round top, texas roundup: a charming and tiny little town east of austin and west of houston- known to be one of the greatest antique shows with the most unique finds in all of the country. it’s full of whimsical shops, restaurants, speakeasy bars, art galleries, boutiques and more. twice a year, they host their fall and spring shows wherein vendors from across the world bring their newest unique finds for the scouting and buying.
one of my dearest college friends and her family have been attending round top for decades and know all of the ins and outs- i was fortunate to stay in their gorgeous new round top home and they took me on a tour of all of their favorite spots both old and new. we’ve started jokingly calling my friend’s fabulous mama, “the mayor,” because everywhere we went, the artisans, employees and patrons all know and love her. follow our round top, texas roundup from the first weekend of the 2023 fall show and the 2024 spring show!
*shop*
this is where we shopped and several of our many favorites from our jam-packed weekend. let me know some of your favorites to add to a future round top, texas roundup!
- bader ranch: exquise boots from miron crosby, vintage jewelry from cocotay jewelry, housewares from jardin de France, handwoven hats from sissy light.
- the horseshoe: rlh European imports, gorgeous home furnishings from Prize Home + Garden, upscale hats from Teressa Foglia.
- Henkel square: one-of-a-kind kantha blanket capes from sapana dreams, the little cheese shop, avant garde art from southern beasts.
- excess and excess II: prolific architectural salvage including vintage keepsakes, alabaster grapes, unique concrete planters & statues.
- blue hills: color-drenched Brooke drake design showroom, gina bowhill interiors, home furnishings from French bleu antiques, leftovers antiques, (my mom’s all-time favorite antique shop from brenham), Lolo French antiques, gather goods and the crooked antler for unique women’s clothing, morning glory art & design for wall textiles.
- the Halles: city boots were a group favorite.
- the arbors: Astrid Schumacher jewelry, topped hats, ole San Miguel for children’s clothes and small gifts, and Fort Worth’s kori green and Brooke wright designs.
*dine*
dining options include beloved round top icons and newer hip spots to love- here’s where we dined and our favorites from the fall and spring shows:
- crispy Brussels sprouts, Thai tacos and chicken salad from the garden co.
- cheese board goodies from the little cheese shop, (edible flower crackers and local caramelized onion cheddar were the crowd favorites).
- risotto di portofino, black Angus tenderloin with cippolini mushroom agrodolce, beet & burrata salad, pappardelle bolognese and meatballs over polenta from lulu’s restaurant.
- after-shopping bean & cheese nachos with jalapeños from mandito’s tex-mex.
- wood-fired flatbreads from boon & company, (and fabulous charcuterie board retail to take home).
- Tod’s pork tenderloin, jalapeño cheddar grits and Sunday fried chicken from royers round top cafe.
- sweet & salty, junkberry and buttermilk pies from royers pie haven.
*sip*
here’s our group’s favorites from the weekend:
- lavender lemonade from the garden co.
- espresso martini and italian margarita from lulu’s restaurant
- ranch water from the mark speakeasy
- spicy pineapple margarita or ice-cold top Chico with lime from mandito’s tex-mex
- the elderflower from the ellis motel
- beer, wine and spirits to-go from pop a top bottle shop
*stay*
I was fortunate enough to stay in my friend’s gorgeous family home but there are many adorable options for staying in round top over a show weekend. The #1 tip of this Round Top, Texas Roundup is to book your accommodations as early as possible. If you are interested in the spring show, it’s time to book now.
- hotel lulu
- the frenchie boutique hotel
- round top inn
- the red antler
- the White House on the hill
- along with many other air bnb and vrbo options
*what I purchased*
- handwoven, “the field hat,” from sissy light
- kantha blanket cape from sapana dreams
- vintage jade grapes (assorted vendors)
- bandanna and vintage bronze clasp from ole san miguel
- vintage candlesticks from gina bowhill interiors
*what I wish I also purchased*
one thing I wished I learned sooner at round top is to avoid hesitation when you love something and it’s within your means- grab it while you can or it will likely be gone shortly after. these are a couple items I sadly wish I ended up purchasing vintage
- alabaster grapes from excess II
- gold Virgin Mary necklace from Astrid Schumacher jewelry
- vintage French artichoke plates and platter from blue hills
*rt fashion & shopping day must-haves*
over the years, round top has become a popular, chic and instagram-worthy Mecca for shopping and to also see and be seen. popular, (and functional), daily shopping in the field attire may include:
- oversized hats to protect you from the Texas sun
- cool and loose-fitting clothing including prairie-type dresses, cut-off jean shorts & button-downs
- comfortable and cool tennis shoes or low cowboy boots
- vintage statment jewelry, (just for fun)
- crossbody bags to keep plenty of cash closely by
- a lightweight cape for windy early mornings and chilly sunsets
- don’t forget to nourish yourself with plenty of water with my favorite electrolytes and some nourishing snacks in your crossbody.
