An Insider’s Guide to Round Top, Texas
Courtesy of Blue Hills
Sitting atop the rolling hills of Texas Hill Country, Round Top, Texas, has become a mecca for design lovers three times a year. Located between Austin and Houston, the historic town comes alive each spring, fall, and winter during the legendary Round Top Antiques Fair, a sprawling, weeks-long event that draws designers, collectors, and dealers from around the world. Founded in 1968 by Emma Lee Turney, the fair has grown into one of the most influential antiques and design destinations in the country. Today, the fair—along with the iconic Blue Hills venue—is owned and operated by Stephanie Layne Disney and her family, native Houstonians and sixth-generation Texans. Who better to give us the definitive guide to both the charm of Round Top and the fair itself? Stephanie, take it away.
Stephanie Layne Disney
I’m so excited to share a guide with you to a place that is super special to me and to my family: Round Top, Texas. This tiny town (population of 90 when a show isn’t in session) is a must-visit and has become one of the most sought-after destinations for antique hunters and dealers from around the world. In addition to antiques, Round Top is full to the brim with everything from art to fashion finds, rugs, cowboy boots, jewelry, lighting, accessories, just to name a few!
My family has had the incredible opportunity to be a part of Round Top’s growth over the past 8 years. Little did we know that what started as a family project would grow into full-time jobs! The shows we own and operate are Blue Hills and The Original Round Top Antiques Fair, which is the show that started it all over 50 years ago in 1968. Three times a year (January, March, and October), we open our doors for the Winter, Spring, and Fall shows and welcome around 100,000 shoppers. People come from all over to shop the barns, tents, and fields. In between shopping, there is plenty of good food, cute hangouts, and chic lodging. The people watching is incredible—there is a Round Top “look” that you will see most of the women wearing!
WHERE TO STAY
Courtesy of Blue Hills
Hotel Lulu is in the heart of town and is very chic. The restaurant and bar are beautiful, and it’s definitely a see-and-be-seen kind of spot! Rancho Pillow is a coveted Round Top destination for its Feasts in the Field dinners and lodging. There are also Red Antler Bungalows, which are these beautifully designed little houses. And lastly, The Hideaway is a new spot outside of town on a stunning property.
Where to Eat
Lulu’s at Hotel Lulu has fantastic service with upscale Italian fare, while The Brewery has delicious food & beer (of course) in a laid back setting with live music on the porch. Boon & Company is in the heart of town and has pizzas, sandwiches, salads, etc., with a charming upstairs bar and gorgeous grounds. At some of the bigger shows, like Blue Hills, there are also yummy bites on site if you want a quick lunch or snack break, which is great for busy days of shopping to maximize your time!
WHERE TO SHOP
If you’re coming to shop Round Top, your time will be spent exploring all of the shows! You can really only scratch the surface with a full day here. Along Highway 237 there is show after show after show. Other than Blue Hills and The Original Round Top Antiques Fair, a few popular shows to check out are La Bahia, Market Hill, The Halles, Bader Ranch, Marburger Farm, and The Compound. If you have time, be sure to make it to the “fields” in Warrenton, where you can do some serious treasure hunting.
As a bonus: If you’re flying in from out of state, you can fly to Austin or Houston and spend some time exploring either city on the front or tail end.
Courtesy of Blue Hills
STEPHANIE’S ROUND TOP SHOPPING TIPS
There are a couple of ways to “do” Round Top. You can come on a mission to hunt for something specific, or you can just show up and peruse. Either way, there are a few tips / best practices that we’ve learned over the years:
Don’t try to do it all in one day. Pick 1-3 shows.
Wear comfortable shoes and prepare for all kinds of weather. Texas is unpredictable. It could be cold and rainy one day and hot and sunny the next.
Drink plenty of water! A water bottle and sunscreen are highly recommended
If you want to be productive, leave little ones at home! They are, of course, welcome, but it is a lot of walking and sifting through multiple vendors/tents.
Bring a big sunhat, your face will be protected, and you’ll be on theme
Round Top is a short hour-plus drive from both Austin and Houston, so it’s totally doable as a day trip!
Don’t miss out on the Round Top spring show, from March 14-28, 2026!