Texas Traditions & Design Paradise at Round Top

Spring is in full swing! And like the bluebonnets popping up along the hillsides, a marker of spring in Central Texas is the biannual Round Top Antique Fair which took place this season from March 14-31 in Round Top, TX. Just 90 minutes from Austin, Round Top welcomes over 100,000 enthusiasts of home design, antiques, art, and fashion every season, with a tradition that now boasts more than 4,000 dealers across 80 venues. 

Round Top has become one of America’s premier destinations for designers, including Proper’s own Kelly Wearstler. Every year, more and more tastemakers get together for a serene countryside retreat filled with antique shopping, designing exploration, and fashion finds. The fair started back in 1968 with just a few vendors focused on classic antiquities, but has grown considerably in the almost 60 years since its inception. 

And while there are numerous venues worth exploring, our top recommendations include  starting with The Original Round Top Antiques Fair, also known as The Big Red Barn, established by Emma Lee Turney in 1968. Make sure not to overlook The Compound, a development by Mayor Mark Massey, and newcomer Le Jardin de France is a must-stop for antique European garden furniture. Finally, don’t miss Cisco Village, founded by the late furniture maker Cisco Pinedo, offering handcrafted furniture from Cisco Home. 

Round Top social life revolves around its three squares: Henkel, Rolland, and Minden. When you’re ready for a shopping break, head to Minden Square for a visit to Round Top Brewing, have a bite to eat at The Garden Co., or a cup of coffee at Round Top Coffee Shop. While you’re there, stop in for some shopping at Townsend Provisions. Then head to Henkel Square where you’ll find Round Top Antiques & Design Center, with 14 dealers including Lions Antiques, Rick Ingenthron Antiques, and Kemo Sabe for high-end western wear.

If you missed the fair this spring, don’t worry! The Round Top Antique Fair returns this fall from October 5-19, 2024. See you there!