Last night, as I downloaded photos from my camera, I got to relive all the fun we had in this wonderful part of Texas.
Spring is definitely the best time to come - although you may run into some weather - it is green, green, green and the temperature is mild.
The Round Top, Texas experience was a pleasant surprise. I don't think the prices were exceptionally low, but many were willing to deal a little, and in talking to some of the vendors who travel to antique shows all over the nation, it is one of the biggest and best. And why not? Its Texas, after all!
I always thought that Brimfield, Massachusetts was the quintessential antique show. However, according to McLaren antiques who also have a booth there every year, this is the big one....
However, it is a little two lane highway out in the middle of the country...
so the traffic backs up for miles.
It was also fun seeing what television has done for HGTV shows like Junk Gypsy (Round Top) and Fixer Upper (Waco). They are now household names, and their shops are the reasons for road trips and outings. Joanna Gaines went from a little shop in Waco to the huge Silo facility, a new furniture line and a new bed and breakfast (and I'm sure other things in the works),
and the Junk Gypsy sisters have a big thriving retail shop, a bed and breakfast venue and designs that have been picked up by Pottery Barn.
They (Junk Gypsies) also get to live in Round Top -
all I can say is that in the Springtime - its pretty amazing here.
The fun part of a road trip is exploring - and when we did that in the Round Top area, we found the most amazing, beautiful place...
We turned up a little street and saw this off to the right...
Turns out it is a compound of very old buildings dedicated to music.
They have a summer festival each year and the Festival Hill Institute takes promising music students through an intensive 6 week course.
This adorable docent (everyone is seriously friendly here) told us all about it and said that she was picking up students from Moscow that week.
She encouraged us to explore...and so we did.
I think my second favorite place in Texas is McKinney. One of the client's I came to see just purchased a home there and so after meeting with her, we explored old town McKinney (so totally cute!) and the shops there, and then went into the historical homes neighborhood adjacent to the old town.
I love a town with history! Not all of the homes were renovated, but the many that were had the touch of pride of ownership and love of history that makes this neighborhood so charming.
the gardens were pristine
the architectural details were lovely
the property and out buildings were impressive
definitely could live in this neighborhood...
We found time to visit the most beautiful Restoration Hardware store
(and probably the biggest - it being Texas and all)
I have ever seen....
feeling pretty good about the coral fans I framed after pricing this piece...
saw this crystal pendant at antiques week - not new though
cool faded botanical prints...
love this corbel table/shelf
We actually found a great little antiques shop in Waco - made a purchase or two -
and as is our habit now, explored the neighborhoods...
Joanna has plenty of property she can transform in this town....
I'd love to see her do this one...!
Meanwhile, waiting in line back at the Silos....
(The Hubs with my soul sister, Stephanie.)
So glad we got here early and weren't one of these folks
No sign of Joanna and Chip, but Mamma was behind the counter helping customers...
So, we bid goodbye to Texas -
and we definitely need to plan our next road trip!
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