Hi there, Friends! It's almost spring and soon it will be Texas Antique Week. Today I'm sharing several tips I wish I'd known before I went the first time, so you can shop like a pro! If you're not able to make the trip this year, that's okay--follow along for swoon worthy inspiration from some of my favorite venues...
Plan Your Trip Before the Official Opening
The Texas Antique Week spring show officially opens in Round Top on March 27 and will run through April 2. However many of the vendors will set up and be open for business earlier. Though there are a few venues open as early as March 16 according to the show calendar, all of the vendors I visited in the fall will be open on Thursday, March 23. That's the first day I would suggest and it gives those who can shop longer, a weekend head start before crowds arrive. Last fall, Carly and I shopped two weekdays prior to opening week and there were more places open than we had time to shop. One last thing about going early, because it was less crowded, we didn't pay for any parking!
Don't Let the Show Calendar Confuse You
It's helpful that there is a Texas Antique Week spring show calendar that lists all of the vendors and when they open. However, if you are a first timer, it can be very confusing. For example, I found the distinction between Round Top and Warrenton unnecessary and frankly a little puzzling. Though spread out for miles, it's all one long highway, (State Highway 237) so I found it easier to group the venues by street address, unlike the calendar which only divides the list between Round Top and Warrenton. Below is the list from my phone of my favorite venues, their addresses and the dates they open. I'd recommend comparing it to the calendar and creating your own list of places to shop. If you take the time before you travel to organize a list, it will really help you make the most of your trip and shopping time. During the fall show, I used my phone list to navigate while Carly drove and I cannot tell you the difference it made. We were shopped out before running out of places but didn't feel like we'd missed anything. If my list seems short, keep in mind that most venues have tents full of rows and rows of vendors!
My Two Cents on Marburger Farm
If you have your heart set on going to Marburger Farm, the place featured on Fixer Upper, it doesn't open until March 28, so going early won't be an option. Here's a few more reasons you may want to reconsider. The first year I went, I paid extra money to shop Marburger on opening day and sat in a line of traffic for an hour just to enter and park. The booths are gorgeous but think high end antique dealer prices and major crowds. If this is a bucket list experience, or you are looking for dream home inspiration, by all means go for it. On the other hand, if you are a DIY, bargain seeking junker, you may be disappointed. Don't get me wrong, there is lots of inspiration and eye candy to behold, but there are plenty of other venues to get the Fixer Upper look for less. I personally would rather spend the time and money I have hunting bargain treasure while saving the price of admission while I'm at it! See more photos from Marburger Farm here.
Be a Girl Scout--Come Prepared!
If you're not from Texas, you might be surprised that it will likely already be hot. Dress comfortably, wear sunscreen, bring plenty of water and cash. While many vendors take cards, cash is best for striking deals. A rolling cart for carrying your loot comes in handy, too. We brought an ice chest in the car and kept a couple of water bottles with us while we shopped. Whenever we went to the next stop, we'd unload our purchases and reload on water as needed. Another tip, bring a tape measure and/or pieces that need fitting. Remember my DIY farmhouse light upgrade? I found the vintage barn shade and rustic baskets that I used to update my existing fixtures at Ex-Cess and Bar W Fields, but I brought along the fixture pieces to make sure they would fit.
Yummy Places to Eat
Believe me when I say you do not want to miss Royers Cafe for the pie alone! Carly and I shared delicious pasta for lunch but when it came to the pie, we each ordered our own slice. The Sweet-n-Salty was a scrumptious chocolate caramel brownie pie that tasted heavenly! Read more about Royers Cafe here!
Also, the rosemary chicken salad from Texas Rose Cafe is to die for! Note: As you may have noticed from my phone list, The Texas Rose Cafe is not to be confused with The Rose of Texas--Round Top/Warrenton has both! Read more about the Texas Rose show & cafe here!
Indoor (Air conditioned) Venues to Shop When It's HOT!
Junk Gypsy Company will definitely be added to my list on my next trip! Last time, I'd accidentally looked at the dates for one of their tent shows and thought the store would be closed while we were there, so it was an unexpected surprise to find them open. If you like the show, you'll love the store!
Cole's Antique Show is a collector's paradise and as you might imagine, where I did most of my shopping on my first trip. Compared to the other venues, it's more of an indoor antique mall.
Remember to Check Out the Bluebonnets!
For my friends who won't be making the trip, I know it's not quite the same, but I'm sharing a few more photos for your viewing pleasure ;)
Have you been to Texas Antique Week? What tips would you share?
MY HEARTFELT THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING FOR FEATURING THIS POST:
What fun!! There isn't anything like that here.
ReplyDeleteI would love to come so much. If I decide to come I will take your tips to heart and if I don't get to come (which is most likely) I'll be anxiously waiting to see the wonderful treasures you find.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your advise for shopping at Round Top at the Snickerdoodle Create~Bake~Make link party!
DeleteWell, there's nothing like this in my neck of the woods...but it looks like a ton of thrifting and antiquing fun!! :)
ReplyDeleteI didn't much care for it - The prices seemed high for stuff. But with these tips maybe I'll give it another try sometime. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all I need those pink Pyrex dishes and 2nd I'd love to go. We live in Oklahoma and one of these days I will get to.
ReplyDeleteso many cool things! Good thing I live in Oregon!! LOL
ReplyDeleteOh what a fun invitation to Texas! I hope to go to Round Top some day - probably not this year. Thanks for taking us along with your photos.
ReplyDeleteJudy
Now that's an event I would categorize as bucket list for me for sure! I've heard so much about it over the years....maybe some day I'll get to go! Sounds like you've got it covered, can't wait to see what you get this time! xo Kathleen Our Hopeful Home
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing event! I'd love to go someday, but Texas is a bit out of the way for me :) Hope you have a blast this year--
ReplyDeleteGreat info. Thanks! Did you find better prices in a certain area? I went for the first time last year and found the prices high.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a dream! I may have to add it to my bucket list :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic way to spend your time in Texas! This is also the most perfect time of year to be there too!
ReplyDeleteWow, that looks like a lot of fun! I'm sure you will be able to find all sorts of cool things.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could go to this, looks like so much fun!
ReplyDeleteLooks like fun! My daughter lives in the San Marcos area, I might have to go visit her for a few days!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness- I wouldn't even know where to start...so many treasures!
ReplyDeleteI wish I was close enough to go!
ReplyDeleteWow, amazing. I can only imagine seeing this through your eyes. I think you covered everything. Thanks for sharing at DI&DI.
ReplyDeleteI have never been to Antique week, but I so enjoyed the things that you shared with us as well as the tips!
ReplyDeleteJemma
I had my heart absolutely set on going. It's honestly still up in the air for me. We're about to list our house for sale (we already found a home and hope that it's still on the market when we're ready to buy). I keep saying "maybe next year" and I hope that is true!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds so cool! I think things like this can be so overwhelming without a game plan!
ReplyDeleteOh, I LOVE going antiquing with my hubby!! This looks so much fun with so many awesome things!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful opportunity! This would be amazing! Maybe someday I need to make a Spring trip to Texas! Thanks for sharing at Celebrate Your Story!
ReplyDeleteSuch great info Cecilia! Hubby and I originally planned on coming to texas to see the bluebonnets and round top. Something came up and we've postponed it until next year. That's why we decided to take off to CA. Now he's thinking it should be a girl trip for me and my friends. I think I'm going to plan one and these tips will really help us! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann
That stove. I would bring it home and hook it up in a second. I'm in love!
ReplyDeleterue
Oh my goodness! Can you please pop me in your pocket when you go! We don't have anything like this in Australia!! I will have to make sure when I come over to your neck of the woods to plan it when this is on and take all of your tips with me ;-)
ReplyDeleteSo fun. I've been once and it was a bucket list experience but I didn't buy anything at Marburger Farms. It was before Junk Gypsies to I didn't get to see their truck. Thanks for linking to Monday Social.
ReplyDelete