Twice a year in the spring and fall, tens of thousands of shoppers flock to Round Top (population 80 per the 2010 Census) and surrounding small towns between Austin and Houston for an antiques extravaganza unmatched worldwide. Crafts and collectibles, vintage and new, are available at dozens of vendor shows throughout the massive event, which originated as three days and now stretches across two weeks.
Those that have made the pilgrimage know how potentially overwhelming the experience can be. That's why Kimberley Ellis, owner of Off the Cape Vintage, a Fort Worth-based online home décor store offering everything from chic lighting and linens to whimsical home furnishings, is now hosting guided Round Top trips, including room, board and important insider tips.
"The idea came to me after I returned from my annual spring trip down there last year," says Ellis, who's rummaged Round Top for riches for years. "Friend after friend kept saying, "I've always wanted to go but I don't know where to start.""
Ellis" two-night package includes lodging in a charming four-bedroom home in close proximity to all the action, a light breakfast each morning, pre-arranged discounts with her favorite vendors and her guided consultation and design advice.
"I will be working with people to hunt and search for treasures, give them feedback, and help them negotiate. It's a lot to navigate," Ellis says. "I love design and I love finding a diamond in the rough. I realized some people struggle with that. So it's very fun for me to work with others to inspire them to do that with their own taste."
Ellis" spring trip date, March 20-22, is earlier than when many of the shows open, but her timing is with a purpose.
"I always go early," she says. "I have found the best time to go is the weekend prior to when all the shows open. There are some shows that are officially open, but so many vendors are setting up and unloading, I find the best deals and the best product by going during that time. Then you avoid the traffic, and the vendors are nicer because they're not grumpy and beat down. They're in a good mood and excited. It's my favorite time to go."
Round Top newbies can expect a sea of barns, tents and even dance halls fully decked with décor and wares of all kinds. Finds include everything from industrial products, Asian rugs, fine China, silver, artwork and light fixtures, and yes, even the kitchen sink.
"It's a lot of scouring. It's dusty fields and you wear your boots or your wellies and traipse through. To me, that's the fun of it," Ellis says. "I can't imagine anyone going and saying they didn't find anything. It's a little bit of everything, new and old. And it's almost like going to summer camp – putting a group of girls together who have the same passion, bunking together and meeting new friends."
