It’s the first weekend of fall, which means it’s time for some marathon antiquing and world-class junking in the string of small towns that run along Texas Highway 237 from Carmine to La Grange. Lovingly referred to as the “Roundtopolis,” this particular stretch, anchored by the otherwise pastoral town of Round Top, transforms into one of the largest, longest, and most lauded yard sales in the country. (Rick Perry, for one, has already been spotted getting his fill of fried pies.) Before you head into the fray, read my 2013 guide to help you get the lay of the land (as well as a few crucial tips) and bookmark this list of quick hits to help you navigate the next couple of weeks. Then, let the bargaining begin!
WHERE TO STAY
If you didn’t book a nearby hotel or B&B or adorable vacation rental many moons ago, your pickings may be slim. But cross your fingers and fill out this lodging request form, which is sent to dozens of local innkeepers, who may have a vacancy or a cancellation.
WHERE (AND WHAT) TO EAT (AND DRINK!)
- homemade barbecue and pies at the Carmine Dance Hall
- frozen hot chocolates and fruit smoothies at the Coffee Bug (in Warrenton)
- Tex-Mex plates at Los Patrones Mexican Grill
- chopped barbecue and burgers at Royers Round Top Cafe (reservations required for dinner)
- pie, pie, and more pie at Royers Pie Haven
- rosemary chicken salad and pimento cheese sandwiches at the Texas Rose Cafe
- shrimp BLTs, all-you-can-drink iced teas, and cold beers at Zapp Hall Cafe and Beer Garden
A FEW DATES TO NOTE…
Sept. 24: the Junk Gypsy World Headquarters opens
Sept. 25: a first-year show opens at the Compound
Sept. 26: White Linen Nights party in Burton
Sept. 28: the Original Round Top Antiques Fair opens
Sept. 29: the Marburger Farm Antiques Show opens
Oct. 1: Junk Gypsy Prom at Zapp Hall
Oct 3 & 4: most shows close…which means remaining merch will likely be significantly marked down!
WHAT TO BOOKMARK
The Show Daily, aka the Antiques Week Bible, which you can read online or pick up while you’re out in the fields (its pullout map is required reading!).
The Round Top Register for its handy calendar, custom Round Top road trip playlists, and all-important map (email registration required).
WHO TO FOLLOW…
on Periscope:
@junkgypsy – Our favorite junkin’ sisters, Amie and Jolie Sikes + live video + ambushing Gypsy Daddy on his tractor = live-streaming gold!
on Instagram:
@TheVintageRoundTop – It’s Paige and Smoot Hull’s world, and we’re just happy to be living in it vicariously via the creative couple’s snapshots from their corner of Round Top. (I wrote about their fixer-upper—now a jaw-dropping vacation rental—for Country Living.)
on Facebook:
Rachel Ashwell – The high priestess of pretty things has been documenting her finds and sneak-peeks of her antique treasures.
on Twitter:
@RoundTopNews – Stay on top of events and happenings (and Hereford sightings?!) by keeping an eye on the Round Top Register’s tweets.
Related stories:
Pastures of Plenty (February 2015)
Trip Guide: Round Top (February 2015)
Treasure This (April 2013)
