The Round Top, Texas antique shows take place in the spring and in the fall every year.  Many of the venues are spread out and have various dates, however most are open during what is called “Antique Week”.

This Fall 2015 “Antique Week” will be from the Saturday 19th September to the 3rd of October 2011.

Many shows are open starting as early as Saturday 19th September and everything is pretty much closed with dealers packing out Sunday 4th of October.

If you would like to shop for old maps, antique prints and the largest selection of its’ kind of original art you can come and shop with us at Blue Hills we will be open from Saturday 19 September to the 3rd of October inclusive.

Check out our own personal rating of the best Round Top antique shows at:

Top 10 Antiques Shows in Round Top, TX

Click here for directions to our location: BLUE HILLS
Visit our website at MAPSandART.com

When you are planning your first trip to Round Top, here are some things to consider before you pack your car.

What time of year is it?
The Spring show tends to be cooler, and can be pretty chilly – walking around in the rain with a cold wind and 45 degree temperatures will require a good warm coat, and maybe some hot chocolate to keep the spirits up.  On the other hand yesterday (March 26th) it was 90 degrees and we were all wishing that it was just a bit cooler.
The Fall show is always hot.  Wear comfortable and cool clothing.  Always bring a hat and wear sunscreen – there will be a lot of walking outside in the sun.
I come prepared for all weather, from 40 degrees and wind to 95 degrees with high humidity.  And bring several layers of clothing, it can be cool when you start your antiques shopping at 9am, but hot, hot, hot by 2pm.

Will it rain?
If you come for the full two weeks of Round Top Antiques Week then the answer is yes, it will rain.  If you are just coming out for the day, then probably not.  It can get muddy in these fields – rubber boots would be a good foot ware choice after a day or two of rain.

Are you looking to buy small items, or big pieces of furniture?
If you are looking for small antique items, then a cart with big wheels can be useful, as you can often find yourself quite a walk from your car when you find that perfect piece.  Most dealers will give you bubble wrap if you purchase something fragile, but why not come prepared, and keep some in the car, just in case?
Furniture is a whole different ball game.  If you have a big SUV or truck, it is amazing how much you can fit in the back and on the roof rack.  You might also consider renting a trailer (make sure that your vehicle is rated to carry a trailer and that you have the right hitch and electricity connections installed).  There are also several companies you will deliver furniture to you for a fee, such as:

Roll’N Hills Moving and Delivery, located at Marburger Farm Antique Show  Tel. 281.375.6771

If you are planning on having pieces shipped, call the shipping company as early as possible.  They get booked up by the end of the show.
Some dealers may also deliver if you are local, or on their route home.  Don’t forget that Antique Maps and Works on Paper will ship you any piece of art you buy from us.
What will I be doing in Round Top?
This may seem like an obvious question, but what you will be doing most is walking, so bring very comfortable shoes.  High heels do not work out here – most shows are in fields, there is very little smooth concrete.

What about the kids?
While everywhere is certainly child friendly, the heat, walking and shopping can easily get boring for young folks.  You will find it easier to shop if you can come without the kids.  Having said that, with some adaptions Round Top Antiques Week can be fun for the whole family.  Just maybe with fewer shopping hours than you might like.
What about dogs?
Dogs are welcome in most shows.  Remember to let them drink lots of water and to keep them on a leash.  Please clean up after your dog.
Will there be anything to eat?
There are lots of places to eat, but it is a good idea to bring some snacks to have in the car if you can’t find something to eat.  Cold drinks are also good to keep in a cooler.  Some people also bring stronger beverages to sip in the afternoons and evenings.

The quick answer is “Yes, most of the time”.
The longer answer is “It depends when and where you are”.
Verizon and AT&T are working well right now as I write this.  Problem day is always the Tuesday morning of Marburger.  Verizon caught on several years ago that there are a lot of people out here in Round Top, and did something so that for four weeks a year the thousands of people out shopping for antiques were able to make a phone call. Fingers crossed that this year AT&T has done a similar fix.
If you cannot get a call through, keep trying, or try sending a text message.  Often a text will get through while a voice call will not.  If the call can wait, try calling after about 5pm – don’t ask me why, but it seems easier to get calls through in the evening.

MAPSandART has a cell phone booster in their booth at Blue Hills at Round Top.  We are in Barn A.  Stop by if you are having trouble and we can try to get your call to go through!

Natasha and David have finally set up their 800 square feet booth at Blue Hills at Round Top. It took us 3 days to put it all together and we are proud to say that it looks GREAT! In all there are over 6000 maps, prints and original art works on display. This makes it the largest and most extensive print inventory for sale of all the Round Top venues.

We divided up our very large booth into 3 sections. The first contains antique prints with botanicals, birds, natural history, landscapes and more.

The second section is our favorite as is contains one of the best and grandest selection of original art works on paper in America. Here you will find art work from hundreds of artists from the 18th century to today, all different subjects from fashion, nudes, modern art, folk art, architectural designs, signed etchings and engraving and a multitude of watercolors among other things.

The third section is all about antique maps. Here you will see maps of all parts of the world and of course maps of TEXAS. There are even original maps of the Republic of Texas (1836-1845). They are not reproductions, but true original documents of that period. This is something that is not to be missed!

Here’s a map to get to Blue Hills

[huge_it_maps id=”1″]

Round Top is a small town of 77 inhabitants in between Austin and Houston, Texas.  Round Top explodes with excitement twice a year with the largest set of antique shows in North America in the fall and again in the spring.

There are several antique shows taking place around the town of Round Top, the best are south and north of town.

Our favorites antique shows in Round Top, Texas are:
Blue Hills Antique Show
Marburger Farms Antique Show
Big Red Barn Antique Show
The Arbor Antique Show

There are many other antique show venues spread out over miles and often are a mix between collectibles and a glorified garage sale.  If you stick to our choices you will not be disappointed.  Drop by our booth if you would like other suggestions.

Another thing to keep in mind is that each show venue has different hours and opening dates, but most are open during what is called “antique week”.  If you go to our website at MAPSandART.com we have provided you with an updated schedule of the show we participate in: Blue Hills.  All shows are open on the last Thursday, Friday and Saturday listed on our schedule for Round Top, but beware it gets VERY busy then.  Many of our customers come and shop the week before.

Come by our booth in Barn A of Blue Hills to see our amazing collection of original art from Europe, antique prints and old maps.  We have the largest and best collection of its kind.  Everything is original with some old engravings dating back 500 years.  Each piece has a certificate of authenticity and make great gifts for your loved ones and yourself.

[huge_it_maps id=”1″]

Hope this helps you.  See you soon.

Check out this article in the Houston Chronicle.  5 Things to do in Round Top, TX – and the first is to go to Blue Hills.

We have heard a rumor that Michael Peters at Blue Hills at Round Top is building again – and the rumors are true – there is a huge new barn being built!  You can check out photos on his website.
This means lots of great new dealers at the show, meaning even more great wonderful and fun antiques and vintage items.  Come and see us this Fall September 22nd to October 5th 2013.