Round Top!

Well, friends, it's that time again. Twice a year Texas antique lovers hearts' are thrilled by the arrival of the Round Top/Marburger/Warrenton antique show. Round Top is the town itself - there are several high end antique shows in and around R.T. that have amazing genuine antiques (not just country-looking stuff). You have to pay to get into each show and you can't afford anything inside, but it's fun to look if that's all you want to do. The one in Shelby is a great one, and the red barn one is fun, too. Could take all day or half day. Sometimes we do some of these after Marburger.
In the town square, though, you will only find crafty, homemade stuff. You're not here for that, so keep moving!!
Marburger is just outside of Round Top (about 2 miles) and is a series of about 7-8 huge tents filled with mostly reasonably priced, great stuff. We usually spend the most of one day here.
Warrenton is a little further down past Marburger and is more flea market-like. You can still find some wonderful things but fewer true antiques and you may have to dig or walk a little more to find the treasures. It's very spread out and can take a whole day. Lots of fun and some great deals can be had here. Very ecclectic people.
I have so many memories of the many times I have been to this show. Including the first time we did Warrenton and it was so hot and we had to park so far away that I practically carried my mom back to the car. Every year since, we arrive more and more prepared for whatever may come our way. Here are some things we've learned:
1. What to wear. Sunblock! Wear comfortable, cute shoes. It's a ton of walking and over outside terrain, so make sure your shoes are broken in. (And if it's April, wear a sleeveless shirt - it's pretty warm. If it's October, wear layers.)
2. Go early. Arrive about 10 when it opens. It's slightly cooler then and spirits are high. There's also better parking and, obviously, you have more time to shop.
3. Eating: Bring a lunch of light sandwiches, some chips, cookies, and bottles of water and coke. You can pack it in ice, but you can also more easily get a cup of ice (for $1, however) and pour your own drink. (Though they have big ol' tubs of iced tea that last for quite a while and are quite satisfying.) Finally, we like to take clementine nectarines. They are neat so you don't get juice all over you, and very refreshing for a snack.
4. Downsize your bag. I have a little, cute drawstring backpack type bag that I like to take. It keeps my hands free and no one can get in it without my knowing. The only things I take are my license, a credit card (just in case), a book of checks and a pen, some spending cash, my phone, chapstick, and napkins. Any more than this gets really heavy after a long day.
5. Dealers are friendly and are eager to make a deal. Even more so on the last day, Saturday. Chat them up. Ask about something you like and ask, "Is this your best price?" They'll quickly give a better one. Typically, though, you should only do this on items over $50. And, deals are better if you're willing to buy the whole set of something or more than one item in their booth. My mom is the pro at this and never pays the asking price. AND if you see something you like but it's sold, tell them and they'll scout another one for you.
6. Take a truck or a large SUV for the larger finds (or the large collection of smaller finds!).
7. Go with friends. Your husband doesn't care and will be a downer. Your friends will get excited with you and encourage you and tell you that, yes, that is the cutest mirror/chair/table they've ever seen and will look phenomenal in that weird little spot in your home. They can also comiserate with you when you find the most perfect, beautiful French blue canister set of 6 that you can't afford. (My mother and I always have a blast. I loved being there with Steph yesterday. Loved!)
8. If you love it, buy it. Go with a budget so that if something is in your price range and you love it, you can buy it right away. Don't wait - it will be gone.

And, finally, this one we learned just yesterday:
9. Tuesday - opening day. You pay more to get in ($15 more, to be exact) but the finds are unbelievable. There is a sort of fever to buy things before someone else. People are snatching stuff up, and even 2 hours after opening, there were "sold" signs all over the place! It's slightly frantic, though, everyone is still friendly and having a good time. SO, if you're willing to pay extra and you have some money to spend or a special item you're really looking for (I saw 3 sets of beautiful country French chairs - broke my heart to leave them there) then go on Tuesday. But expect to wait to get in. It took us about 45 min. to go the last 2 miles to get in.

Finally, my last piece of advice:
10. TAKE THE DAY OFF AND GO!!! It's totally worth it and the time spent with your mom or your girlfriend(s) is more than worth it!