Hard-Won Wisdom from Designers, Collectors, and Treasure Hunters Who Learned the Hard Way
We asked dozens of Round Top veterans — interior designers, seasoned collectors, first-timers who became regulars — one simple question: What do you wish you'd known before your first trip?
Their answers ranged from practical to profound. Some will save you money. Some will save your feet. All of them will make your Round Top experience better.
1. The "Smell Test" Is Real
"If you walk into a building and it smells good and there's air conditioning, just turn around and walk out — unless you're there to spend a ton of money."
This sounds like a joke. It's not.
The beautifully merchandised, climate-controlled, lovely-smelling booths are almost always the most expensive. The tent vendors who schlep their inventory in and don't have AC? That's where the deals are. They don't want to pack it all back up.
The smell test isn't about avoiding nice spaces — it's about knowing what you're walking into.
2. Your Body Will Betray You
Everyone warned us about the walking. We didn't really believe them.
The reality:
- 10+ miles per day
- More walking than Disney World
- "I was limping by night two"
- "Had to get out of bed to stretch because my body hurt"
- "Our bodies were breaking down by day three"
Pack comfortable shoes. Real ones. Not cute ones. Bring a second pair to switch into. Consider compression socks. You're going to be on your feet for 8-10 hours a day on gravel, grass, and uneven terrain.
3. October Is HOT
The fall show is in "October" but this is Texas. People arrive expecting pleasant autumn weather.
Actual temperature: 90°F
Pack tank tops, sleeveless dresses, sunscreen, and a hat. The spring show (late March/early April) reportedly has much better weather. Plan accordingly.
4. Measurements Are Everything
The number one regret of first-timers: finding the perfect piece and not knowing if it fits.
Before you leave home:
- Measure every space you're shopping for
- Note maximum width, depth, and height
- Include doorway dimensions (can you get it into the room?)
- Take photos of the spaces
- Save it all in your phone
Even better: save your measurements in Round Top Finder's Notes — you can create measurement notes for each room, attach photos, and access everything from one place while you're shopping. No more scrolling through your camera roll looking for that photo of the entryway.
Interior designers don't just "go shopping." They arrive with space plans and exact dimensions. You should too.
5. The Early Bird Gets the Armoire
At Marburger, people literally run when the doors open. There's a term for it: "the run."
"We got there 30 minutes after opening and a lot of the furniture was already sold. There must have been a literal stampede."
If you have your eye on a specific type of piece — especially furniture — consider early admission tickets. Know which vendors you want to hit. Have a plan.
At Big Red Barn, people start lining up at 7 AM for 9 AM opening. They hand out donuts.
6. Marburger Is Worth the $15
Many first-timers skip Marburger because of the admission fee and the reputation for being expensive.
Don't.
Yes, there are $10,000 pieces. There are also incredible deals, especially in the tents and from vendors who don't want to ship their inventory home. One shopper found their best lamp deal of the entire weekend at Marburger.
The $15 ticket is good for the rest of the show, so you can come back multiple times.
7. You Need More Than One Day
"I don't see everything even in five days."
That's from someone who curates the show.
If you're trying to do Round Top as a day trip from Austin, you'll see maybe two venues and feel rushed. The magic happens when you have time to wander, to go back to things, to discover.
Minimum recommended: 2 full days.
Ideal: 3-4 days.
8. Shipping Should Be Arranged BEFORE You Go
The worst time to figure out shipping logistics is when you're standing in front of your dream piece trying to math out if you can afford to get it home.
Before your trip:
- Research shippers (Rolling Hills, Distinguished Transport, You Ship)
- Get quotes
- Understand the process
- Have phone numbers saved
Some vendors handle shipping themselves. Some have preferred partners. But knowing your options in advance gives you confidence to buy.
9. The Last Days Have the Best Deals
Vendors don't want to pack it up. As the show winds down:
- Pricing gets more flexible
- Negotiation is easier
- "Make us an offer" happens more often
The trade-off: less selection. The best pieces sell early. But if you're budget-conscious and flexible, the last weekend is your friend.
10. Blue Hills Is Not Overpriced
We heard "Blue Hills is expensive" before we went. It's repeated so often it becomes accepted truth.
It's not true.
Multiple people specifically said they found the best deals of their entire trip at Blue Hills. Yes, there are high-end pieces. But there are also treasures at every price point.
Don't skip a venue based on reputation. See for yourself.
11. Rent a Car, Period
There are no Ubers. The venues are spread across 11 miles. You cannot walk between them.
Fly into Austin (closer than Houston), rent a car, and plan on driving between stops. It's non-negotiable.
12. Lodging Books Up FAST
People book for the next show before they leave the current one. Six months out is not too early.
If you wait too long:
- You'll stay 20-30 minutes away in La Grange or Brenham
- This isn't a disaster — nearby towns have groceries and pharmacies
- But Round Top itself is more fun
13. It's a Fashion Show Too
Round Top isn't just about what you buy — it's what you wear.
The uniform:
- Cowboy boots
- Quilted jackets
- Vintage-inspired pieces
- Interesting jewelry
- Good denim
"If you're coming, dress the part. It's more fun."
You don't have to, but you'll feel more in the spirit if you do. Plus, there are incredible fashion vendors if you want to acquire your Round Top look while you're there.
14. Vendors Are Experts — Ask Them
The person behind the booth isn't just selling stuff. They're often specialists who have devoted years to a particular category. They can tell you:
- The history of a piece
- Where it came from
- What era it's from
- Why it's special
- How to care for it
One vendor traced a piece back to the president of Mexico's son's estate. Another explained the entire history of sailor's valentines (they weren't made by sailors — they were made in Barbados for sailors to buy for their loved ones).
The stories are half the fun. Ask questions.
15. If You Love It, Buy It
This is the single most repeated piece of advice from everyone we talked to. It bears repeating:
If you love it, buy it.
It will not be there when you come back. The vendor might not be there next time. The piece is one-of-a-kind.
You will regret what you didn't buy more than what you did.
Bonus: The Things Nobody Tells You
Look up. Some of the best pieces (chandeliers, light fixtures, hanging items) are above eye level.
Pairs are worth 3x. Never split up a pair. If you only have room for one, give the other to someone you can get it back from later.
Many dinner venues have shops. The shopping never stops, even at the restaurant.
Opening morning is an experience. Even if you don't buy anything, the energy of the "run" is worth witnessing.
The vendors become family. They return year after year, know each other, look out for each other. You're entering a community.
You can spend zero dollars and still have an incredible time. The inspiration alone is worth the trip. The artistry of how dealers arrange their spaces is like walking through dozens of showhouses.
The Real Secret
Everyone we talked to — designers, collectors, first-timers who became regulars — said some version of the same thing:
Round Top is more than an antique show. It's an experience. It's exhausting and overwhelming and magical. It's unlike anything else.
You can read all the tips in the world, but you won't fully understand until you're there, standing in a field full of treasures, your feet aching, your credit card warm, wondering how you're going to fit that mirror in your car.
And you'll already be planning your next trip.
Start planning now at Round Top Finder — the things you wish you'd known are already built into the app. Vendor directory, trip planner, notes, favorites, and AI tools to help you find exactly what you're looking for.
Round Top Finder — Everything we wish someone had told us. Available on web, iOS, and Android.
