What You Need to Know About the Round Top Antiques Show
REJOICE, HOUSTON ANTIQUE JUNKIES. The most wonderful time of the year is almost here, by which of course we mean the Round Top Antiques Show. The spring edition of the fair is throwing down from March 14 to March 31, and we’re already clearing out space in our cars in preparation.
For the uninitiated, the Round Top Antiques Show, founded over 50 years ago, is one of the largest antique festivals in the US. Three times a year (in the spring, fall, and winter), the tiny town of Round Top—resident count: 90—sees its population temporarily swell to more than 100,000 as antique fans from across the nation pour in to peruse the fair’s well-stocked barns, warehouses, and tents.
Although most people headed to the festival simply say they're "going to Round Top," that's a bit of a misnomer, since many visitors don't actually end up doing any of their shopping in the actual town. That's because the festival stretches for 22 miles through the neighboring towns of Warrenton, Fayetteville, Carmine, and Burton, which each have their own dedicated shopping areas. The sprawling festival is like Burning Man for the antiques crowd, except instead of burning art installations, you spend your day burning calories (and through your wallet) as you weave your way through the never-ending antique city.
Because the festival can be pretty intimidating for first-timers and seasoned veterans alike, we’ve put together a handy guide to help you make the most of your Round Top experience.
Where to Stay in Round Top
If you’re planning on your trip to the festival being an overnight affair, it’s important to book your hotel accommodations early, since the area only has a handful of dedicated inns and hotels. (If you’re reading this the week of the fair, oops—you’ll know for next year.)
Hotel Lulu
This luxury boutique hotel offers 14 rooms spread out between six bungalows on a property that includes a restaurant, pool, and garden. If you don’t manage to get a room, definitely try to celebrate your antique finds with an end-of-the-day visit to Hotel Lulu’s swanky, newly renovated bar, Il Cuculo.
Wander Inn
The Wander Inn is an eclectic boutique hotel comprising a duo of two-story houses that have been completely renovated by Amie and Jolie Sikes of HGTV fame. At the Wander Inn, which sits on the grounds of the Junk Gypsy Headquarters, guests can rent individual rooms, a whole house, or even the entire property.
Round Top Inn
Located in downtown Round Top, this one-acre property features a total of 13 vintage farmhouses and cottages that have been decked out in antiques and heaps of country charm.
Flophouze
Flophouze is Round Top’s famous shipping container hotel. The property features six shipping containers that have been upcycled and styled in eclectic decor, each complete with a hammock, firepit, and lounge chairs to soak in those Texas sunsets. Plus, there are two ranch houses, one farmhouse, and a beach house to rent out for larger groups.
The Frenchie Boutique Hotel
This elegant option near downtown Round Top is made up of an 1800s-era farmhouse and several additional small buildings that have been completely renovated.
Rancho Pillow
Rancho Pillow, a funky artist compound owned by designer Sheila Youngblood (who has the fashion sense of someone who should be teaching divination at Hogwarts), is one of the most eclectic places you can stay in the entire state. The compound features multiple art-filled buildings, perfect for people who enjoy their hotel accommodations a little on the boho side.
Hotel Bebe
Fully renovated and opened in fall 2022 by Truth BBQ co-owner Abbie Byrom-Botello, Hotel Bebe includes four well-sized bungalows and a main house. There’s a complimentary snack bar in every room and a pool for lounging between shopping.
What to Pack for the Round Top Antiques Show
- Comfortable shoes: Although you might look great in a pair of cowboy boots, if you’re going to go full country with your ensemble, make sure your footwear is well broken in. Since the festival requires quite a bit of walking, a pair of sneakers are your best bet for a comfortable festival experience. Have rain boots readily available in your car in case of wet weather—there is nowhere to hide from the elements in Round Top if you’re out shopping in the fields or venues.
- Functional clothing: Although you don’t necessarily need to go the activewear route, it’s important to wear clothing that you can really move around in—especially since you’re going to be spending most of your day spelunking through antiques booths. You’re also likely going to be sweating a lot, so make sure you wear clothing that is breathable.
- Sunscreen and a hat: Most of the festival occurs outside, so sunscreen and a hat are key—it’s spring in Texas, after all.
- Tape measure: If you’re on the hunt for something that fits a specific spot in your house, get all your measurements before heading out to the festival. Having a tape measure with you will also help ensure that the treasures you bring home will all fit in your home.
- A collapsible wagon or cart: If you’re planning on taking home a lot of little things, we recommend bringing a cart or something that will allow you to transport everything around. The festival is quite large, and the last thing you want to do is be forced to lug something bulky around by hand all day, especially because your car will likely be parked far away from where you’ve made your purchases.
- Cash: Although you can find some ATMs at the festival, and a lot of the vendors accept cards, cell service issues are quite common at the festival. It’s better to play it safe and have cash on hand. You don’t want to have to pass up that perfect treasure because a vendor is struggling to get a signal for their point-of-sale system.
Can You Negotiate at the Round Top Antiques Show?
Round Top is all about negotiating. The festival is your opportunity to make some really great deals, especially toward the end of its run when dealers are trying to get rid of as much stuff as they can so they can have lighter trips home. Brush up on your negotiating skills ahead of the festival, and don’t be afraid to play hardball.
It’s important to remember that you’ll never receive a discount if you don’t first ask for one. While negotiating, be polite and make a reasonable first offer. If there are any flaws in the item you’re wanting to purchase, be sure to point those out to the dealer. The festival is full of great deals, so be ready to move on if your offer is rejected—there will be plenty of other sellers around with whom you can strike a good deal.
How to Transport Your Purchases
If you come across an item that you absolutely can’t pass up, but it’s too large to carry home with you, don’t fret. Most dealers at the festival have the capacity to ship large items. However, it’s still important to make sure you have some extra space in your vehicle before heading out to the festival. If you’re planning on attending with a lot of people, it would be smart to take multiple vehicles so there is plenty of room on your way back home for you to transport small- and medium-size items.
Where to Shop on Festival Grounds
The Big Red Barn
Mar 25–Mar 30
Located on Hwy 237, this climate-controlled building has everything from English antiques to authentic turquoise jewelry and fine glass.
The Continental Tent
Mar 25–Mar 30
At the Continental Tent (also air conditioned), you’ll find heaps of antique furnishings sourced from across the world.
The Annex
Mar 25–Mar 30
The Annex is your best bet for midcentury modern furniture and collectibles.
Where Else to Shop in Round Top
Blue Hills
Mar 16–Mar 30
Blue Hills, owned by native Houstonians and brother-sister duo Corey Layne and Stephanie Layne Disney, is a favorite among interior designers and a must-see for lovers of all things vintage and rustic. The 26-acre property includes 100,000 square feet of shopping space and over 60 vendors.
Market Hill
Open year-round
Market Hill is an air-conditioned space that includes a mix of high-end antiques and home goods from over 25 vendors.
The Arbors
Mar 16–Mar 30
This large collection of tents features enough art, decor, clothing, jewelry, and rugs to keep you entertained all day.
Marburger Farm
Mar 26–Mar 30
This huge enclave, spread out across several acres of Texas pasture includes over 300 vendors housed in both historic buildings and tents.
The Compound
Mar 16–Mar 30
Located two miles from Round Top's town square, this luxe, multi-acre complex is where to go if you're on the hunt for more high-end items.
Bader Ranch
Mar 16–Mar 30
Round Top Ranch
Mar 14–Mar 31
Owned by Henrik and Mary Follin, who once owned the largest European antique business in Colorado before relocating to Round Top, this venue is one of the best options for expensive European furnishings in the area. Although the Follins source from all over, their Scandinavian collection is the most expansive.
Where to Shop In Warrenton
The Bull Market
Mar 14–Mar 31
Excess I & II
Mar 19–Mar 30
These two sister venues are usually home to a wide array of eclectic textiles, repurposed materials, garden decor, vintage furniture, and art objects.
Cole's
Mar 21–Mar 30
If you're looking for a break from the weather, Cole's is your spot. This air-conditioned venue is home to booths from over 250 dealers. It's a great spot to find fine china, glassware, silver, jewelry, and crystal. It's also home to an ATM—a godsend if you forgot to bring cash with you. Oh, and there are also bathrooms inside.
Bar W Field
Mar 14–Mar 31
You can find everything in this tent city, from furniture, glassware, jewelry and paintings to mannequins, African art, crystals, cowhides, and vintage toys.
Northgate Field
Mar 16–Mar 30
Stop by Northgate Field for some rug shopping and eclectic home decor.
Zapp Hall
Mar 15–Mar 30
This well-curated corner, a staple at the festival since 1987, is home to a variety of shops as well as dining options and live music.
Where to Shop in Burton
La Bahia
Mar 22–Mar 30
This sprawling dance hall, originally built in 1879, is home to almost 100 dealers every year during the festival.
Y Station
Mar 16–Mar 30
This venue is your spot for mid-century decor, cowhide furniture, western ware, artwork, and home goods.
Where to Shop in Fayetteville
Antiques off the Square
Mar 19–Mar 24
This show features lots of Americana, vintage furniture, ranch-style everything, fine art, folk art, and mid-century finds.
Where to Shop in Carmine
Carmine Trading Post
Mar 14–Mar 30
This venue is a great spot to source neon signs, pottery, vintage clothing, quilts, furniture, and more.
Carmine Dance Hall
mar 23–Mar 28
This historic hall is home to antique glassware and china, fine silver, pottery, crystal, jewelry, linens, paintings, and art objects galore.
Where to Eat
Lulu’s
Owned by Houston restaurateurs Cinda and Armando Palacios of Armandos in River Oaks, Lulu’s is a refined fine-dining restaurant featuring Italian cuisine and a stellar wine program.
Round Top Brewing
This nanobrewery and taproom features plenty of beer and wine, as well as a surprisingly sophisticated food menu, which includes tempting options like duck confit tacos, a Kobe burger, and pâté. Enjoy live music outside on the dog-friendly patio on the weekends.
Royers Round Top Cafe
Open since 1946 and owned by its current family (the third family to run the cafe) since 1987, Royers Round Top Cafe is a funky dining spot that serves dishes like fresh salmon, grilled shrimp, rack of lamb, and handmade pies.
Mandito’s
Also owned by the Palacios family, Mandito’s is a casual, cantina-style cousin to its famous Houston sister concept Armandos. The colorful Tex-Mex spot serves outstanding fajitas, fish tacos, and enchiladas.
Ellis Motel
The Garden Co. Feed & Firewater
This farm-to-table concept, open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, has an expansive menu that includes offerings like steaks, pastas, salads, pancakes, and sandwiches.
Prost on Block 29
You can’t make a trip to Round Top without stopping for a glass or bottle of wine at Prost on Block 29. Step inside the tiny stone historic building to order at the small bar, then take it outside where there’s plenty of seating under a large oak tree. For food, there’s an outdoor pizza parlor serving artisanal pizzas from a rotating menu.