Guide for A One-Day Trip to Round Top Antiques Show
Round Top, Texas, may have a population of only 90 people, but twice a year—spring and fall—it transforms into a bustling destination during the world-famous Round Top Antiques Show.
I first heard about Round Top thanks to Joanna Gaines from HGTV’s Fixer Upper, who sourced vintage treasures there for her projects. Visiting has been on my bucket list for years, and when a trip to see my daughter Annie in Dallas lined up with Round Top Antiques Week (Fall Show), I knew it was time.
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Getting to Vintage Round Top
From Dallas, it’s about a 3.5-hour drive (230 miles) to Round Top. Annie and I decided to make it a one-day trip to Round Top, heading out early in the morning and planning to return that evening.
Friends who had been before suggested starting at the fields in Warrenton, so that’s where we set our GPS. We arrived on opening day with very little traffic, paid $5 for parking, and began exploring.
👉 Travel Tip: If you’re flying in, Houston (100 miles away) and Austin (80 miles away) are the closest major airports. You’ll need a rental car to get to Round Top.
👉 Shipping Options: Don’t stress about large purchases—there are plenty of services to help you ship antiques home.
Exploring the Fair
Warrenton Fields
Our first stop was the fields in Warrenton, where rows of white tents offered everything from vintage cowboy boots to apple cider. It felt like a blend of flea market, thrift shop, and boutique shopping. My only purchase here was a pair of antlers for $10.
Round Top Ranch
Driving toward the main town, we stopped at Round Top Ranch. This was where I made my first big purchase—an antique Hungarian dough bowl. Their three buildings were filled with beautiful European antique furniture at surprisingly fair prices.
The Compound and White Barn
Across the street, we browsed through The Compound, including the White Barn and other buildings. Lunch from the Zydeco Creole food truck hit the spot—the chicken salad was amazing! And yes, you can grab a glass of wine here, too.
Dining in Round Top
As we drove through the charming town itself, we passed plenty of Round Top restaurants—from casual burger joints to fine dining spots. Friends have raved about several of them, so this would be the perfect place for dinner if you stay longer.
Henkel Square & Scenic Drive
Our GPS took us through Henkel Square, a sweet historic area, then detoured us onto gravel roads where we enjoyed the quiet beauty of the countryside before looping back.
The Big Red Barn
Finally, we made it to The Big Red Barn, part of the Original Round Top Antiques Fair. Admission was $10 and worth every penny. Inside, we found some of our favorite vendors. Annie scored vintage nursery items and a 1920s purse, while I fell in love with a booth selling gorgeous Flow Blue china (and regretted not buying more).
What We Missed
- Blue Hills at Round Top: A popular stop with antiques and designer finds.
- Junk Gypsy: I didn’t realize until later that Courtney Allison from French Country Cottage was there signing books the same day we visited!
Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- Dress in layers for Texas weather.
- Bring a water bottle (hydration is key!).
- Carry a small umbrella just in case.
- Most vendors accept credit cards, but cash helps when bargaining.
- Pack a large tote for small items.
- Vendors will hold large items—write down the booth details for pickup.
- Bring a tape measure, especially if shopping for furniture.
Our Observations
We only scratched the surface—maybe 1/10th of what’s available. Prices were often higher than what I see in Illinois, but serious buyers (especially designers and shop owners) often come the week before for early deals at the Round Top Vintage Market.
For us, one day was enough. As a soon-to-be grandma with my pregnant daughter in tow, we were happy with a relaxed pace. But I could absolutely see this being a fantastic girls’ trip to Round Top, especially if you stay overnight at one of the local Airbnbs, Rancho Pillow boutique hotel, or even the quirky Lone Star Glamp Inn.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Round Top was a bucket list moment for me. I may not return for the huge shows, but I’ve heard the town itself is worth a visit year-round, with shops and restaurants open even outside of Antiques Week. That quieter option might be more my style since I’m not a fan of big crowds.
It’s hard to capture the scale in photos—Round Top stretches across several small towns along TX-237, and it’s far bigger than I imagined.
Future Round Top Dates
📅 2025 Fall Antiques Show: September 29 – October 19
📅 2026 Winter Show: January 22 – 25
📅 2026 Spring Antiques Show: March 14 – 28
Double check dates as it gets closer as I’ve found that sometimes they change.
✨ This trip checked a long-time dream off my list, and I’m so glad I got to share it with Annie. If you love antiques, flea markets, or simply want a one-of-a-kind Texas experience, a trip to Round Top should be on your travel list.
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I have never been to Round Top and would love to go one day! Thanks for all the info and good tips!!
It was fun and honestly with a very pregnant daughter and me with my bad back, one day was plenty.