with cows and towering oak trees that neighbor miles of antique shopping venues,” says Houston-based designer Devon Liedtke, who makes the trek to Round Top, Texas for some serious shopping and family bonding every year.
Dallas- and Los Angeles-based designer Chad Dorsey agrees that there's no other market quite like Round Top which is why its popularity has grown over the last few years. Dorsey says, "I think Round Top offers a unique experience for designers and antiquarians. It's often about the transparent quantity, I mean you can cover a lot in one day, and the open space adds to the charm of it all, but I think Round Top is mostly about being able to source a rare find that has history to it."
And as seasoned fair regulars, Dorsey and Liedtke know just how daunting the massive gathering can be for newcomers to navigate. That's why we asked them to share expertise on how to navigate the Round Top Antiques Fair with tips on everything from how to get to the town to what vendors you can't pass up.
How to Get to Round Top
For those coming out of state to Round Top, Dorsey and Liedtke recommend looking into booking a night at the charming boutique hotel, Hotel Lulu. Designers and tastemakers are also excited to see the debut of designer Alessandra Branca's bungalow makeover at The Red Antler, which opened last March.
However, Liedtke notes that these options tend to fill up early, so consider staying in Austin or Houston which are both an hour and a half drive away from Round Top. Both cities offer a number of impeccable lodging options, but designer favorites include Hotel Ella in Austin and Houston's Hotel ZaZa. You'll need to rent a car to get to the antiques fair, but Liedtke finds the drive to be a quiet moment of relaxation. "Every time, I put on a good book on tape or a favorite podcast and enjoy the slower pace and open spaces."
What to Pack for Round Top
Before making the journey to the fair, make a list of furniture and accessories you're keeping an eye out for, along with the measurements of your space. Bringing along a tape measure doesn't hurt either, as it helps to ensure you know exactly the height and width of each item that caught your eye. You don't want to run into an issue where you purchased a 19th-century English console table or a Louis XIV mirror only for it not to fit in your space. For those looking to do some serious shopping, Dorsey recommends renting a larger vehicle or "arrange for shipping because you’re going like everything."
Cash is also a must as it is much easier to barter with—plus, not every vendor accepts cards. Liedtke also advises people to protect themselves from the Texas sun by packing plenty of sunscreen, a stylish hat, and cool drinks to stay hydrated. You'll also want to make sure you're wearing a pair of walking shoes or boots that you don't mind getting a little dirty. It can get a little muddy in those pastures.
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Where to Shop at Round Top
The best advice Liedtke can give to people when shopping at Round Top is to be a little impulsive. Liedtke says, "If you love something, buy it. Trust me, the times you think about it and go back to get it, it's always gone!"
Dorsey echoes this sentiment noting that vendors don't hold items for potential buyers, so you need to act fast. He says, "Expert antique hunters know the value of items being shown and unique items sell fast. If you like something, buy it. Don’t hesitate."
With miles of vendors scattered across expansive fields, it can be tricky knowing where to start, but Dorsey and Liedtke have a few must-visit spots every person should make their way to:
Blue Hills
KD Weave offers a variety of artisan-made goods from around the world, from Mexican glassware and Moroccan lighting to Indian textiles and more
Maps and Art for great vintage prints and original works of art
Hibiscus Linens for handcrafted linens all designed by Mariana Barran Goodall
Sarah Bray Bermuda for sustainable and stylish sun hats
Houses and Parties is a one-stop shop for all things tabletop and gifts.
The Arbors
Honest Cotton for ethically made and sewn caftans and clothing.
The Big Red Barn
Jeff R Bridgman American Antiques for traditional Americana pieces and antique flags.
Market Hill
Amelia Tarbet for all your midcentury furniture wants.
M Naeve for vintage Italian, French and Swedish finds.
Architectural Anarchy for intriguing and statement-making pieces.
The Halles
Kufri offers incredible handwoven natural textiles.
Carol Piper Rugs has piles and piles of gorgeous rugs (both new and vintage).
Round Top Village
Courtney Barton for well-traveled wares, plus exclusive pop-ups.
The Compound
Eneby Home for a distinct mix of European furnishings and antiques.
Marburger Farms
Prize Home and Garden for vintage case goods and seating
Stephen Schofiled Antiques for rare coins and stamps.
Marburger Spring Show for a mix of high-end jewelry and furnishings.
Where to Eat and Drink in Round Top
Royer’s Pies Haven is perfect for early shoppers craving coffee and pie for breakfast.
Lady Elaine, the Austin outpost housed in Bader Ranch during Round Top, for thirst-quenching margaritas and ranch waters.
Prost is perfect for wine-lovers who want to sip their end-of-day glass in Round Top's most historic building.
The Garden Co. for fabulous food and beautiful florals.
Mandito's is located in Round Top's main square. Eat here legitimate Tex-Mex—and go early for porch margaritas (and to avoid the line).
Lulu's for delicious Italian fare and fabulous interiors. Their bar “Il Cuculo” opened last October, designed by Dennis Brackeen, and it's a must-see.
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