On The Crush List because
Santa Monica, New York, San Francisco, London, Tokyo, Round Top
Round Top is famous. Sort of. In certain ways.
Way one: Anyone who’s anyone knows about the Antiques Show. And from what I’m hearing, pretty much every one of those anyones is going to be coming to the Spring Show this year. (I’m thinking of spearheading a fundraiser for the construction of a charming Segway/rollerblade/electric bike/rickshaw trail along Hwy 237; holler if you want to be on my committee).
Way two: The completely adorable Junk Gypsy TV stars really do live here all the time, not just when their camera crew is around. We all love y’all!
Way three: Festival Hill. It may seem like a hidden gem if you’re just now discovering it, but the musical elite from around the world have been admiring James Dick’s magnificent gift to Round Top for decades.
Way four: Pie.
Way five: This is a 100-way tie among a whole host of Shakespeareans, artists, artisans, galleries, writers, collectors, cowboys, musicians, ranchers, historians and more. You know who you are.
Tucked into the top of that list of What Makes Round Top Famous should be, of course, The Prairie by Rachel Ashwell. Yes, that Rachel Ashwell, inventor of Shabby Chic. Famous for sure.
The Prairie’s country luxe vibe feels gracious and gentle and rather Englishy, but there’s also a low hum of California cool around the place, all topped off with the sweet twang of Texas. If you’re there during the show, sign the guest book in the Rangers Lounge, but then go peek in the Pearl Barn. That’s where Rachel and her team store their found treasures before they’re carted away to Tokyo and New York and beyond.
Here’s my list of TPbRA Don’ts. Don’t visit Round Top without scooting up for a look see. Don’t forget your camera. Don’t get married anywhere else. Don’t miss any event Rachel invites you to even if it’s just because you follow her on Facebook and you’re not sure you’re supposed to go. You are! And finally, don’t forget to pick up a set of whisper linen pillow cases while you’re there. Even better, order a Liliput Ottoman in her best of the best yummy amethyst velvet.
