A Guide To Texas Antiques Week
Fall is upon us, which means many wonderful things to me. The smell of crisp air, cooler weather (if we are lucky), pumpkin flavors and scents, football, cozy sweaters, bonfires, Halloween, Thanksgiving, my birthday and Antiques Week in Texas. Every Fall and Spring, Round Top and Warrenton, Texas, and the surrounding area host thousands of eager visitors looking for vintage treasures and antiques. Chip and JoAnna Gaines of Fixer Upper featured the antique fair in their show. Emily Henderson wrote several wonderful blog posts regarding her visit in the Spring.
We are lucky enough to live within an hour of Round Top, and my husband and I enjoy searching for pieces with a story to fill our home. I have a weakness for beautiful old doors and old quits. Visit my post from a couple of years ago when I showcased some pieces I found.
Below are some pictures from our most recent visit last Spring, and some sites I encourage you to see if you ever do go. However, I do want to mention that I am not an expert and this list is not exhaustive. There are better resources available like this one to go to. Either way I hope you get the chance to visit one day, and I would love to hear what you think.
But first, some recommendations:
Arrive early. Highway 237 (one lane road that runs through Warrenton and Round Top) can get backed up quickly.
Wear comfortable shoes that you don't mind getting dirty as most of the make-shift venues are in the middle of cow pastures.
Wear a crossbody bag.
Bring a large tote to carry water, snacks and smaller purchases in. The Texas heat can get to you and it is important to stay hydrated.
Some people find it helpful to roll wagons around to help with the larger items.
Bring plenty of cash for parking, purchases and food. Most vendors also accept checks. The internet connections aren't always reliable which means the credit card machines don't always work.
We always like to go on the last day, because most vendors are willing to negotiate with you so they don't have to bring as many items home.
Some of my favorite places:
Cole's Antique Show. We normally start at Cole's Antique Show. The parking is free and it is in the middle, between Round Top and Warrenton. Cole's is air conditioned which is a huge plus in my book. They have the same vendors from show to show which is helpful if you have a piece in mind. This is also a good place to start because the price points are all over the board.
From here, we normally walk to Warrenton. If you are willing to hunt you can find some good deals among the thousands of vendor tents. Warrenton also features a lot of handmade products.
If you choose Round Top, you will have to drive to your venues because they are spread out. Some of my favorite venues in Round Top are:
The Compound is a newer venue, but it offers a variety of beautifully-curated vendors. The venue itself is an experience with its gorgeous on-site buildings, good food and live music.
Quoted as "the original Round Top Antiques Fair, The Show that Started it All," the Big Red Barn is another one of my favorites, because it has quality vendors with wonderful products. There is an admission fee, but the parking is free and it is air-conditioned. This is where my husband and I have purchased the majority of our pieces.
Blue Hills at Round Top is another venue we like to check out because it has a nice variety. Their on-site scrumptious food is made locally by the United Methodist Men of La Grange.
I feel like this list wouldn't be complete without Marburger Farm Antique Show. They charge an admission fee, but their large venue takes the hassle out of the hunt. The majority of the pieces available are beautiful. However, I find a lot of prices a bit steep.
If you don't find any antiques to take home, you will enjoy the beautiful landscape and charming atmosphere of Round Top and Warrenton. If you have been, what places do you recommend in Round Top and Warrenton? What other antique fairs should I visit?