An antiques fair where?
Some little town called Round Top, Texas (population 90 as of 2010)?
Round Top Recap Fall 2013
You might be inclined to pass– but you should truly reconsider! Tucked away in the majesty that is the Texas Hill Country, Round Top is an adorable little town that overflows with visitors from near and far twice a year. Hosting one Antiques Week (really a 2 week period) in the spring and another in the fall, this legendary fair attracts top design professionals, serious collectors, and upscale stylists like moths to a flame. Vendors– many of whom do not even have year round shops– camp out for a solid 2 weeks along a 2 mile stretch of road from Round Top to Warrenton for the biggest draw of the year.
Keeping last week’s Designer Tips in mind, my design-conscious friend, Melissa and I road tripped it from Houston, Texas, and came back with some lovely finds. We attended the fair on the 2nd to last day which yielded better deals…though by that time, much of the inventory had been picked over. IF you’re a die hard, go early (the shows offer an early preview of the goods for a small fee) and stay late (literally– many interior designer set up shop in Round Top for a full week or more hoping the score original pieces for their clients.
Pre-Round Top Antiques Week, I found the following write-ups on the web to be of the most assistance:
1) In The World’s Best Antique Fair, Meghana Ghandi of Fathom shares the most gorgeous pictures of the show and just seems like she would be our BFF.
2) You can’t go to Antiques Week and not visit Marburger Farm. You just can’t. Never fear– if the 350+ dealers on 43+ acres overwhelms you, there are golf carts for rent in the parking lot. My friend and I skipped the golf carts, but grabbed fans upon entry. Dress for the heat, my fellow bargain hunters– it gets a little sweaty in those un- air conditioned tents!
3) Perhaps as a Houstonian, I’m biased, but I thought the tips from the Houston Chronicle’s Sarah Rufca were top notch.
4) It ain’t fancy, but the Antique Weekend calendar provides all the details of the show’s many vendors (specifically on which date each vendor is open and the entry cost for each, if any).
5) Chic shopper & interior designer Wendy Haworth made a Round Top visit video for One Kings Lane a couple of years ago. Wendy, take us to Royers Cafe with you next time– we’re jealous!
Finally….here was my favorite find from the weekend– a set of totally dramatic, totally rockin’ (totally underpriced) vintage cowhorns. I’m going to take them to a trophy shop and have them remounted individual lucite bases.
What do you think– trash or treasure?
xx,
Alana
** Havenly, an online interior design service, makes decorating simple, convenient, and affordable. For one low flat fee per room ($185), you’re matched with a personal interior designer who creates a space to match your style and budget. Then, buy what you love through our e-commerce platform, and a custom-designed Havenly room is delivered to your doorstep. To meet your online designer and #getdecorated, fill out our questionnaire at www.havenly.com.