Round Top Roundup
My Super Bowl of antiquing, iced coffee, and the financial recklessness I’ll forever defend
Round Top, Texas!! You have my whole heart. Take all of my money while you’re at it.
Your feeds have been saturated, so I’m sure you’re already well-acquainted. But imagine a vintage clothing and antique furniture festival that goes for miles and miles. Pure joy.
Let me start this by saying I realize this post would’ve been helpful before the fall market two weeks ago (however I only recently became a Substacker, so save this for your spring trip!)
The first time I went, I had no idea where to go or what vendors to see, so I took Dave’s truck on a solo mission to check it out. I came home with more vessels, pillow covers and rugs that I even had space for. I’ve purchased neon lights and consoles. Sheer dresses and lacey numbers. Special one-of-a-kind pieces that make a home or a closet feel collected.
I think the secret sauce to making an outfit feel “cool” is throwing in at least one vintage piece. I feel the same way about my home. I want you to walk in and know that I didn’t buy everything from one spot. Some of my most treasured finds are from Round Top. There’s also something about the thrill of the hunt that makes the pieces that much more special.
Recapping Round Top in the form of my hit list, favorite vendors you don’t want to miss, plus where to eat and stay. I also tapped an interior designer friend for some tips before going to help me scour without falling victim to the panic purchases and existential crises one has in a shopping frenzy. Sharing her tips below.
MARKET HILL.
It’s like walking through a Nancy Meyer’s Fever dream with a Texas twist. Beautifully curated furniture, rugs, lighting and vintage treasures that lean more sophisticated heirloom than flea market find. Be careful or you might spend your all of your money (especially if you order a few ranch waters at the Duo Modern restaurant while perusing like meeeeee. Whoops.) I once bought a neon “liquors” sign when I was tipsy with Dave. We drove that big ass sign home and have since sold it back to the same vendor for wayyy less money than we bought it for. Double whoops.
THE HORSESHOE.
I’ve had the best luck finding amazing pieces at the Horseshoe. They house my favorites like The M Downtown and Prize KC.
Part vintage heaven, part art-party vintage fashion. Even for kids. This is where you want to go when you want to feel cooler than you are. They have a bar where they serve ranch waters in a topo chico. Yes please. But also DRINK WATER if you’re going to the Fall show. It’s still hot AF.
THE COMPOUND.
I’d usually only go to The Compound for Eneby Home but it looks like they may have retired their stay at Round Top (does anyone have an answer on this?) They have such beautiful and collected things that I felt I needed to share. I found my most treasured piece (below) that I now have in my home that truly made the room.
Marriage looks different for everyone. Mine looks like this.
BLUE HILLS.
You know that feeling when you walk into a space and instantly want to redecorate you entire house? Hi Blue Hills. A mix of European antiques, indie makers and Texas soul. This was my first time here and it didn’t disappoint, especially for the vintage clothes. I spent a couple of hours at Natalie Lindsay and Naan Vintage, and truthfully could have stayed the entire day.
Oh look, she found the fringe again.
MARBURGER FARM.
The crown jewel of Round Top week. I didn’t mess around this year and went on opening day. This show is massive with so many unique vendors that have the best hidden treasures. It’s energetic and overwhelming in the best possible way. There’s a food court and I’d suggest you stop by because you’ll need some fuel to get your brain right for what you’re about to find.
Round Top’s food scene is 10/10. Chic country cafes and rustic wine bars.
Lulu’s. Upscale Italian in a stunning whitewashed space. Order the Cacio e Pepe and a martini. I stayed here overnight once and have been dying to come back. I’ve also just popped in during the day for a beautiful lunch for a break and to refuel for more treasure hunting.
Mandito’s Tex-Mex. A local staple. Pretty much an institution at round top
The Garden Co. Feed & Firewater. Seasonal, fresh, and gorgeous setting. Their cocktails and salads are standouts.
Royer’s Café. Famous pies. I always bring some home for the kids and they forget I ever left.
Prost on Block 29. Cozy wine bar with a European vibe and charcuterie boards.
Popi Burger. Casual, fun spot with a retro feel.
Round Top Coffee Shop. Morning fuel and homemade pastries.
The stay is a part of the charm of the experience (think restored farmhouses and boutique inns).
Hotel Lulu. Chic, European-inspired hotel right in town. Same owners as Lulu’s restaurant.
The Frenchie Boutique Hotel. Dreamy, design-forward property with a pool and spa vibes.
Wander Inn. Created by the Junk Gypsy sisters. Laid-back, rustic, “Texas-cool”.
The Vintage Round Top. Minimal, modern farmhouse style. Great for groups or families.
The Red Antler Bungalows. Stylish cottages within walking distance to town.
The Cotton Pearl Motel. New and charming with vintage-meets-modern interiors.
Phoned a friend, Kelsey from Kelsey Freestone Interiors who I consider a sourcing expert for a few tips on how an interior designer would shop the show. Here’s what she sent me! Screenshot a few project favs from her IG and wouldn’t hate if I lived in any of these spaces.
Starting with practical items… wear comfortable shoes. Boots are def the vibe and the outfits at Round Top are almost as good as the antiques, so go full out on Texas core. But you reeeeeally need comfy shoes. It’s a lot of walking plus different terrains so be prepared.
Make a spreadsheet. It’ll save you during shipping and keeping track of purchases. Use Distinguished, the best shipping company at the show. You’ll log your purchases with them for pickup from each tent or vendor. Things move fast, so keeping track is key. They’re incredible: they actually answer the phone, their tracking system’s great, and they check in if anything’s unclear. You can even drop small items at their warehouse and they’ll box them up for you. 5 stars.
Walkie Talkies. Last year I saw some people with walkie talkies and loved that idea! Cell service isn’t great. Pics need to go through phones but if you’re there with a group, walkie talkies seemed like an amazing tool to divide and conquer. Plus, fun?
Don’t skip Marbuger. I was especially blown away by the vendors this year, it’s such an amazing show with vendors from all over the country in one place. Very curated with reasonable prices.
Lastly, stay open-minded when sourcing. Round Top is such an amazing resource because there are talented vendors from all over the country. You might have specific pieces in mind for your space, but the perfect thing will probably be the piece you never even considered. Seeing so many styles in person is rare, and pivoting is not only inevitable but it’s probably what’s going to make your home feel the most special.
A special shout out to Laura and Windsor from Round Top Tours who took us around this year and double shout out to Canyon Ranch Austin for hosting a beautiful lunch at the Frenchie (one of the spots I recommended above). They open in Austin next year and I couldn’t be more excited.
Besos, Odie