The Round Top Round Up. For those who might not know, Round Top is a teeny tiny town (population 90) in Texas that has the sweetest historical architecture, lovely boutiques, and wonderful people.
The restored 19th-century Lutheran church, Haw Creek Chapel, in Henkel Square.
The Round Top Round Up
The Round Top population explodes twice a year when it hosts Antiques Week. Dealers come from all over the world to pitch their tent or prepare their booths. Other than traveling to Europe itself you won’t find a greater range of treasures.
We left on a glorious sunny morning. Waco is a good halfway stopping point from our home.
I’ll post more on Magnolia Market very soon but in the meantime, I would like to say that the food trucks there are amazing. We enjoyed a savory crepe for lunch.
We enjoying staying in the nearby town of La Grange. It too features nice shops, good restaurants, wonderful people, and fantastic historical architecture. I don’t have any specific hotel/motel recommendations. We have never stayed in the same spot twice. We know eventually, we will find our favorite place.
Liz and Alyssa Lou ready for the 2017 Junk Gypsy Prom.
It’s early to bed and early to rise to get the best deals. Our first stop is always Marburger Farms. It’s a good foray into what lies ahead. As I told our first time traveling companion Liz, “Here you can train your eye on what is the real antique. Then, you go treasure hunting in the fields for bargains.”
However, there are wonderful, one-of-a-kind things you will only find here.
I love the people who attend as well as sell at the shows. So much fabulous style and hearts as big as, well Texas!
The Food
Most of the time you will be surprised at how great the food generally is. Our first night we sampled things from a food truck near Zapp Hall and that was not great. In general, the lines can be long, but it goes by quickly seeing everyone dressed up for the Junk Gypsy Prom and general shopping attire.
Our second night we had a great dinner at Las Fuentes Mexican restaurant in La Grange. It is situated in an old church. Talk about ambiance!
The next night we dined at Napoli in La Grange where the homemade pasta was fabulous.
Our last early evening was spent at Royer’s in Round Top and yes, we had pie for dinner. 🙂
My view at dinner at Las Fuentes.
I always carry water, hand wipes, sunscreen, and my handy metal shopping trolley out into the fields. You will get dirty and only porta-potties are available. But this is where the deals are. If you don’t necessarily like the thrill of the hunt the permanent buildings along the highway between the towns of Round Top and Warrenton are also wonderful, just more expensive.
Once again we stopped in Waco on our way home. Health Camp, a favorite of Chip and Joanna’s, offers Frito pie, delicious hamburgers, hot dogs, French fries and superb milkshakes. The prices are great.
We also hit Style Station which is a 30+ year Texas institution for vintage clothing and accessories. It’s also a bit of a hunt, but the prices are good and the owners are fabulous. You cannot be in a hurry when stopping here.
What’s your favorite place for finding treasures?
Laura
Need to go to Round Top, one thing we didn't get to do while our girl was at BU. We love Waco. Boy has it grown. And, Health Camp…LOL, anything BUT healthy.
Sounds like the perfect trip and so much fun.
What a cool place! thanks for the visit. mary in Az
I know you and your sweet girls had a wonderful time. Marburger was busier than ever on the first day. I haven't seen crowds like that in years. I'm glad they had a good show. I used to have the energy to shop the fields, but not any more. I don't need anything in particular, but the thrill of the hunt still spikes my adrenaline. 😉 I came home with more treasures than I should have, but sometimes something just calls my name. You didn't show us what you found. I hope that is coming in a future post.
Oh girl, I'm a native Texan and have never been to Round Top!! Now about Health Camp..my family has eaten there my whole life. Growing up, we lived in Dallas and my grandparents were in San Antonio. We went back and forth all the time and always stopped there. We still do. 🙂
You and your travel companions are just so darn cute!! ♥ I would love to go along with you on such a trip!! Can't wait to hear more!
As for bargains – my daughter Sarah is the queen of that here and she's taught me that wonderful treasures can be found at our local Salvation Army and Goodwill. In fact she shops for treasures there and resells them at a markup on her sales apps, the good little sales person that she is. 😉
What fun! I grew up in TX and heard of Round Top but never went there. And how fun to visit Magnolia Market! I don't do enough antique shopping to know what prices are good, but there are a row of shops in Clinton, TN, that I have enjoyed going to occasionally. The Junk Gypsy Prom sounds like a lot of fun.
This sounds like such a fun trip! Just the sort of thing I like. I enjoyed all the photos.
Amalia
xo
Oh my gosh, what fun!!!! There are many antique shops here in the mountains, but I don't frequent them often….I tell myself I don't need any more STUFF! 🙂 I do love the old glassware, though….sometimes I can't resist. And of course, anything cool for the garden is a must!
Everything just oozes with it's own style!
Inspiration is all over the place.
I can see why it's so popular.
Thanks for taking, those of us who can't go, along!
Judging by the smiles on everyone's faces, a good time was had by all! It's amazing how the antiques show has grown over the last few years and achieved a world wide audience.
I haven't made it to Magnolia Market or Health Camp, but it's definitely on my to-do list.
On a different subject – Were you back in town last Saturday? I walked into Sprouts, just before noon, and saw either you (or your twin sister!) in the check out line talking on the phone. I recognized you (I think!) from your pictures, or someone who looks like you. I was set to walk up and introduce myself but didn't want to interrupt the phone conversation. Or, a stranger's phone conversation!!! 🙂
Marilyn (in Dallas)
Sounds fabulous. I think yet another good reason to come back to Texas! I hear about this often and seeing your pictures captures the human side, not just the antiquing side!