Spray Paint & Chardonnay: Round Top + Warrenton Antiques Week: the 411

Texas Antique Weekend is in full swing, and I couldn't be more excited about it! I went this past weekend for the a quick 'pre-preview' to get a lay of the land and to see what gems I could score before the masses arrived later in the week. I really only hit Ex-Cess and North Gate Field [two of my favorite spots!], since they were already set up, but I'm looking forward to going back tomorrow to dive head first into all of the antique goodness! [Be sure to scroll to the bottom of this post to see--what I think to be--one of my best. finds. ever.]

Now, I'm by no means the Antique Weekend expert, but over the past couple of weeks I've had a ton of people call, message and email asking for tips and suggestions on how to 'do Round Top.' First and foremost, it's way more than just Round Top, Texas. Yes, Round Top is the star of the show, but there are a ton of other shows in neighboring towns: Warrenton, Carmine, Shelby, and Fayetteville. [see map below]. What I always have to remind people is: You're not going to see it all in a day. You're not going to see it all in a week, even. There is so much stuff [miles and miles and miles], and it can be understandably overwhelming--but it doesn't have to be! Do your research, make a plan, and have fun! [Scroll down for my tips!]

Where do you park? In Warrenton, specifically, there a lot of different pockets to park, most cost max. $5. Just look for signs on the side of the Hwy. 237. Be reminded that you'll move your car multiple times throughout the day--OR you could hitch a ride on the new Trolley that is premiering this year at Antique Weekend! [see route and information below]. Most other shows have designated parking lots [free parking].

What do you do if you find something big you like? I should mention first, don't head to Antique Weekend in your cute little coupe. If you find something big that you can't carry away right then and there, pay the vendor, have them hold for you, and then pull your car around once you're done shopping. Some booths, particularly like in North Gate Field, you're able to pull right up in front, however others, like around Zapp Hall, you'll have to just pull off on Hwy. 237, throw your hazards on, and haul your purchases a little bit. Make sure to bring extra blankets to wrap larger items with so that they don't get scratched / scratch your car.

Bring CASH! Vendors always prefer cash and you're more likely to score a deal if you can offer someone cash on the spot, as opposed to a card or check.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat. You're going to do alot of walking--comfort is key! Although it's almost October, we're still in Texas, so the sun can kind of be a beat down.
I like to bring a small cross-body bag, as opposed to a larger purse, so I can be hands free!
Bring a wagon or a cart [you can also purchase them there] + reusable shopping bags to make hauling your finds from booth to booth or field to field much easier.
Pack a small ice chest for the car. As I just mentioned, it can get pretty hot, so it's nice to have your own little concession stand waiting for you in the car when you're going from show to show.
Speaking of drinks, make sure you make a bathroom stop in either La Grange or Brenham [or wherever you can!] before you hit Antiques Week. It's Port-a-Potties all the way once you're there. You've been warned. [secret: There is one real bathroom in Round Top on the square]

Above all, have fun! There is so much awesome stuff to see--again, you're not going to see it all in a day. To give you a little antique-hunting-inspiration, I now present to you what just might be one of my best finds of all time. I'm not even going to tell you how much of a deal it was, because I don't want to send you into a tizzy of jealous rage--it just wouldn't be fair. Behold...