Real cowgirls go to Round Top, Texas
Ride into Round Top Antiques Fair: Where real cowgirls find treasures
In this newsletter, I'm taking you on a tour of Round Top, Texas, a charming town that's a favorite destination for both real cowgirls from Texas and girls in-the-know from Tennessee.
What’s in Round Top, Texas
If you're like me and love discovering new and exciting places, then you won't want to miss out on the Round Top Antiques Fair!
Located just an hour away from Austin and Houston, this quaint Texas town may have a population of just 90, but it's home to one of the largest antique shows in the country. Founded over 50 years ago by the late Emma Lee Turney, the Round Top Antiques Fair draws over 100,000 shoppers from around the world every spring, fall, and winter.
Let me take you back to 2019, when my love affair with Round Top first began. It was Laurie, my client and partner-in-crime from East Tennessee who introduced me to this magical place during a trip to Austin, Texas. Our first stop? The famous Junk Gypsy store in Round Top. Little did we know that we had just missed the massive antiques fair that Round Top is known for. But we didn't let that dampen our spirits — we knew we had to come back for the fair, and soon!
Fast forward four years and we finally made it back to Round Top, determined to hunt down the best antiques and vintage finds. And boy, was it worth the wait! Everything is more fun when you're on a mission to find hidden treasures, especially when you're with a fun group of friends like my East Tennessee contingency — Laurie, Kelly, and Jimmy.
The ultimate shopping destination for antique lovers
This shopping experience will knock your socks off. This place has everything you could possibly imagine — from quirky art pieces and classic antiques to bargain flea market finds and repurposed furniture.
You won't believe the sheer size of these markets, stretching a whopping 11 miles, and with at least 18 venues to explore, I was in antique heaven! Everywhere you turn there were tents and barns and more tents and more barns. It was insane. Check out the list of venues HERE.
One of the coolest things I enjoyed was the opportunity to ask vendors about the history and use of their stuff. It's like getting a mini history lesson while you shop. I sure wish we would start making things again in the United States.
If you want to be sustainable, buy vintage.
But wait, there's more! Even if you're not a die-hard antique lover, Round Top has something for everyone. From high-end art and furniture to handmade chic clothing, this place has it all. It was a ride I’ll never forget.
This ain’t your grandma’s cowgirl fashion
Hold onto your hats, folks — the cowgirl fashion at Round Top Texas Antiques Fair is like nothing you've ever seen before. This ain't your grandma's western wear! From vintage prairie dresses to fur coats and pink sunglasses, the fashion on display was eclectic, daring, and downright fabulous.
And let's not forget about the accessories — cowboy hats and boots were a must-have for any true cowgirl. It was like watching a Texas-style fashion show right before our very eyes.
Where antiques meet spirits, food, and fun
Round Top Antiques Fair is obviously a shopper’s paradise. But it’s not just about shopping. The fair is also a great place to enjoy the best of Texas spirits, food, and fun. In addition to all the fun things we did there were so many more pop-ups and VIP events we didn’t even get to see. I’m telling you, I’m going to have to go back with a better plan.
We drank. We ate. We drank again.
VIP tailgate party at Marburger’s for Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s.
An uppity VIP cocktail party at The Halles.
For dinner, we made reservations at LuLu’s, a popular spot for Italian.
Pre-dinner drinks at the Ellis Motel are a must. This charming motel has a lively bar scene and the best drinks ever.
Want to feel a little Texas fancy? Get your Champagne/Prosecco/Cava from a vending machine at The Compound.
The best gourmet comfort food I’ve ever had was at Royer’s, a legendary restaurant that’s been serving up delicious food for over 35 years. YUMMY!
The Lone Star State holds a special place in my heart
I have a soft spot for Texas. Our family zig-zagged, back and forth, in and out of Texas for ten years or so going in between Wyoming, Arizona, California and South Carolina.
My parents met at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and married in Fort Worth, Texas.
My mom taught at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas.
My sister Maryann was born in Abilene and is buried there. She was just three days old when she died.
At some point my parents lived in Amarillo, Texas.
My brother, Daniel, was born in Plainview, Texas.
My mother taught at Wayland Baptist University and my dad worked on his PhD in history at Texas Tech in Lubbock, Texas.
My parent’s oldest friends taught at Wayland and referred them to the University of Tennessee at Martin in the late ‘60s. Three families settled in Martin, Tennessee from Plainview, Texas — the Ogilvie’s, Downing’s and Malone’s.
I’m not a cowgirl but my dad LOVED western wear. Bolo ties and cowboy boots were in heavy rotation throughout my dad’s life.
I’m not sure that cowboy boots and hats will ever be in my wardrobe rotation but it sure was fun to see real Texas girls at the Fair. Can’t wait for the next Round Top adventure.
Birthday, Anniversary and the IRS
Well, another year older and deeper in debt to the IRS! I celebrated my birthday on April 17th and my one-year anniversary on Substack, but unfortunately, Uncle Sam wasn't in a party mood and hit me with a hefty bill. But, hey, that's life, right?
The good news is that this newsletter has been a ray of sunshine this past year. It's been a privilege to share my interests and passions with all of you, and I'm grateful for every new follower who joins the party. Thanks for being here and let's keep the good times rolling!
Do you have any wild ideas for me to explore? Any hidden gems or cool people I should check out? I'm up for the challenge, as long as it's within driving distance... unless you happen to have a spare mansion on the French Riviera, in which case, count me in! Let's adventure together.
Nice post! Enjoyed reading!
We love antique fairs. Really miss going to the Brimfield shows in MA and are excited to hear about this one. Hope to check it out one day!