Plan the perfect girls' trip to Texas Antiques Week with these insider tips for Warrenton. Covering transportation, practical things to know before you go, and a few of my favorite stops in Round Top and Warrenton.
I've been strolling the fields of Warrenton since I was a kid. Now, we take a twice-a-year girls' day to Warrenton and Round Top and after a lot of chatter on social media last year, I wanted to share some tips to help you have the best day at Texas Antiques Week! These tips are geared towards those who have never been to the show or are looking for spots around Warrenton.
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Transportation
The Round Top-Warrenton corridor stretches along the roadside for miles, so picking your must-sees in advance is essential. For the ultimate girl's day experience, we always book a van.
Having a driver means more time for girl talk, music, and shopping, all while safely enjoying a few mimosas. When you have a driver there is no need to worry about parking. We use Robert at ATX Lux Rides, he is very professional, reasonable, and reliable in an area where ride-shares are simply not an option. He has multiple vans and drivers to accommodate your group.
If you book with Robert at ATX Lux Rides, be sure to tell him that Alaine from My Texas Kitchen sent you!
Weather & Wardrobe
To make your girls' day a success, you must be prepared for the unpredictable realities of the Texas weather.
Weather: This part of Texas can be much hotter (or colder!) than you expect. The Spring show can be windy, rainy or cold, while the Fall shows can still easily soar past 100 °F! Of course there are plenty of perfect, beautiful days too. If you are not used to this climate, be sure to pack your outfits accordingly. Heat exhaustion and stroke are serious risks during a long day of shopping, so be sure to stay hydrated and choose outfits that work.
Footwear: The ground is a rugged mix of pasture fields, gravel parking lots and steep bar ditches. You need shoes that can actually navigate the terrain. While lots of girls wear cowboy boots, there are also plenty in sneakers and comfortable sandals.
Practical Tips
There are a few logistical realities to be aware of before your first trip to Round Top-Warrenton.
Allergy Relief: If you have seasonal allergies, the combination of Texas pollen and the dusty fields can be a rough combo. If that sounds like it could spell trouble for you, be sure to bring your preferred allergy medicine.
Bathrooms: I see some people shocked by this fact, but expect to use mostly port-a-potties (there are plenty)! You may want to pack hand sanitizer and wet wipes. If you need an upgrade, look for the "bougie" air-conditioned trailer rentals at a few of the venues. Just be ready for a line. They are often hidden in the back and it is not uncommon for there to be a line of ladies waiting on a busy day.
Bring Cash: Cash is king out here. Cards are widely accepted, but cell service can be spotty, causing credit card machines to fail. If you are looking for bargains, vendors are much more likely to be responsive to cash.
Favorite Stops in Warrenton
Our group of small-town girls prefers to hang out around Warrenton. It has such a fun, approachable vibe. Round Top proper is known for higher-end pieces and prices with some of the places having museum-quality antiques. Warrenton is where you will find "hidden gems" and the best field food. A few of our favorite places around Warrenton are:
- The Bubble Lounge at Zapp Hall - Pick up your bubbly drink to kick off the hunt. They also have shaded dining by Royer's Café at Zapp Hall where you can grab a bite and often listen to live music. This is a must stop for me! Classic Warrenton vibes and experience.
- Dug Out - Live music and buckets of beer. Grab a burger at the Dug Out and enjoy covered seating and a fun, laid back atmosphere.
- The Marketplace Warrenton - Cute boutiques for shopping, food trucks and picnic tables, and sometimes live music. Check out their schedule and some of the vendors on their social media accounts.
- Glamp Inn - Known for its frozen sangria and plush seating, Glamp Inn is the perfect spot to take a break from shopping.
Other Notable Stops
The Arbors at Round Top - A few miles down the road from Warrenton, The Arbors features signature white tents with a carefully curated mix of fashion, jewelry, art and fine furniture. You can get a cocktail from the Ellis Motel here, but just to note drinks are in the $10-$15 range.
Junk Gypsy - Further South on Highway 237 towards La Grange is the Junk Gypsy store. They have lots going on during antiques week with food trucks, music and more.
Shopping during Texas Antiques Week in Warrenton and Round Top is one of my favorite times of the year!
The independent vendors and small-town artisans are the heartbeat of this event, living out of RV's and working long hours in all-weather conditions to curate these incredible collections. Spending your money here, whether on a vintage piece for your kitchen or a glass of sangria from The Bubble Lounge, is what ensures this unique Texas tradition keeps going year after year.
Come for a good time, be kind to the sellers, and plan to spend some money! Supporting these vendors is the only way this one-of-a-kind event can continue to exist. Let me know your favorite spots or if there is something I should add.
Cheers!
Alaine
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