My mom and I recently went down to Round Top, TX for the bi-annual Antique Week. It was our 5th season to scout the fields along highway 237. It's kinda our thing - we love going and love going together - she's my amazing and seasoned pro scouting partner! We've participated in Marburger which was a lot of fun but we also love going as shoppers.
Thinking back to our first trip - we had no idea where to go or what all took place during Antique week. We're talking miles of antiques - over a span of two weeks in more than one town; Warrenton, Round Top, Carmine, La Bahia, etc. You really can't go wrong but there are some things we have discovered that are staples for our trip; where we are going to park, what part of the fields we will scout, where we will eat...where the cleanest bathroom is!! It's the good to know information and I'm about to spill it...
This was our first year to scout out the La Bahia field. We went the weekend before Marburger opening and that is when this field opened. The vendors here are fairly priced and have well curated booths.
I found this fabulous vintage mail cart. I've seen a variety of mail carts but this one was the perfect size and I loved the label and also the wood crate at the bottom.
Note to self: we went the weekend before Marburger Farms which is the most attended show that happens during the two week span. The traffic was still backed up but I guarantee you it's because we arrived around 10 am. If you don't want to wait - arrive earlier. If you don't arrive earlier, enjoy the beauty of the pastures and start to plan your day of what field you want to attend. That's what we did - we wanted to really scout out...we wanted deals...we wanted adventure...for that go to Bar W field. Not to mention...there is FREE parking in that back of that field friends.
Overall: Park in the back of the fields
There are portable bathrooms in the back.
You sift through junk to find gems.
There is one eatery on the main gravel road of the field for lunch type items; fajitas and burgers. There is a snow cone and ice cream truck and roasted corn station along the same road.
Next is Excess field. If you are coming from Austin on Highway 237, pass up Warrenton - Zapp Hall, Bar W field, and then the next field is Excess. Turn on the road (no road sign)on the right that is after the Metal barn with a sign that reads Excess. Take the first right off that road - park for FREE on this gravel road - its the back entrance to the field that will bring you to the most amazing international vintage items. I'm talking jaw dropping German, French, and Dutch antiques. There are a lot of repos mixed in too - so be mindful of that!
Overall: Park are gravel road in back of field
There are portable bathrooms in the back.
International vintage finds, reproductions, and vintage decor items.
Out of luck with food/drinks in this field, but it's small you wont' be here too long.
Another one of our favorite fields is behind the Hillcrest Inn. The Hillcrest in has the BEST bathrooms and really yummy food at Reba's on the top deck. Enjoy music and take a minute to rest. There are two lines - one for entrees and one for appetizers and drinks. We went the entree route but wished we would have gone the appetizer route. Next time we will do the appetizer route - more variety of choices - a lot of shareable food...it's the best way to go.
Hillcrest had this lovely duo singing and playing while we ate - they were super talented and it made for a great environment. That's something I love about antique week - it's a vacation to many. Everyone is relaxed, you hear live music everywhere, if you want to relax with a cocktail you can do that - you just enjoy! And then there are the crazies like myself that are relaxing but are definitely on a mission - it's not all fun and games here...we're on a hunt!!
Hillcrest Inn
Overall: You can park behind the field for $5. Or you can just walk over after scouting out excess field and Bar W. Thats what we did.
There are clean real bathrooms on the top deck.Curated collections of vintage finds.
Reba's on top deck for food, drinks, and music!
Hillcrest Inn is then followed by Zapp Hall. Zapp is popular for their food - entertainment - and new merchandise shopping. It's the cute area. They have bathrooms in the back behind the music stage and there are wash stands which is a plus! Do not forget antibacterial friends - you never know when you will not find a sink to wash your hands... you're picking up item after item and your hands will be and look dir-ty!
Zapp Hall has delicious food but know that the secret is out - everyone knows they have the best food. Salad and sandwiches that are fresh and yum-may. If you need a break from hunting for treasures this is a great place to go - retail shopping is so different than hunting vintage. It's nice to have a mix. Also, known throughout antique week is the prom that takes place the last weekend of Antique week here at Zapp Hall - the weekend of Marburger. People dress up in tacky prom outfits and go to town - i've never attended because we usually come back to Austin for the night but I've heard it's a hoot and a half.
Zapp Hall
Overall: Walk from other fields you have already scouted.
There are portable bathrooms behind the tent near the food stand with wash stations.
New merchandise retail area
Food is delish - but expect to wait in line. Usually always live music going on!
That's the round up folks - hope this helps you make sense of all the crazy madness that makes up antique week - it's a whole lot of fun - hope to see you out there! Happy Hunting if you are out there right now getting the last bit of the show this season that ends on Sunday!
