It’s time to leave our extrême adoration for Country French behind for a bref moment andhop aboard the Chunnel train. We’re off to the UK!
Not really. But we are going to take a little photo tour of McLaren’s Buyer’s Market, the delightfully British antiques venue that brings a taste of the Jolly Old to lil’ ol’ Round Top. It’s a huge indoor/outdoor space right along 237 and I highly suggest you stop in for a bit of a nosy.
Yes, those are well-priced Moroccan rugs in a canoe. Doesn’t get more British than that.
And I don’t know about what’s happening in your town, but vintage Seiko ship’s clocks are all the rage in the hip decor stores here in Austin, TX. McLaren’s has so many to choose from you can select the one that feels exactly right for you, kind of like a trip to the animal shelter. In fact, everything’s like that here: Loads and loads and loads of choices.
I’ve never met a Hoblin collector (as far as I know), but if you happen to be one, there are plenty of the little guys here for you. They claim to be “More than just a fairy story” and by looking at them I think that’s pretty darn obvious. For such creepy little things, they have rather jolly names: Pip, Pod, Puck, River, Spring, Spud and Twigg. It’s a list that may come in handy if you ever do find yourself at the animal adoption center.
For some reason the Hoblins made me think of one of my all time favorite BBC Productions, Bleak House. It’s a classic that I hope you didn’t miss but if you did it would make for a perfect winter weekend bingewatch. Mr. Smallweed’s “Shake me up Judy!” is such a common phrase around our house that even the dog says it. Or I think that’s what he’s saying. And since we’re back to dogs, here’s a second list of names for your new pooch, all Bleak House characters: Lady Dedlock, Mr. Tulkinghorn, Inspector Bucket, Mr. Weevle, Mrs. Jellyby, Miss Flite, Mrs. Pardiggle, Mr. Turveydrop, Mr. Guppy and Guster (The Snagsby’s maid, given to having fits).
This wonderfully talented couple sets up a fabulous display at Round Top every single show. They’re also well loved by the Texas decoristas who visit their full time store down in Beaumont. This Spring Show they’ve moved to their forever Round Top home at the Rendezvous Field, which happens to be directly across the highway from the about-to-be-opened new event and everything else spot, The Compound. Since that’s right next to Marburger, Urban Habitat is now completely in with the in crowd.
The new space is in a little house that very well might be an exact replica of Elvis’ birthplace in Tupelo. We made the pilgrimage to Tupelo long ago and of course what I remember most is the gift shop. There was a box full of envelopes printed with the phrase “A piece of Elvis’ costume for you!” and inside each one was a little scrap of polyester double knit fabric in some crazy print, cut with pinking shears. We bought every single envelope and for years they were our go to housewarming/birthday/stockings stuffer gifts.
It’s taken me this long to put Urban Habitat on List because I just haven’t had the photos to do them justice. But this new space is a charmer and tons of gorgeous shots practically jumped into my camera. Have fun with them.
A prime little piece of Warrenton real estate, right across 237 from the Tin Star/Bar W footbridges was recently rebranded The Chicken Ranch and it’s been getting shoppers to cross the road ever since.
If somehow you’ve managed to miss both the film and the Broadway version of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and you don’t know the story of the La Grange Chicken Ranch, you’d best click the Texas State Historical Association page here. While those folks read, how ’bout the rest of us take a moment of appreciation for the stars of those cheesy, saucy musical works of art: Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds on screen, and beloved Match Game panelist Fannie Flagg on stage?
The front of the Chicken Ranch field is full of high quality vendor tents. But if you visit, be sure to make your way to the little farmhouse at the back of the lot. It’s an old school spot with good prices, nice folks, a pair of cute dealer dogs and a vaguely sinful collection of collectibles.
They’ve gathered the saints in the front parlor to greet you, but as you work your way through the house to the back bedrooms, you can’t help but appreciate their subtle nod to the naughty. Or I at least that’s how I saw things. Maybe if you’d taken the photos they’d be wholesome as heck.
Which brings me to the confession that my all time favorite book is Truman Capote’s Other Voices, Other Rooms. This little house is no decaying Southern Gothic mansion of course, and I saw no signs of Missouri Fever in the kitchen, but hey, when you love something you find yourself seeing it all kinds of places. Um, don’t you?
Today I’m updating one of my very first and very favorite crushes, the beloved Antique Show venue commonly referred to as “Arbor” or “Arbors” or “The Arbors” or “Arbor Field” or “The Pretty Field with the White Tents and Pandora, You Know The One”. The official name is really best though. It’s at the top of this post and rightly includes the words International and Interior Design.
I’ve taken so many photos at Arbor over the years. The ones I’ve posted here are not necessarily of current or even recent items available. I chose them because together I think they express Arbor’s unique vibe of softness|sophistication|luxuriousness|authenticity. Walking through the tents here never fails to calm me down – and not just because I often start my visit with a complimentary hand massage at Pandora’s sweet-smelling, air-conditioned space!
There’s a bit of everything here – it’s a big venue – but Arbor is where I’m sure to send people who’ve asked me where to find a few specific things: bedding, fine art, rugs, garden/outdoor and furniture for real life.
The people behind Arbor have also been real pioneers in the development of the experiential side of the Show. So if you’re smart enough to be in Round Top for shopping and the special events like live music and food trucks and jewelry pop-ups and after hours nights and celebrity shoppers and book signings, I’d send you here for all that too. Have fun y’all!
**Please Note!: This post is over a year old. Many of the answers are incomplete or just plain wrong because vendors have moved or things have otherwise changed. I’m leaving it up because there’s still some general info that might be useful – but trust it at your own risk. And as always, feel free to email me with questions of your own at kelly@crushlistroundtop.com. Enjoy the show!!
It’s showtime and on cue my The Crush List mailbox has been filling up with reader questions asking all kinds of things about how and where and when to shop. I’m sharing a few Q’s and their A’s below and throwing in an assortment of photos from my files for visual flair. If I’m lucky, a bunch of you will be inspired by this post to click CONTACT ME with questions of your own.
QUESTION ONE
“My Question: Where can I find vintage fabric esp. chenille and flour sacks.”
Nice and to the point. Here’s my (just as nice I think but) definitely more meandering reply.
Hi! I think your best bet for fabrics is Warrenton.You can find sources all over, but I’d start there. Ask around for where the grain sack booth is. There are also few spots I can think of with huge tables piled with vintage linens/quilts/etc. One is at Vintage Laundry at Texas Rose field, one is at the back of Bar W Field and one is in the old Sterling McCall building in Warrenton, next to the Chicken Ranch. Also, LaBahia has a nice high end vintage fabric dealer inside. Hope those help! Good luck!
QUESTION TWO
I appreciated all of the info you shared on your blog about coming to Round Top! So for a first timer, coming the week of March 21st-25th, would that be a good idea? I have had a hard time finding a place to stay the week of the 28th and thought if we came the week before it may be a better idea and less crowds. Do you think there will still be plenty set out for us to see the earlier week?
I have a real soft spot for the first timer. That’s my excuse for this overanswer. It came from my soft spot.
Thank you so much for reading The Crush List.
Yes, yes! The 21-25 are perfect days to be at the show. Here’s the link to the most comprehensive show date calendar: www.antiqueweekend.com.
As you can see, you’ll have plenty to see. I’d do one day Mon or Tues at Blue Hills/Chelsea’s Meadow/McLaren/Texas Rose and then the other at Clutter/Excess/The Fields(meaning Bar W, North Gate/Tin Star). But feel free to write your own script :).
Pretty much everything will open up Wednesday. Heads up though, you may find some of the venues that say they’ll open Wednesday will have dealers up and selling before that (Arbors for example). You won’t be around for Marburger, but that’s OK. It’s like the biggest best antique mall you ever went to, and you can plan to see it next time.
Food-wise, be sure to hunt down the Texas Pizza Wagon, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed and need a quiet time out. It’s just down 954 behind Excess a bit.
I’m doing marketing for Prost wine bar in downtown Round Top so I’ll say stop in there for sure, although I’d say it anyway because it’s truly very nice and a hub of the action. Los Patrones in downtown RT is a great spot to see Rachel Ashwell eating enchiladas or just to feel in the middle of things. The raspberry iced tea at Pie Haven in Henkel Square can be a lifesaver, as can a frozen lemonade from the various Warrenton fields. And if you pick up food to go, pull into the grounds of Festival Hill and have a picnic. It’s open to the public 24/7 and such a magical place.
I think I’m starting to sound like a crazy cat lady, so I’ll stop with the random tips! Hope you have a fantastic visit and I’m always thrilled to get updates on how your trip is going and questions as you go.
QUESTION THREE
My Question: What is the best route from Houston? We are going March 24-27 and want to know the best shows since we are building a reclaimed wood and stone farmhouse with industrial elements to it. Is Marburger farms open at that time? Can you suggest where we look for some rather large pieces?
This reader included a photos of great pieces she already has, plus a couple of things she’s hoping to find. Here’s my answer, followed by the pics of what she’s looking for, in case you see them. Email me and I’ll email her.
Hi! Thanks for writing — I’ll do my best to answer your questions. First the easy one. The Marburger Farm venue doesn’t open until Tuesday, March 29. But no worries, there will be more than you ever dreamed of seeing open for business on the 24-27 dates.
I think most people take 290 from Houston and then turn south on 237. If you’re starting from the south or west ends of town you may prefer I-10 to 71 to 153. Someone from Houston mentioned just the other day how much time they saved using the Grand Parkway toll road, so if that seems useful it sounded like a smart route.
Where to shop for light industrial! I’d suggest you stop at Blue Hills, especially ReCoop Designs and Loblolly next to the BBQ deck for pulley lights. ExCess and ExcCess Two across the street will have amazing things – Ken Bizzell and Demir at Nomadic Trading are favorites, but it’s all good. Try The Compound venue, especially for Old World Antieks, Eneby, ReWorks and Pascal. The Arbor venue has some vendors you may like – a Restoration Hardware lookalike vendor, good rugs, good fine art. McLarens has soooo much inventory, so if you see the Red British Phone Booth pull in!
All of the above are great for quality and lots of selection. If you want bargains, North Gate and Bar W fields may have better prices. I think the vendors at the southernmost end of Warrenton in theTreeHouse Park area have good deals too.
You’ll no doubt discover your own favorites and others I’m forgetting. Please write again if I can help in any way. Enjoy — and let me know how it goes if you get a chance!
QUESTION THREE
Hello, I just joined your blog I Love Roundtop the town and the surrounding area I visit as often as I can. Of course I am going to go to the Antiques market as I always do but I really want to try new places I am so glad I found your crush list. I would really appreciate a map or directions so that I may find them easier. Thanks so much.
I loved all the love for the blog, but this question stings a bit since it points out that my posts aren’t always that good at offering useful information. You know what I mean. I get sidetracked way out of the way and as I’ve confessed before, I sometimes even make things up.
Thanks so much for reading The Crush List!
I try to give a general sense of where my crushes are, and there is usually a link at the top of each post to their website/FB page, etc., but I will definitely take your suggestion and try to give better directions or mark them on a map somehow.
There are two publications putting out maps for every show. Round Top Register’s is more general and Show Daily’s is super comprehensive. The Show Daily will be available all over the RT area, especially at places like restaurants and major venues. There’s a link to the new Show Daily issue via online reader, and the maps are there, but I find the actual printed magazine much easier to use.
The good news? You've discovered The Crush List. The not so good? I haven't been actively posting here for a few years now, which means the never terribly reliable details about my crushes are even more unreliable. Antique vendors have switched venues, shops in town have moved or passed on, donkeys may or may not be in the same front yards... In spite of the risks of massive misdirection I've left the site up in hopes that it still achieves its goal - to inspire you to visit Round Top for the Antiques Show or any time you have the time.
With that said, I leave you to explore this random list of my very favorite things about my very favorite place. I’ve tried to capture the area’s special pieces and parts. Some are big deal, some are small gestures, some are legendary and some are just tiny pip and squeak.
Love The Crush List? Please Subscribe! You’ll get a weekly email with an extra image and a link to the new posts. Nice!
