The Insider Designer’s Guide to Round Top, Texas
This season, we invited our Tastemaker, Jaclyn Isaac, founder and principal of Doni Douglas Design to share her insider guide to Round Top, Texas, the design world’s beloved destination for antique hunting and vintage discovery.
Known for her curated eye and creative storytelling, Jaclyn approaches every design journey with intention and Round Top is no exception. She shared a wealth of insight for our design community, from where to stay and what to pack to how to navigate the fields and ship treasures home. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Round Top regular, her guide offers thoughtful tips on how to uncover beauty, history, and inspiration at every turn.
"I’ve been making the trek to Round Top, Texas, since 2022—and as one of the only New Jersey–based interior designers I know who does it twice a year, I can confidently say: it’s worth every mile."
If you’re a designer who’s ever wondered what makes Round Top such a phenomenon—or how to do it right—this is your insider’s guide from someone who’s been there, shipped it home, and already booked her next trip.
Why Roundtop?
In 2022, I read an article about Kelly Wearstler making a pilgrimage to a tiny town between Austin and Houston, known as the South’s mecca for vintage and antiques. A few weeks later, I dragged my husband to what felt like the middle of nowhere. One viral bookcase, a few too many cocktails at Ellis Motel, and several photos of cow pastures later—I was hooked.
Round Top isn’t a flea market. It’s not “just” an antiques fair. It’s a mood, an education, and a creative recharge. For interior designers, it’s the closest thing to sourcing in Europe—minus the jet lag.
Go Early and Pace Yourself
The show technically revolves around official opening dates, but the best buying happens before the crowds arrive. Blue Hills sets the pace, so I plan to arrive two days before it opens, stay through opening day, and head home the next.
First-timers should take time to explore the full 17-mile stretch of antiques venues. There’s a steep learning curve, and the variety is staggering—from curated European antiques to quirky Americana and industrial salvage. Getting to know where your style and business align takes at least one full round.
If you’re stretching the trip, spend a day in Austin (Kelly Wearstler’s Proper Hotel and the JW Marriott are favorites) or wrap up in Houston with a stay at The Post Oak.
Payment Is Easy (But Bring Your Tax ID)
The good news? You don’t need to carry wads of cash anymore. Most dealers accept Zelle, Venmo, checks, and cards. I like a digital trail for business purchases anyway. Memorize your Tax ID for quick, tax-exempt transactions and mention your wholesale status up front. Some items—especially those imported from Europe—are subject to tariffs, which have pushed prices up slightly in recent years. You can still ask for a “best price,” but I’ve found that negotiations go more smoothly when buying multiple pieces from one vendor.
Shipping: The Not-So-Glamorous Reality
Shopping is the easy part. Shipping is where Round Top gets tricky.
The best-known transporters—Rollen' Hills and Distinguished Transport—are reliable and used to handling fragile, high-value pieces. If you’re not using them (or a U-Haul, which must be booked early), ask vendors for their preferred shippers. Most have trusted contacts who consolidate shipments and can save you money.
Every detail should be confirmed in writing, and I recommend labeling each piece with your own “SOLD” tag including your name, phone number, shipping address, and chosen shipper. I also take photos of every item before I leave—just in case.
For smalls and accessories, I nest a carry-on inside my checked suitcase and wrap the smaller finds in my clothes. It’s a simple trick that’s saved me countless headaches (and shipping fees).
Where and How to Shop
Round Top may look small on a map, but it stretches across more than twenty miles of antiques, barns, and backroads—so rent a car (preferably not electric) and be prepared to clock some miles.
You can absolutely look cute for dinner, but during the day, comfort is key. Expect heat, dust, and possibly rain. My first trip ended in a full-on downpour, and we ended up buying rain boots and ponchos at the local general store. Now I pack for practicality: lightweight linen or denim, sneakers by day, and flat open-toe shoes by night for a break. I’ve worn the same sun hat for years, and I never travel without a small crossbody bag stocked with essentials—a tape measure, notebook, portable phone charger, business cards, and a few payment options.
As for where to stay, accommodations fill up nearly a year in advance. My favorites include The Flophouze for its quirky Texas charm, The Farmstead for modern comfort, The Frenchie for design-forward style, and Milk & Honey Ranch if you want more of a weekend-retreat vibe.
When it’s time to shop, every venue has its own personality. Designers will love Excess 1 & 2 for their strong mix and pricing, Bader Ranch for its curated blend of midcentury and antique finds, and Market Hill for a more refined selection (and a must-stop lunch at Duo). Permanent spots like Round Top Ranch Antiques are worth multiple visits, and Blue Hills is always the official kickoff—a beautiful mix of energy, food, and discovery.
This is an experience, not a Flea Market
The best part of Round Top and the reason I return season after season is the magical mix of the thrill of the find, the unexpectedly excellent food, and the genuine kindness of the people.
Everyone is simply happy to be there.There’s nothing quite like Southern hospitality paired with the most beautiful antiques you’ve ever seen—cows lowing in the background, pink Texas skies stretching wide at sunset. Share a bottle of wine with strangers and Prost’s legendary charcuterie board before heading to Royers for steak and pie. Wander through Cyril’s carefully edited midcentury finds, then settle into the multi-course dinner at Bader Ranch. Devote a full opening day to Blue Hills/ The Halles and Market Hill, reward yourself with dinner at Duo, and close the night with a cocktail at Boon & Co.
About our Tastemaker
Jaclyn Isaac is the founder and principal of Doni Douglas Design, based in Avon-by-the-Sea, NJ. Known for creating interiors layered with narrative and nostalgia, Jaclyn blends vintage finds with modern sensibility. She sources from Round Top, Texas, twice a year and shares her insights with designers looking to bring character-rich pieces into their work.
For more of my Round Top recommendations, send me an email! I am happy to share more of my specific vendors and recommendations with you directly, helping you to tailor your trip! jaclyn@donidouglasdesigns.com.
