Get in, loser, we're goin' to Round Top!

A field guide to one of Texas's most magical events

Whatever you're expecting to experience at Round Top, multiply x10! What an incredible, magical event/location/happening this is.

Getting there: we flew into Austin, but you can also fly into Houston. Rented a car and drove straight to Round Top (1.5 hours). Quick stop at Whataburger for strength and hydration.

As soon as we rolled into town we checked in with our amazing friend and co-conspirator, Anahata Katkin. She's a brilliant style maven. She's founded and run a stationery company, successful retail stores, vintage clothing hustles, and is one of the best interior designers I know. She was at the Horseshoe showing off her massive collection of vintage clothing.

We drove to the far North end of highway 237 to La Bahia. This was exactly what I was expecting…individual vendors set up with tables and tents. I bought some linens from a man who lives in the Netherlands, but comes to Round Top twice a year.

We stopped for a couple of simple tacos and a paloma at a pop up place, and then walked into…

Stay

These shipping containers turned AirBnB units — FlopHouze — were so funky and fun! There was a west-ward facing patio for those incredible Texas sunsets, and even a heated shipping container pool, which let me tell you, was a welcome retreat after a hot dusty day of combing through other peoples' junk. One small caveat: the bathroom was weirdly in the middle of the unit between the kitchen and bedroom. And the shower had glass doors. So make sure you're REAL comfortable with your roommates.

Eat

Food is a little strange here. Due to the seasonality of the shows, there aren't a huge number of established restaurants. We did love this adorable little pop up La Petite Dame near the Compound. I had coq au vin for 2 nights in a row. And the cocktails were amazing.

Country Sunshine was also great!

Ellis Motel for the hippest cocktails and people watching. We met a VERY stylish alleged "Rodeo Clown".

What you came for: The Shopping

Find a good Round Top map at the very beginning of your trip. Mark your "must go" spots. If you have time, you can explore further, but trust me on this. You need to set priorities, because you cannot see it all.

One thing I particularly loved about Round Top is the hustlers. The carnies. The folks who love to buy and sell things. And especially the artisans and crafters who have full blown brands and love to sell what they make.

Some makers we really loved:

• Gather Goods: colorful jewelry great for layering
• Carla Valencia: crazy cool custom patches
• Arloom: upcycled huipil textile garments

Overall, I just kept thinking "These are my people". The outfits, the music, the sweet tea. With the exception of some snooty old gals who we heard were from Dallas. IYKYK.

My Top Stops

• The Fields at Warrenton: This is the real picking spot. Weird junk galore, reasonable prices. Lots of the other vendors shop these tents and then turn around and sell those pieces for much higher prices in their curated booths in other locations. I bought old quilts, metal charms, and the bandana slides we're selling in the Texas Joy Drop here.
• The Horseshoe: So many eclectic and gorgeously curated vendors. Check out Super Ready and XX for starters, but wander everywhere!
• The Compound: Higher end items, but worth a stroll.
• Blue Hills: We went here 3 separate times and it was a great mix of vintage, crafter/maker, bespoke brands. So much cool stuff here, and really good breakfast tacos!
• The Grainery and Excess II: These are all storage units on steroids, and you can find everything from $3000 vintage lamps to a whole bucket of old metal keys for $5.
• Make sure you stop in the town of Round Top and all the cute little shops there. We LOVED Sapana where they make jackets from vintage Indian Kantha quilts. (I bought two. Ooops)

Side Quests

• Music and evening entertainment at Zapp Hall and the Junk Gypsy prom!
• Fashion shows
• Celebrity designer meet-and-greets!

Here's what you're really after: all the photos!

1 /

✕

Links compiled May 2026. Venues and restaurants at Round Top operate seasonally — always check websites for current show dates and hours before visiting.