This Tiny Texas Town is Beloved for Antiquing. But That's Not the Only Reason to Visit.
The Lone Star charm of Round Top—just one square mile!—now shines year-round thanks to a fresh crop of attractions.
Situated roughly halfway between Austin and Houston, it’s fair to say that the teeny, tiny Texas town of Round Top—just one square mile!—has perhaps an outsize reputation. First incorporated in 1870, the village was named for a circular tower atop the postmaster’s house. Though the population tally officially hovers just under 90 most of the year, it swells to nearly 100,000 during thrice-yearly antiques fairs that are known to attract the country’s top interior design talent.
These days, thanks to a fresh crop of restaurants, hotels, and year-round shopping experiences, it also provides a welcome small town weekend getaway even when the fields aren’t overflowing with vintage treasures. No one knows this better than Amie Sikes, who, alongside sister Jolie Sikes-Smith, moved to town full-time ten years ago to run their Junk Gypsy empire, which now includes a sprawling flagship store and a spunky B&B.
“It’s that place you loved on vacation so much that you just decided to move there,” says the HGTV star. “We’re still such huge fans.”
Thinking it’s finally time to make the trip yourself? You’re in luck: spring is the best season for it. Read on for everything you need to know about what to do in Round Top, including where to shop, what to eat, and places to stay. And if you are looking for flea market dates for 2022, we’ve got all the info you need there as well—including the can’t-miss venues and seasoned antiquing tips straight from Amie herself.
Eat Dessert First
You're on vacation, right? Start the day with coffee and a four-inch Cutie Pie from Royers Pie Haven (pictured above), where the flavors include strawberry-rhubarb and butterscotch.
Shop Around
Vintage cowboy boots are the main draw at Townsend Provisions (pictured), while the new Courtney Barton boutique in Round Top Village is a patterned pillow heaven. At Junk Gypsy, sisters Amie Sikes and Jolie Sikes-Smith offer cheeky home goods infused with their signature cowgirl-boho flair.
Break for Blooms
Highway 237 is a prime stretch for taking in an only-in-Texas spring vista: longhorns lazily wandering through fields of wild bluebonnets.
Savor a Bite
Come lunch, the chicken salad at Local Roots is not to be missed. Tex-Mex loyalists can enjoy sizzling fajitas at Mandito's.
Pick Through Pastures
During Round Top's wold-famous antiques fairs, barns and open fields around town fill with vendors. (For spring 2022, most of the fun runs March 28th through April 2nd.) A few most-shop venues: Marburger Farm, The Compound, Zapp Hall in Warrenton, and a new outpost of L.A.'s Big Daddy Antiques (Diane Keaton is a client!).
Scour the Smart Way
If you are headed to town for the shows, Amie has a few words of wisdom. Besides booking any overnight accommodations well in advance, the most important thing to know is that there's no formal governing body determining show dates. That means each venue will run slightly different showcase lengths.
"Come early if you can, and stay late if you can," says Amie. "At this point, it really is a two-to-three week thing."
When it comes to a shopping strategy, Amie likes to hit the fields first, then make her way to the show barns. "Blue Hills has done some amazing things the past couple of years," she adds. "It's really one of the up-and-coming shows."
For first-timers, she shares this advice: "Come prepared to walk, and talk to the show locals. They'll help you navigate in the right direction."
READ MORE: 10 Ways to Junk Like a Pro at the Round Top Antique Shows
Raise a Glass
Favored in-town watering holes include wine bar Prost on Block 29 (pictured) and cocktail-centric Ellis Motel. Nearby Kooper Family Whiskey slings bottles of well-balanced bourbon.
Rest Your Head
The new Hotel Lulu (pictured) has country charm in spades—and a pool!—while color-doused Rancho Pillow is as beloved for its barn parties as it is for the quirky casitas. Sleep surrounded by cool antiques at The Vintage Round Top, or wake to homemade biscuits at the Junk Gypsy's Wander Inn.
Nominate Your Favorite Small Town!
Where should we mosey to next? Tell us at countryliving@hearst.com, or start planning your next getaway with our small town guides:
• The Best Small Towns in the U.S.
• 30+ Small Towns to Visit This Summer
• The 50 Best Small Towns for Antiques
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