Enjoy this in depth Round Top 2.0 guide. IYKYK - Round Top has changed drastically since I last wrote in 2018. Please visit PaperCity’s guide to Round Top and The Vintage Round Top for great guides to my most happy place in Texas! I've added a few tips of my own to help Houston folks planning day trips!
Preparing for the Show.
WHERE IS IT?
Round Top is about 90 miles and about a two-hour drive from Houston (quicker if you have a heavy foot... see note about speed traps!). The town has a population of around 90 and is on Texas 237 between Brenham and LaGrange. Watch for speed traps on 290. Once you're on Highway 237, expect limited mobile reception and the traffic to crawl slowly as you get near town.
DATES & TIMES
-Show is now held three times a year in the winter, Spring and the Fall. Check for dates here.
-Thousands of vendors set up shop on an eleven-mile stretch of Hwy 237 in Round Top with smaller shows in neighboring towns.
-Every show is different, most open by 9:00am (however some open even earlier) and close around 6:00pm (or stay open until the last shopper leaves)
BEST TIME TO COME?
Looking for the Best Deals: Come towards the end of the of the show. There will be less selection, however vendors will be more inclined to strike a deal or negotiate with you to get rid of their inventory. (Although, this is not always the case. Many dealers pack up from one show to go to the next, so are not in a position to give major discounts.)
Looking for Smaller, Less Chaotic Crowds: Shop Monday-Thursday. During the week, parking is much easier and the crowd is smaller, making it easier to get from one show to another.
Looking for the Best Selection: Plan to be there Day 1 or before for sneak peeks! Some vendors will be running before the official open date. Pros: Small crowds, spotty shopping - some open, most closed. But you will get a jump on what you find before it gets picked over. Downside: Not everything is open and the prices will be less negotiable..
WHERE TO STAY
Book lodging early! Many B&B/home rentals require a 2-3 night minimum stay. Regardless if you plan to come once or twice a year, lock the reservation in with your favorite B&B or Home Rental.
Visit PaperCity’s Featured Properties
Visit Round Top Hostie’s Offerings
Stay at Hotel Lulu to be in the middle of it all!
I’ve stayed many times at The Main Street House in Brenham. Keith, the owner, is super friendly and makes a perfect French Press.
WHAT TO WEAR
Dress comfortably and stylish! Texas weather can be extreme and change overnight, but many days are picture perfect. Shoe choice is key as you will be doing a lot of walking... and walking over rocks, grass, caliche and sometimes through mud. Sun coverage is also important in regards to staying comfortable while navigating the shows. Wear layers and a light jacket or top to cover your shoulders to avoid sunburn, even if it’s cold. Wear comfortable shoes or if the forecast calls for rain, wear rain boots. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
WHAT TO BRING
Carry a large tote bag to carry water and small purchases. I often have allergy attacks in Round Top, so I always pack some antihistamine and tissues. I bring a small measuring tape, notes on what I’m looking for, cellphone (obviously!), for writing photographing purchases including the location, name and booth number of the vendor if you need to pick up your items later.
If you're on a day trip, you may be looking to save precious shopping time. I suggest loading a cooler full of cheese, crackers, chicken salad, water, etc. You can grab a quick bite in your car (with A/C blowing) and avoid the long restaurant lines. Many shows now have food and beverage bars on site, so quenching your thirst or grabbing a snack is much easier!
Use your cellphone to take pictures of the items you bought and left behind to pick up later. Always ask permission before you take photos of a booth and if you plan to post on social media, get the name and contact info to tag the vendor.
Bring cash from home! Although most dealers accept credit cards and checks, cash is always welcomed. There are banks located in Round Top and the surrounding areas of Carmine, La Grange and Brenham and some show sites do have ATMS.
During the Show.
PARKING
Many parking areas are located between and behind the shows along SH 237. Most parking is free, but there are places that offer paid parking for a small fee, typically $5.
NAVIGATING THE SHOWS
If you come for a day trip, get started as early as possible. Since the shows span over an 11 mile stretch, traffic can slow down the process of getting from one to another. Drive to the furthest show and work your way backwards so you are only dealing with traffic on the way back. However, if you have favorite shows, start there first to get the best selection.
The Round Top Register has created a Back Roads Guide with information about show locations, times and dates. You can pick up one in Round Top or click here to view and download the PDF.
NEGOTIATING WITH VENDORS
Some vendors will negotiate, but most are firm on prices. You won’t know until you ask and most dealers expect to be asked. You will have better luck negotiating if you are looking to purchase a large ticket item or a large amount of small items. Remember that these vendors have a tough job so be fair in what you offer.
FINDING YOUR HIDDEN TREASURE
As the saying goes, “One’s man’s junk is another man’s treasure.” We love the hunt, but one issue you have to face when looking for your perfect piece is the decision of when to buy. If you decide to wait and go back later to purchase a piece, it may be gone. The other aspect is that you may buy something in the beginning and then find something even better later so, there is no easy answer. Bottom line: If you LOVE it, BUY it!
TRANSPORTING YOUR PURCHASES
There are several businesses that offer shipping of large purchases but in our experience, the two most reputable are Roll’en Hills and Distinguished Transport. If you aren’t buying large items, simply transport your purchases in the back of your vehicle, in your trunk or even pull a small trailer. If you choose to take your items home with you, bring plastic tarps or blankets to cover the interior of your car in case of rain or if items are dirty, etc.
ROLL'EN HILLS CONTACT INFO
Cindy's Cell : 281 726 2631 or Kevin's Cell: 281 204 7434
2121 South State Hwy 237
Round Top, TX 78954
DISTINGUISHED TRANSPORT CONTACT INFO
Phone: 979 249 3473 or 678 910 1668
2377 South State Hwy 237
Round Top, TX 78954
Where to Eat.
Restaurants get VERY busy during the show and some require reservations weeks or months in advance. If you know when you are going to be coming, we highly recommend calling the restaurant to find out when they begin taking reservations so you are ahead of the game.
GARDEN COMPANY FEED & FIREWATER The Garden Company is a delicious eatery located in Rummel Square.
ROYER'S ROUND TOP CAFE A Round Top legend, Royer’s Round Top Café is known for its delicious food and quirky atmosphere.
During the show, you can also find Royer’s in Zapp Hall!
TEAGUE'S TAVERN Serving up some good old-fashioned Texas cooking like frito pie and chicken fried steak, Teague's Tavern offers a relaxed atmosphere and live music on the patio on the weekends.
THE STONE CELLAR Speaking of relaxing with a cold one in hand, The Stone Cellar offers a wide variety of craft and local beers with live music every Friday & Saturday—in addition to the most yummy wood-fired pizza!
PROST WINE BAR A great place to grab a glass of wine is Prost Wine Bar. They also offer light bites—like a delicious cheese plate—to snack on while you're there!
ROYER'S PIE HAVEN Royer's Pie Haven is our favorite stop for a quick coffee and maybe even a slice of pie (okay, always a slice of pie!).
TEXAS ROSE SHOW & CAFE Take a lunch break from hunting down treasures in the fields and stop off at the Texas Rose Show & Café for sandwiches, salads, and friendly faces behind the counter.
MANDITO'S From the owners of Armando's, a Houston institution, Mandito's is Round Top’s spot for TexMex. I love sharing the chicken nachos with a friend and sipping on a spicy margarita (ask for a “dot” of the frozen habanero on top - delish!)
LULU'S Located in Bybee Square, Lulu's historic atmosphere alone is worth the trip, but you can't go wrong with a glass of wine and one of the classic pizza or pasta offerings. Outdoor dining limited - but worth it!
ROUND TOP SMOKE HOUSE Owned by the same proprietor of the Ellis Motel, this new BBQ restaurant is located behind Henkel Square and ain’t your traditional Texas fare. It’s that and then some!
POPI BURGER Popi Burger is located in the charming old general store right across from the the main square and offers delicious burgers, brews and shakes that will make your tummy happy!
JW's in CARMINE
If you're looking for a nice, juicy steak, head 20 minutes the opposite way to find JW’s in Carmine. This true Texan steakhouse is a hole-in-the-wall joint that serves up some of the best steaks and burgers as well as an amazing catfish platter! We highly recommend heading to JW's before you head out of town!
Most shows and all large ones have “Pop Up” food vendors and beverage trucks!
After Hours.
Several shows offer late-night shopping along with live music. Thank you Vintage Round Top for your recommendations!
The most well-known and rockin’ is the “Junk Gypsy Prom,” held on a Thursday at the Junk Gypsy tent in Zapp Hall. They have live music, vendors and Zapp Hall has a bubble bar with libations.
Prost Wine Bar offers live music and a world class selection of wines by the glass or the bottle.
112 Bauer Rummel Road
Round Top, TX 78954
The Stone Cellar is a personal favorite. It’s known for great live music, dancing, and pizza.
204 East Mill St
Round Top, TX 78954
The Ellis Motel, located in Henkel Square, is arguably the hippest hang-out in RT. Score a secluded room to lounge and wet your whistle.
Saddlehorn Winery in Burton, is a great spot to sip delicious wine and enjoy beautiful views of their 390-acre ranch. The Black Spanish wine is a must-try! You can add this spot to your list any day of the week, since they are open daily from 11am-6 pm.
Rohan Meadery, located on Blissful Folly Farm, offers a wide variety of meads, wine, and ciders made with sustainably sourced local ingredients. Their tasting room hours are Thursday to Sunday from noon to 6 pm. Stop by for a glass after a day of shopping Round Top!
Blue Mule Winery, a new favorite among Round Top locals, is located about 20 minutes away in Fayetteville. They offer wine tastings - check their website for schedule. The winery is built on the family's homestead, making it a family affair!
Kooper Family Whiskey has made a big splash and is located in Ledbetter, Texas. They too are a family affair and offer tastings and bottle purchase.