Each spring and fall, designers and design lovers from across the world descend onto a quaint Texas town looking to find one-of-a-kind and rare furniture pieces and artwork. The Round Top Antiques Fair has served as one of the country's most-celebrated antique shopping destinations with its rolling fields filled with countless vendors. “Only in Texas will you find open pastures with cows and towering oak trees that neighbor miles of antique shopping venues,” says Houston-based designer Devon Liedtke, who makes the trek to Round Top, Texas for some serious shopping and family bonding every year.
And as a seasoned fair regular, Liedtke knows just how daunting the massive gathering can be for newcomers to navigate. That's why she's sharing her insider guide to the Round Top Antiques Fair with tips on everything from how to get to the small town to what vendors you should visit during this spring's fair, which is open from March 18 to April 1.
How to Get to Round Top
For those coming out of state to Round Top, Liedtke recommends looking into Airbnbs in the area or booking a night at the charming boutique hotel, Hotel Lulu. Designers and tastemakers are also excited to see the debut of designer Alessandra Branca's bungalow makeover at The Red Antler, which opens this March (tickets available here).
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However, Liedtke notes that these options tend to fill up early, so consider staying in Austin or Houston which are both an hour and a half drive away from Round Top. Both cities offer a number of impeccable lodging options, but some of our favorites include Hotel Ella in Austin and Houston's Hotel ZaZa. You'll need to rent a car to get to the antiques fair, but Liedtke finds the drive to be a quiet moment of relaxation. "Every time, I put on a good book on tape or a favorite podcast, and enjoy the slower pace and open spaces."
What to Pack for Round Top
Before making the journey to the fair, make a list of furniture and accessories you're keeping an eye out for, along with the measurements of your space. Bringing along a tape measure doesn't hurt either, as it helps to ensure you know exactly the height and width of each item that caught your eye. You don't want to run into an issue where you purchased a 19th-century English console table or a Louis XIV mirror only for it not to fit in your space. Liedtke advises people to protect themselves from the Texas sun by packing plenty of sunscreen, a stylish hat, and cool drinks to stay hydrated. Cash is also a must as it is much easier to barter with—plus, not every vendor accepts cards. Lastly, make sure you're wearing a pair of walking shoes or boots that you don't mind getting a little dirty. It can get a little muddy in those pastures!
Lack of Color Lack of Color Ridge Cowboy in Ivory. - size S (also in L, M)
Lack of Color Lack of Color Ridge Cowboy in Ivory. - size S (also in L, M)
Where to Shop at Round Top
The best advice Liedtke can give to people when shopping at Round Top is to be a little impulsive. "If you love something, buy it," says Liedtke. "Trust me, the times you think about it and go back to get it, it's always gone!" With miles of vendors scattered across expansive fields, it can be tricky knowing where to start, but Liedtke has a few must-visit spots every person should make their way to:
Blue Hills
- KD Weave offers a variety of artisan-made goods from around the world, from Mexican glassware and Moroccan lighting to Indian textiles and more
- Maps and Art for great vintage prints and original works of art
- Hibiscus Linens for handcrafted linens all designed by Mariana Barran Goodall
- Sarah Bray Bermuda for sustainable and stylish sun hats
- Houses and Parties is a one-stop shop for all-things tabletop and gifts. Don't miss the incredible furniture from W. Gardner Antiques
The Arbors
- Honest Cotton for ethically made and sewn caftans and clothing
Market Hill
- Amelia Tarbet for all your midcentury furniture wants
The Halles
- Kufri offers incredible handwoven natural textiles
- I (Devon Liedtke) am debuting my first tabletop and accessories collection this year! This thoughtful capsule collection was designed during my time in Barcelona, and it is intended to bring artisanal pieces to the forefront of the home
- Carol Piper Rugs has piles and piles of gorgeous rugs (both new and vintage)
- M Naeve for vintage Italian, French and Swedish finds
Round Top Village
- Courtney Barton for well-traveled wares, plus exclusive pop-ups
The Compound
- Eneby Home for a distinct mix of European furnishings and antiques
Marburger Farms
- Prize Home and Garden for vintage case goods and seating
- Marburger Spring Show for a mix of high-end jewelry and furnishings
Where to Eat and Drink in Round Top
- Lady Elaine, the Austin outpost housed in Bader Ranch during Round Top, for thirst-quenching margaritas and ranch waters
- Prost is perfect for wine-lovers who want to sip their end-of-day glass in Round Top's most historic building
- The Garden Co., for fabulous food and beautiful florals
- Mandito's is located in Round Top's main square. Eat here legitimate Tex-Mex—and go early for porch margaritas (and to avoid the line)
- Lulu's for delicious Italian fare and fabulous interiors. Their bar “Il Cuculo” opened last October, designed by Dennis Brackeen, and it's a must-see
Sarah DiMarco is the Assistant Editor at VERANDA, covering all things art, design, and travel, and she also manages social media for the brand.
