April 3, 2017
When it comes to antique shows, Round Top, Texas is considered the “promised land” for junk-chasers. The Original Round Top Antiques Fair just wrapped up their 49th annual Spring show, where thousands of junkers and vendors celebrated and added to their collections.
The Bleacher Babe, Brianna Bigbee, joined me on the 15-hour haul from Tennessee to Texas to get an inside look at the rural event that puts an iconic spotlight on a small town of 90 residents. I can easily say this was the trip of a lifetime. The passion the locals have for antiques is completely unmatched, and this is where “going ‘junkin’” is truly an art. Everyone insisted on giving us shopping tips and even packing strategies so we could fit everything in the car for the trip home.
All kinds of kinds will be found in Round Top during Texas Antique Week. We met people from Wyoming, California, Ohio, Kentucky, and more, who all claimed to have reached pro-junker status. Not only did we get a first-hand account of the antique show, we also spent three nights at Junk Gypsy Company‘s Wander Inn, which will open to the public later this year.
When we first got to the Wander Inn, our jaws dropped. The Junk Gypsy’s, Amie and Jolie Sikes, took an eclectic vision and combined it with a little western heritage to create a scene of bliss to any junker. The interior design captures the artistic freedom celebrated here in the heart Texas.
Part of the deep-rooted tradition of the Original Round Top Antiques Fair is the infamous Junk Gypsy Junk-O-Rama Prom. This is the night where everyone in Round Top gathered at Zapp Hall to show off their vintage prom dresses.
Locals, shoppers, fashionistas and travel bloggers gathered under a white tent for an evening of dancing that could rival any red-carpet celebration. Most of the dresses worn were upwards of 20-years-old and were styled with vintage western jewelry pieces, concho belts, and even felt top hats.
If junkin’ is your passion, the next Original Round Top Antique Fair will be held September 20-25. Whatever your tastes, there seems to be something for everyone in Round Top.
See photos of the Wander Inn, Junk-O-Rama Prom and more.
Story written by RFD-TV’s Taylor Gilkey.