My Round Top Experience: A Perfect Mother-Daughter Getaway and Antique Shopping Adventure

If you’re a fan of antiques, unique boutiques, and hidden gems, Round Top, Texas, is the place to be. Last weekend, I had the pleasure of visiting Round Top with my mom, and it was an experience I’ll never forget. This small town, located just under two hours from Houston and Austin, boasts an 11-mile stretch of vendors selling everything from antiques to designer clothing, drawing in people from all over the world. Here's a full recap of our trip, some lessons we learned, and tips if you plan to visit.

Read the full recap on my Substack.

What is Round Top?

For those unfamiliar, Round Top is a massive antique show held twice a year, showcasing a mix of vendors selling one-of-a-kind items. From vintage furniture to high-end fashion, the event draws both locals and international visitors alike. My trip started when I learned about Round Top from Meg Indy, who was showcasing her artwork at the Blue Hills Fall Show. Five minutes after our conversation, I called my mom, and we planned a spontaneous mother-daughter trip!

The Journey to Round Top

We arrived in Austin on Thursday night, ready for a weekend of adventure. A quick tip: Avoid major event weekends in Austin, like we didn't. Our trip coincided with a huge college football game and a Formula 1 race, making everything from hotels to rental cars expensive and hard to find. Next time, we’ll plan our trip on a quieter weekend.

Friday morning, we set out for Round Top, decked out in our cowboy boots and armed with breakfast tacos. Our first stop was Blue Hills, where we were on the hunt for antique doors for my parents' new home in Savannah. Within minutes of arriving, we found the perfect vendor. While we didn’t find a complete set of doors, we made a great connection, and my mom will be patiently waiting for their next shipment.

Exploring Blue Hills

Blue Hills is an absolute must-see if you're looking for high-end furniture, boutique clothing, and beautiful linens. We could have spent all day there, but with so much ground to cover, we decided to keep moving. Of course, we couldn’t leave without grabbing a margarita from a cocktail cart (when in Texas!) and hunting for more treasures. Lesson learned: If you find something you love, buy it immediately. I missed out on a beautiful chest that would have been perfect for my kitchen because I hesitated.

The Fields and More Hidden Gems

After Blue Hills, we explored the other areas, known collectively as "The Fields." This stretch of road is packed with tents full of hidden gems, and if you’re willing to dig, you’ll find some incredible deals. From furniture shipped directly from France to art from California, the variety was astounding.

Bader Ranch: The Luxe Experience

We wrapped up our trip at Bader Ranch, a high-end shopping destination filled with European antiques, mid-century modern furniture, and luxury fashion. This stop is perfect for the luxury shopper looking for one-of-a-kind pieces without a budget in mind. My favorite pop-up here? Hunter Bell and Krewe sunglasses, which I couldn’t resist trying on.

Key Takeaways for Round Top Shoppers

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Round Top attendee, here are my top tips for making the most of your trip:

1. Plan Ahead – We came with no real plan, but next time, we’ll have a map and a clear itinerary to avoid getting lost and maximize our time.

2. Know the Map – Familiarize yourself with the different stops, like Blue Hills and The Fields. Follow vendors on social media and map out your favorites in advance.

3. Timing is Everything – The fall show runs for a few weeks, and some vendors switch out during this time. If you want the best deals, attend toward the end when vendors are eager to sell, but know that some items may already be gone.

4. Dress Comfortably – You’ll be walking all day, so wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers. The Texas sun can be brutal in the afternoon!

5. Bring a Game Plan for Shipping – Don’t worry if you find larger items. Many vendors offer shipping options, so you won’t have to worry about transporting your treasures home.

   
   

My Final Thoughts

Round Top was the perfect blend of mother-daughter bonding and shopping for unique finds. From the breathtaking antiques at Blue Hills to the luxe pieces at Bader Ranch, we left with full hearts (and full suitcases). We’re already planning to make this a yearly trip, and if you’re thinking of visiting, I highly recommend it!