By Jeanne Lyons Davis //
We love the thrill of the hunt here at LDV. Whether it’s Paloma discovering 19th-century Napoleon chairs in the famed antique markets of Paris or myself making (illegal) U-turns every time I see an “Estate Sale” sign, we live for treasures untold. Thankfully, being headquartered in Houston makes it an easy hour and a half drive to the epicenter of antiquing: Round Top, TX.
For two weeks every spring and fall, the Hill Country hamlet comes alive with the sound of shoppers. While Round Top’s population boasts a humble 90 people, more than 200,000 out-of-towners descend upon the village and neighboring towns to shop in pop-up markets and thousands of pitched tents in open fields, making city limits indecipherable between Carmine, Round Top, and Warrington. Highway 237, a usually sleepy two-lane country road, temporarily transforms into a congested caravan of bumper-to-bumper vehicles and U-Hauls transporting the loot of lucky shoppers. After five years of making the pilgrimage, my only regrets are not bringing enough cash (small bills are crucial), passing on that World War II-era oil portrait from Amsterdam, and still not investing in a pick-up truck.
Celebrating it’s 50th year, the lauded event’s faithful following continues to grow. Celebrity interior designers rub shoulders with fanny pack wearing Hobby Holly’s as everyone hunts through the cluttered fields, together. Antiquing, it turns out, is democracy at its finest.
From 18th-century French furnishings to your grandmother’s collection of brightly colored Pyrex bowls, there’s a good chance that every shopper will find a vendor that’s cut from the same cloth. Below are few of my favorite stops, which I’ll be digging through this weekend. Can’t make it? Save-the-dates for the spring 2019 events: March 21-April 7. Happy Hunting!
Marburger Farm
With more than 350 dealers from around the world, Marburger Farm is by far the ultimate destination for authentic, rare, and easy-on-the-eyes antiques. From 19th-century secretaries to mid-century credenzas, tent after tent reveals a whole new (or, should we say, old) world of divine home furnishings from across the globe.
2248 Texas 237, Round Top, TX. Admission: $10–25. roundtop-marburger.com
Big Red Barn
Known as the show that started it all, the appropriately named Big Red Barn continues to curate some of the best antiques in Texas for the past 50 years. The 30,000-square foot venue boasts hundreds of vendors selling everything from early Americana collectables to Texas primitives. The adjacent Continental Tent touts fine furnishings from across the pond, including English, French, and Italian antiques. Head’s up: You’re going to need a truck. (Trust us.)
475 Texas 237, Round Top, TX. Admission: $8–20. roundtoptexasantiques.com
Blue Hills
When you see the iconic statue of a rearing stallion by the front entrance, you’ll know you’ve arrived at Blue Hills. One of the first major stops along Highway 237, the well-manicured 26-acre property boasts an eclectic mix of antiques, textiles, and outdoor furnishings. Come for the finds; stay for the BBQ prepared and sold on the grounds.
1707 Texas 237, Carmine, TX. Admission: Free. bluehillsatroundtop.com
La Bahia Hall
This historic Texas dance hall knows how to cut—and sell—a rug. Scrappy antique enthusiasts will love the architectural salvage, antique assortment, and nostalgic collectables, like—my favorite—1960s Paint By Number art. Blue and white chinoiserie china fans: Head inside the hall and get ready for your wallet to feel the blues.
550 Texas 237, Burton, TX. Admission: Free. labahiaantiques.com
Images
from La Dolce Vita https://ift.tt/2PbUgSm
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