Kick Off Spring At the Round Top Antique Show
- Rockin' Star Ranch
- 1 hour ago
- 6 min read
The promise of spring is on the horizon, and with it comes the excitement of one of Texas’s best-loved events: the Round Top Antique Show. Stretching 11 miles down Texas State Highway 237, show-goers gather in droves to shop for one-of-a-kind treasures to bring back home.
If you were hoping to attend the fall or winter shows and weren’t able to make it, don’t sweat it. There’s one thing that makes the Round Top Spring Show stand above the rest — it takes place just as the bluebonnets are starting to bloom. And we might be a bit biased, but we think the bluebonnets in Brenham hit on a whole other level.
Between the delightful bluebonnet trails and proximity to Round Top (it’s less than a 30-minute drive), we can’t think of anywhere more perfect to serve as your base for these antiquing adventures than Rockin’ Star Ranch this spring.
So, what are ya waiting for?
Come on down and see for yourself!
Round Top Spring Dates
Since its debut over 50 years ago, The Original Round Top Antiques Fair has become one of Texas’s largest and most popular antique shows, drawing more than 100,000 visitors.
The Big Red Barn and The Continental Tent are its two original and most iconic shopping venues and run on the same dates, but Blue Hills — a sister venue and favorite among shoppers — has its own schedule.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening at each location and when:
The Big Red Barn and The Continental Tent
Sunday, March 22 - Saturday, March 28
With an impressive 30,000 square feet filled with antiques, jewelry, and fine art, you won’t want to skip a visit to The Big Red Barn. And just steps away, you’ll find The Continental Tent, brimming with high-end antiques and furnishings from around the globe.
Both venues are air-conditioned, and the nearby food court will keep you fueled with good eats all day long.
This is a ticketed event, and each ticket is valid from the 23rd to the 28th. The only exception is if you’d like to attend Designer Day on March 22nd — a separate ticket is required for this event, which gives you exclusive, early shopping access.
Blue Hills
Saturday, March 14 - Saturday, March 28
The Round Top Antique Show runs for a full two weeks at the Blue Hills venue, giving you extra time to comb through all of the stalls until you find the perfect pieces to display proudly in your home.
With over 100 vendors offering a mix of art, antiques, interiors, and more, the Blue Hills show has free entry, free parking, and allows you to save your money for the exquisite treasures you’re sure to find.
These are the main venues, but you can shop for Round Top antiques at nearly 100 different, independently owned vendor locations down Highway 237, all with their own unique vibe.
Parking at the Round Top Antique Show
Parking at the main venues is free, with plenty of room for larger vehicles like buses and RVs. Handicap parking is also available with permits. Keep in mind that overnight parking is not available.
Some of the other venues charge a small parking fee, so keeping cash on hand is always a good idea.
Getting Your Round Top Antiques Home Safely
With so much variety available at the Round Top Antique Show, some of the items you fall in love with might end up being larger than others — and a bit harder to transport in a smaller vehicle.
But no need to worry! Professional, on-site shipping services are available to get your items home safely, and there are also friendly porters to help you load heavy items into your vehicle.
All of the bases are covered, allowing you to concentrate on having a fantastic time at the show.
Things to Do in Round Top Beyond Antique Shopping
Grab a Bite at Royers Round Top Cafe
This funky, soulful establishment has been serving up an impressive gourmet menu for 35 years, and it’s not hard to see why it’s so popular. From juicy steaks and fish dinners to the kind of pies you’ll dream of long after you’ve taken the last bite — the cafe is tiny, but its flavors sure are mighty.
Sip Wine in One of Round Top’s Most Historic Buildings
Prost on Block 29 isn’t your average wine bar. Set inside a historic stone cottage, novices and collectors alike will love sipping their wine of choice next to the cozy fireplace or on the scenic outdoor patio. Artisanal cheese, charcuterie boards, and even mouth-watering pizzas are also on the menu, making this a top pick for things to do in Round Top.
Visit Henkel Square Market
It doesn’t get more delightful than a stroll through Henkel Square, an outdoor museum village that preserves eleven historic Round Top buildings. With its antique rose gardens and eclectic mix of shops and eateries, Henkel Square is the heart of Round Top and will surely become a favorite memory of your time here, too.
Bluebonnets in Brenham and Washington County
The Round Top Antique Show might be what draws you to our little corner of Texas, but it’s the bluebonnets in Brenham that will steal your heart.
Whether you’d rather explore the wildflower trails on your own or join the activities at the official state bluebonnet festival, here are a few ways you can enjoy the countryside in bloom:
Official Bluebonnet Festival of Texas
Saturday, April 11 - Sunday, April 12
Celebrate Texas’s official state flower alongside the locals! This family-friendly event takes place just 15 miles from Brenham in nearby Chappell Hill, and includes live entertainment, country-style food, arts and crafts vendors, and more.
Explore the Bluebonnet Trails
If serene encounters are more your style, the bluebonnets in Brenham and Washington County provide some of the most breathtaking views this side of Texas. From late March through mid-April, carpets of vibrant blue blooms adorn the hills and pastures throughout the area.
This 80-mile loop takes you on a dreamy adventure through Brenham, Burton, Independence, Washington-on-the-Brazos, and Chappell Hill — and this is a journey you’ll want to bring your camera for.
Some Tips to Be Mindful of During Your Bluebonnet Adventure
A little courtesy goes a long way when it comes to enjoying the bluebonnets in Brenham and keeping your experience joyful while preserving the beauty of nature.
Keep these tips in mind while you’re out chasing the blooms:
Keep off private property. While there are plenty of public places to take Instagram-worthy photos, some of the wildflowers are behind private fences. Never enter private property without permission, and stick to the roadside when taking photos (but please only pull over where it’s safe!).
Stick to existing trails. With so many visitors coming to see the bluebonnets, there are plenty of existing paths to follow. Sticking to these keeps the damage minimal and helps preserve the blooms.
Treat the flowers kindly. Try not to step on the bluebonnets, don’t pick them, and keep the fields clear of any litter.
Be aware of your surroundings. Humans aren’t the only creatures that frequent the bluebonnets — you might also come across snakes, fire ants, or poison ivy in the fields. Stay alert at all times!
Make Rockin’ Star Ranch Your Home Base This Spring
Whether you’re looking for a place to stay for the Round Top Antique Show or you’ve come to see the famous bluebonnets in Brenham, Rockin’ Star Ranch is smack dab in the center of all the fun.
Tucked into the rolling Brenham countryside, our cabins are food for the soul — and after a long day of antiquing or exploring the trails, you deserve a place to unwind that’s just as memorable as the day’s adventures.
Picture yourself rocking on the front porch with a cold drink, taking a dip in the pool after a warm day, or gathering around the fire pit under the stars. We wouldn’t blame you if you never wanted to leave!
For those with an adventurous spirit, we also offer skeet shooting, horseback riding tours, and guided hunts. It’s everything you need to create lasting memories of your Texas spring adventure.