This passed weekend was the beginning of a beautiful thing. It’s time for Round Top, Texas Antique Fair! When you hear the word “fair”, you may think of carnival rides, corn dogs, funnel cakes and stuffed animal winning games. Nope. This fair is more for people who like European antiques and vintage junk and chippy chairs and french linens. Of course they have food like cinnamon funnel cakes and lemonade but they also have BBQ and handmade pies. It’s a virtual Disney World for people who love garage sales, flea markets and antique stores.
The Antique Fair will get over 100,000 people twice a year. Some even make this their annual vacation because it lasts a couple of weeks. I think if I didn’t have the Mister with me, I could go broke buying so many great souvenirs. But these souvenirs are way more memorable. I’ve picked up candle sticks, chandeliers, ironstone pots, vintage corbels, even old spoons. Antlers, Christmas ornaments, linen pillowcases, and a vintage baby chair, just to name a few.
You can get 12 foot barn doors or a 12 foot dining table. Do you want old windows? There are hundreds. Need a chicken coop? How many because there are oodles. How about a crystal chandelier or beautiful handmade jewelry? Or maybe a new dress with boots? There are so many you can’t pick just one!
The Antique Fair spans several miles and several small towns and most of the fair is free but to get into a couple of the buildings/tents, you’ll need a ticket. Here is where you can find out more about which areas require an admission fee. If you plan on going, here is a map to check out what towns you’d like to visit and possible places to stay. And if you need a calendar to know what area is open and when, check it here.
Tips to Navigate the Antique Fair
- Plan for annoying weather. It’s Texas people and we have a saying around here. If you don’t like the weather, wait a minute, it will change.
- If you can, take a cart to carry your things. The Mister totes me around on the four-wheeler with a laundry basket strapped to the front. It’s not pretty but it’s a achy feet saver!
- The terrain is bumpy so wear comfy shoes. It might be tempting to wear those cute cowgirl boots since you are in TX but you won’t make it half a day before you poop out.
- Just about everyone takes a credit card. Be patient though, the card may take quite a while which brings me to tip #5.
- Round Top gets TERRIBLE cell service! If you are with a friend and get separated, make a verbal plan to meet somewhere. You may not ever get a call out.
- Not a good idea to take kids unless they are great travelers who like a great hunt.
- Most parking is free but you may come across a lot/pasture that charges so be prepared with cash for that (usually $5-15).
- Enjoy yourself. Sit a while. People watch. Listen to a band and take your time. 🙂
Round Top, Texas or Bust!
I’ll be going back next week. So if you see this girl riding on the back of a 4-wheeler with an aqua laundry basket on the front being driven by a generously sweet handsome man, give me a shout and a wave! I’d love to meet you and see what goodies you’ve purchased! And I may or may not be dragging a large plastic Santa behind us too. 😉
That sounds so fun, I need go one of these years!!
Author
Yes Ali, make the trip down and we’ll meet up! Might want to bring a U Haul truck though. 😉
Such fun Cindy! I am crossing my fingers that your package arrived safely?
Author
It did Laura! I’ll take good care of it and see her next week. Hope you are enjoying France! I’m enjoying the pics and stories on IG!
I have always wanted to go to Round Top, and this gives me good motivation to make the trip! I love the photos. Thanks for sharing!
Author
It’s definitely worth saving money for and making the trip. Book your hotel or B&B reservations early! They book up fast. Hope to see you there one day. 😀
I know it would be fun and i would like to go just once if, i could just find someone to go with me. Oklahoma does have a Chicken Farm sale that is getting real popular and gets bigger every year. Round Top is my dream!!! Have fun and post pictures so i can go along,lol!!
Author
If you ever decide to go Marlene, let me know and I’ll meet you there. Tell us more about this Chicken Farm sale too! I’ve not heard of it. When and where is it?! I’ll try and post more pics next week on Instagram. 😉
It sure sounds like fun, but Texas is a long way from the White Mountains of NH.
Author
Josephine, I was so dripping hot that I would have preferred to be in NH looking at all the changing leaves instead. One day I’ll get there. Until then, I’ll keep sweating and shopping down here. 😉
Have fun!! Buy treasures and bring them back to show. Can’t wait to see what you choose. 🙂
Author
Thank you Stacey. Have you ever been?
Daughter and I want to go sooo bad sometime but we also wanna go to Magnolia…..decisions decisions…
I LOVE your sweet blog..
Author
Thank you BJ – that means a lot. And going to Magnolia is a fun trip too but that is open all the time. Round Top is only twice a year. I’m sure y’all will have have no matter what! 😀
Round Top is on my ‘one of these days’ list! And I can’t wait!
Author
I felt that same way and even after going a few times now, I still look forward to it. Hope you get there sooner than later. Have a great week!
Definite bucket list trip! Thanks for sharing!
Author
Yes! You’ll want to spend at least a couple of days shopping!