Oh the fields.
Round Top & all its fields…
You know when you have plans in your head of things you’ve always wanted to go to and finally get to do those plans? Well that’s how I felt when my mom and I went to Round Top.
After 4 years of living in Houston, TX I finally made it to the flea market Mecca, the Round Top antique Fall Show. Now when I tell you its a flea market, I’m not talking about the markets you get random plastic toys or amazing latin food, but I’m talking about the world where all the best country yard/field sales collide. Vendors and pickers from all over the states, and even internationally come to find the antique glass wear, European architectural pieces, and farm tools that you need to complete your home, or to add to your own junk field. Designers bring their giant SUV’s and u-hauls (i was one of those SUVs), and antiquers bring their checkbooks!
Fields and fields are full of rugs, architectural items, junk, artwork, and gems. High prices, middle prices, and steals; there is really something for everyone. Sadly with this being my mom and I’s first trip to Round Top, we spent money on tickets to the Red Barn Antique entry that we should NOT have spent. The Red Barn was full of a ton of high priced items (if you are looking for specific items or vendors that are only in that barn, then cool, pay for the ticket), but you DO NOT need a ticket to get into the rest of the fields. One other location does require you to pay, but you can get to all of the other locations WITHOUT PAYING!(You’re welcome to learn from our mistake :)
Knowing from friends and reading what to expect, and staying in Round Top for a wedding ( on off antique season, mind you) I knew there were FIELDS; but people, I DID NOT realize how full the fields would be. Oh my word, I can’t even count how many tents and fields we walked through, but we barely scratched the surface. If you have ever been into an antique store, crowded and stacked with items upon item, well this was that, but on steroids. For my mom and I, avid thrift shoppers, yard salers, and antiquers, the event was more exciting and invigorating than overwhelming. With that being said, we still got overwhelmed, haha!
The event lasts for 1-2 weeks, I believe, depending on the vendors. Mom and I decided to hunt for two days and stay one night. Due to COVID and the uncertainty of everything, I ended up booking us a room a week in advance. Pricey, but worth the stay and experience. We stayed in a little town just 20 min outside of round top called Brenham. I chose a sweet Bed and Breakfast - a first for both my mom and I (this was one of those things I've always wanted to do and finally got to). The Farview Inn is where we stayed. It was homey and welcoming. Quiet, quaint and relaxing. It was perfect to be out of the hustle and bustle and make our trip not only a work one, but a fun mother and daughter adventure. We picked up our keys on the porch, walked into the dimmed living room and then up the stairs to Texas Star themed suite. The room was charmed with its own balcony and bathroom; and a Giant star on the ceiling. Of course the style was dated and for sure not my pick, but sometimes there’s something endearing about outdated style. Or Maybe that’s just me?
Our sleep at Fairview Inn was pleasant and uninterrupted. The next morning we were warmed with with a luscious spread of an egg soufflé, fruit parfait, breakfast meat, and biscuit, all enjoyed in the sun room. My mother and I were overjoyed honestly, and this breakfast experience made us excited for the day to come. We set out again in the cold; mind you it started out 75 the day before, then dropped to the 50s later that afternoon and continued into the next day. But the cold didn’t stop us, its much better that than sweating all day.
Through great recommendations we started in a field. One with a tent where a man had purchased the house and land just to be able to be a vendor in the markets. We found a couple personal gift items and were greatly encourage; it was our first buy & win of the trip! Next we stopped at the fork in the road as you’re heading to Round Top, TX. With shed like buildings, a sign graveyard, and building/warehouse across the way, we ventured through the Jenga towers. At this spot we met a mid century furniture and art dealer, which I loved, because I love mid century pieces! And randomly at this shop the vendor had metal rectangle antique sifters. I was not he hunt for a client who wanted to blend rustic with feminine, while incorporating her grandmothers doily. By destiny, the dealer had a pillow with a doily on it, so I could see and imagine how my clients grandmothers doilies might look on the sifters. A quick staging, pic, and text to my client, with a returned YES, I was thrilled to buy these fun pieces! I think I was most excited because I was getting to make a personal piece of art for my client, and the victory of not having to leave empty handed also added to that, “YES!” of a triumph.
My mom and I walked thousands of steps that day. We purchased a couple more pieces here and there, but definitely were a contrast to the others with their U- Hauls. I found an antique sewing table base I needed for another client and my mom scored a great Christmas gift for me dad. By 5:30PM and being stuck listening to artists explain their whole life story, one hour per artist, ha, (don’t get me wrong people, I love to listen to the stories, and I love asking all the questions - but oh lord in heaven, make it short answers people) we were headed home!
Round Top was definitely an experience I really enjoyed. Its where I will resource more and more items for my clients, and its a place to continue adventuring with my mom. In the next trip I will have to hike it alone if the trip exceeds more than two days, because I can wear any person out! The hunting was worth the time, energy and money. We learned lots of what not do and what to do and further appreciate how people have such great eyes for design and interesting items. I’m all about the interest, and the story behind an object - it has to be more than an item to me; it has to mean something. If the items in a persons home, or office mean more to them, it will feel like more of who they really are. And that’s when I feel like I’ve hit the jackpot as a designer. So thank you Round Top, TX for a crazy Black Friday deal experience and for providing us hunters all the charm, all the history and all the junk we want!
