ROUND TOP ANTIQUES FAIR

I think pretty much everyone has heard of the Rose Bowl Flea Market, and Brimfield, but did you know there's an antiques fair in Texas that dwarfs them both? It's called the Round Top Antiques Fair, and last week I had the unique opportunity to see it for myself! 

The fair started over 40 years ago as an excuse for Houston socialites to escape the city in the spring for some good old country living. Even today the town of Round Top only has 90 citizens, minus the two times a year 100,000 people flock to the surrounding fields to rummage the wares these vendors are hocking. Covering 20+ miles along highway 237, and its connecting routes, this antiques weekend is no joke. Just about anything and everything is for sale and whatever your budget there's a venue filled to the brim waiting for you. 

But why did I go you might ask? I was sent for work, to assist in buying pieces for display in our upcoming shop-in-shops. We have new locations opening in Seattle and Georgetown at the end of this week and we were in desperate need of antique trays, frames, and chandeliers to merchandise our products on. I was beyond excited when they asked me.

I've always had an intense love for anything vintage, and treasure hunting is one of my absolute favorite past-times. Not to mention: I've never been to Texas, or at least that I can remember (I was born in Fort Hood, TX). It was 80 degrees and beautiful the entire time we were there. The blue bonnets were in full bloom, and as pretty as a picture. Mexican food and bbq are not only plentiful but indescribably delicious. And finally, I got out from behind my desk for 4 glorious days.

That's not to say it wasn't difficult at times. You're on your feet for 12-16 hours a day, sweating, bargaining, hauling, organizing, and shipping. There's no exhaustion quite likes it, but I'd do it again in a heart beat. To help find the one-of-a-kind treasures that make our store experience so unique, was a once in a lifetime experience I wouldn't trade for anything! My one regret is that I didn't get a little time to look for something for our new house. I guess that means I'll have to go back (shucks).

I just never know what my job will have me doing next, a thrill I'll never tire of. - b.