Tips for Navigating Round Top Antiques Week

• Big show held twice a year in the spring (middle of March to the beginning of April) and the fall (middle of October to the end of October). Smaller show held in January.

• Approx. 80 venues (also known as “shows”) and over 4,000 dealers on an 11-mile stretch of Hwy 237 in Round Top, with smaller shows in neighboring towns.

• Every show is different. Most open by 9:00am (however some open earlier) and close around 5:00pm (or stay open until the last shopper leaves). Some shows have specific hours, particularly the shows with paid entry fees (Big Red Barn and Marburger Farm).

​www.antiqueweekend.com

www.roundtop.com/category/antiques-show/

 

Looking for the Best Deals

Come towards the end of the third week. There will be less selection; however, some vendors will be more inclined to strike a deal or negotiate with you. 

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Looking for Smaller, Less Chaotic Crowds

Visit the show Monday-Thursday and come when it opens. During the week and at the beginning of the show, parking is much easier and the crowd is smaller, making it easier to get from one show to another.

 

Looking for the Best Selection

Plan to be there the very first week when the main large show opens. It will be less crowded, too! Downside: the prices will be less negotiable and not all vendors will be open (Big Red Barn and Marburger Farm).

 

When are all of the shows are open?

Marburger Farm (opens the Tuesday of the last week) and Big Red Barn (opens the Monday of the last week) are the only two shows that have an entry fee (the fee covers parking and the entire length of the show). Both have a variety of dealers; however, most of them are higher-end and many offer European imports. The booths are styled and easy to navigate. 

 

What to Wear

Dress comfortably! Texas weather can be extreme and change overnight, so wear layers and a light jacket. Wear comfortable shoes or, if the forecast calls for rain, wear rain boots and bring an umbrella. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

 

What to Bring

• Carry a large tote bag to carry water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Bring a notebook and pen (or use your cellphone) for writing down your purchases, including the location, name, and number of the vendor in case you need to pick up your items.

• Take photos of the items you bought and left behind to pick up later. 

• You can carry smaller items you have purchased in your tote bag or use a rolling cart; however, these can be tricky to maneuver in smaller booths.

• Bring measuring tape and a list of items or spaces with measurements that you are trying to find to help in decision making. Bring swatches of paint or material or photographs to help in color pairing or matching. 

• Bring cash! Although many dealers accept credit cards and checks, cash is always welcomed. There are banks located in Round Top and the surrounding areas of Carmine, La Grange, and Brenham, and some show sites have ATMS.

 

Navigating the Shows

• Parking is located between and behind the shows along SH 237. Most parking is free, but there are places that offer paid parking for a small fee.

• If you come for a day trip, get started as early as possible. Since the shows span over an 11-mile stretch, traffic can slow down the process of getting from one spot to another. Drive to the furthest show and work your way backwards so you are only dealing with traffic on the way back. However, if you have favorite shows, start there first to get the best selection.

 

After Hours

• Several shows offer late-night shopping along with live music. The most well-known for live music and open vendors is Zapp Hall.

• Prost Wine Bar offers live music and a world class selection of wines by the glass or the bottle.

• The Stone Cellar is known for great music, dancing, and pizza.  

• Saddlehorn Winery is just down the road in Burton, and it’s a great spot to sip wine and take in the beautiful views of their 390-acre ranch. 

• Rohan Meadery, located on Blissful Folly Farm, offers a wide variety of meads, wine, and ciders made with sustainably sourced local ingredients.

• Blue Mule Winery, a new favorite among Round Top locals, is located near Star Bar Farms in Fayetteville.

• Kooper Family Whiskey, located in Ledbetter, is 100% family owned and operated and offers tastings and bottle purchases.