It's that time again! Round Top Antique Weekend is here! Preview Weekend starts Wednesday, September 21st and will run through September 28th. This is an opportunity to beat most of the crowds and scope out the goods early--I highly recommend it! Not all of the events are open this weekend, but I appreciate the fact that the crowd is significantly smaller. That many people in one place gives me anxiety. However, if you're more brave than I, definitely check out the main Antique Weekend. There are antique goodies galore. A word from the wise: There's entirely too much 'stuff' to see in one day--one weekend, for that matter--so don't go in with the mindset that you'll get it all done. You'll only leave disappointed. Go, see what you can, and HAVE FUN! Nothing pleases me more than pillaging through treasures from days gone by and seeing what I can refurbish into something fabulous! Oh, and if my saying so isn't enough, Nate Berkus thought Antique Weekend was worthy of being the topic of an entire episode. Pretty fancy, huh?
While there are numerous "shows," my favorite by far is Warrenton. Upon arrival, the sheer size of the show seems daunting, but it's certainly worth the adventure. Again, you can't do it all in one day!
Zapp Hall in Warrenton -- HGTV will be here!!!
If you're planning to attend Antique Weekend this year, here are some tips!
Wear comfortable shoes. You're going to do a nice bit of walking. Tennis shoes or cowboy boots are my fave.
Wear something cool. It's Texas. In September. It's hot as hell. You're not going to look pretty, so don't even try. I like to wear work out clothes--they can withstand the surface-of-the-sun heat.
BRING CASH! Most vendors prefer cash payments over credit cards or checks.
Bring a cross-body purse so you're 'hands free,' and able to dig for goods.
Bring some recyclable grocery bags or a cart so you can easily haul your goods.Cindy has one of these (that she's fashionably lined with Mexican oil cloth), and it's a LIFESAVER during antique shows. Don't worry about the fact that you might look like a Maw-Maw dragging it around--you'll get over that feeling real fast. It's the BEST advice I can give you.
Haggle. Personally, it took me a while to get this down, but it will certainly save you money in the long run. Most items have a sticker price, but always ask the vendor if that's the best they can do. You can normally talk them down and even work out a "If I get this, can you throw this in for free?" type deal.
Lastly, eat at Royer's in Round Top. During Antique Weekend, it's a mad house, so reservations are a must. It's family style seating, so you'll most likely be put with some other antiquers, but the food and the PIES are certainly worth the "getting to know yooooouuu" feeling at the table.
Hey! It's Bud Royer!...See? Wouldn't you want to eat with this guy?!
Let me know if any of you are heading that way next week!