Round Top Antiques Week: Treasure Hunting & the Tote That Held It All

Twice a year the tiniest town in Texas (population: 90) turns into the biggest antiques playground in the country. Fields that were grazing cattle last week become miles of white tents filled with European primitives, mid-century rarities, vintage turquoise jewelry, and enough chipped-paint furniture to make your heart skip. You show up with coffee, sunscreen, and one goal: find that one piece that feels like it was waiting just for you. And you leave sunburned, happy, and carrying way more than you planned—thank goodness for a seriously good tote.

Why Round Top Hits Different for Texas Girls

It’s not just shopping; it’s a full-on girlfriend getaway. You wake up in a cute B&B, throw on a flowy sundress and boots, pile into the truck with iced coffee and playlists, and spend the day laughing your way through barns while texting photos of “too-expensive-but-perfect” chairs to the group chat. By sunset you’re sipping rosé on someone’s porch swing, admiring the day’s haul. Repeat for three to five days. It’s the Texas version of therapy.

The Magic Dates (Mark Your Calendar)

Must-Hit Venues (From Iconic to Insider)

The Classics

• Marburger Farm – The “fancy” one. Early entry tickets sell out fast, but worth it for the high-end dealers.
• Big Red Barn / Blue Hills – Where it all started in 1968. European antiques, Texas hospitality, and the best people-watching.
• Market Hill – Curated, air-conditioned bliss when the heat hits 95°.

The Warrenton Goldmines

• Excess & Zapp Hall – Junk gypsy heaven. Think vintage concert tees, neon signs, and turquoise everything.
• Royers Field – Food-truck central and endless rows of treasures under the oaks.
• Cole’s Antiques – The tent city that never ends. Wear your walking boots.

Insider Favorites

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• The Compound – Newer, boutique vibe, killer jewelry dealers.
• Leftovers – Amazing vintage clothing and the cutest photo ops.
• Bader Ranch – Emerging designers + live music stages.

What to Wear: Cute, Comfy, and Ready to Dig

Texas weather doesn’t care about your outfit plans. You need breathable fabrics, closed-toe shoes (gravel fields!), and layers for when the tents are freezing but the sun is brutal.

The Uniform Every Round Top Regular Swears By

• Lightweight sundress or denim skirt + HowdyHo women’s button-down (sleeves rolled, sun protection on point)
• Broken-in cowboy boots or cute leather sneakers
• Wide-brim hat and sunnies that can handle dust
• And most importantly — the tote that survives three days of hauling ironstone, candlesticks, and random brass horses.

Enter the HowdyHo Wildflower Sun Tote — the one you’ll see slung over every stylish shoulder from Marburger to Warrenton. Heavy-duty natural canvas with that gorgeous wildflower embroidery that screams Texas spring, reinforced leather handles that feel broken-in from day one, solid brass hardware, and a perfect pop of color that photographs like a dream against the fields. Big enough for a stack of vintage quilts or an impulse grain sack, roomy enough for your water bottle and a bottle of rosé, and tough enough to become your everyday farmer’s-market / weekend-getaway carry long after the show ends. It’s the tote that turns “I’ll just look” into “girls, help me carry this chair.”

Real Talk From the Fields

“I bought the Wildflower Sun Tote and by the end of the trip it was stuffed with ironstone, a ranch sign, and a bottle of wine. The embroidery still looks perfect and it’s now my go-to for everything.” — Megan, San Antonio

Pro Survival Tips From Girls Who’ve Done 10+ Rounds

• Book lodging 9–12 months out (The Vintage Round Top, Hotel Lulu, or Flophouze shipping-container chic).
• Bring cash — a lot of the best deals are still cash-only.
• Go Tuesday–Thursday for deals and breathing room; weekends are fun but packed.
• Pack a tape measure, furniture blanket, and bungee cords in the truck.
• Make dinner reservations NOW — Royers Pie Haven books months in advance.
• Download the Roundtop.com app for real-time maps (cell service is spotty).

Conclusion: Find Your Treasure, Make Some Memories

Round Top isn’t about leaving with a truck full of stuff — though you probably will. It’s about the stories: the $20 chair that becomes your favorite reading spot, the turquoise squash blossom you’ll wear to every wedding, the inside jokes with your best friends while covered in field dust and glitter.

Grab your girls, your HowdyHo Wildflower Sun Tote, and get ready for the best long weekend Texas has to offer. The fields are waiting — and so is your next great find.

See y’all under the tents. Happy hunting, darlins.

Quick FAQs

How many days do I really need?

Minimum three, ideal five if you want to hit everything without rushing.

Is it kid-friendly?

Yes, but bring a wagon and snacks. Strollers die in the gravel.

Best food on-site?

Royers café fried pies, The 550 Market tacos, and whatever food truck is parked at Zapp Hall.

Best tote for the fields?

The HowdyHo Wildflower Sun Tote — tough canvas, gorgeous embroidery, and built for exactly this kind of Texas treasure hunting.

When’s the next show?

Winter 2026: January 22 – 25 (cozy edition), then Spring March 19 – April 5.