City Spotlight: Round Top
First rule of Texas travel: Never judge a city’s significance by its green population sign. As a case in point, look no further than Round Top, which approximately 100 Texans call home, yet more than 100,000 people congregate here every year.
Although the townsite is more than 150 years old, it’s not Round Top’s history that keeps it on the map: It’s the gargantuan, world-famous antiques scene. Thousands of antique vendors from around the world sell all kinds of wares in Round Top, including handmade Americana, European furniture; Southwestern art; fine Asian glass; and more, forming some 11 miles of outposts along the rolling rural state Highway 237.
The Round Top Antiques Fair
The Round Top Antiques Fair is the source and summit of Round Top’s reputation among antiquers. The thrice-annual antique show is the biggest in Texas (and among the largest in America) and features nearly 100 independently owned and operated venues. The sheer scale of the event is borderline overwhelming, but there are a few hot spots every first-timer should hit on state Highway 237 (if only to take in the grandeur).
It all starts at the Big Red Barn. In fact, it all started here: The Round Top Antiques Fair was founded right here 50 years ago. Now, the iconic, 30,000-square-foot building hosts more than a hundred dealers of Old West antiques, English finery, authentic turquoise jewelry, rare art, and way more. Get your tickets for the next show in advance.
Just down the highway, the 26-acre Blue Hills venue offers an even more expansive experience during each show. Explore more than 60 vendors among 100,000 square feet of blue barns to find all things vintage, both Texan and international. Plus, admission is free.
Round Top Antiques Year-Round
The festival is just the beginning: Round Top is home to all kinds of year-round markets. You can dig through this list to find them all, but here are a few must-sees if you’re in town during the offseason.
- The 550 District: Right around the Round Top Dance Hall, you’ll find 21 indoor high-end antique spaces, especially popular for Western wear.
- Market Hill: The 225,000-square-foot market has over 30 permanent vendors and galleries of art and Southern decor.
- Junk Gypsy: The owners are a pair of sisters and HGTV stars, who transform discarded home decor and furniture into high-end antique pieces.
End on a Pie Note
Nothing pairs so well with antiquing as a slice of good ol’ fashioned pie, making Royers Pie Haven an essential way to end your day in Round Top. The boutique coffee shop and confectionery offers everything from a classic American pie menu (you can’t beat their pecan pie), to an out-of-this-world menu, which includes Royers’ renowned “Texas Trash Pie” complete with coconut, chocolate chips, caramel, pretzels, and graham crackers.
