Treasure Hunting

Head to this little town between Austin and Houston for one of the best antiques events in the country.

Say "Round Top, Texas," to anyone who has ever dabbled in antiques collecting, and they'll snap to attention. That's because people from coast to coast and abroad flock here for The Original Round Top Antiques Fair. With the exception of natural disasters or family emergencies, there's simply no excuse to miss it.

For the Serious Collector

This twice-a-year shopping phenomenon was started by Emma Lee Turney almost 40 years ago and is now owned by Susan and Bo Franks. Today the town turns into one huge sale. You'll also find deals in a 20-mile radius around Round Top. A $10 ticket for the fair lasts all three days.

Expect only the finest offerings. Many of the visitors are dealers who make a trip to this event as a means of making a living. They shop the fair's sites and resell the loot in their stores at a profit. These are the people who drool over items such as an Edison-made phonograph for $3,600.

Marburger Farm Antique Show is another shopping option for collectors to score some nifty finds. To get into Marburger, you'll have to pay $10 for a ticket that's good for the weekend.

From Armoires to Accordions

For those who just want to dig through other people's stuff, the vendors on the side of the highway or in the town square are a great option. A few miles out of town there is a gigantic flea market that spans acres. If you're simply thrilled by the hunt and aren't concerned with signed pieces and museum-quality antiques, you'll have a ball here.

Even non-shoppers often enjoy this not-to-miss event that has become a social function for people all across the country. It's like an international family reunion. Folks can participate in the German culture of this area by noshing on sauerkraut or a kolacky. Visitors get to experience a bit of Texas culture and possibly find that one item they never knew they needed.

-JENNIFER MCKENZIE FRAZIER

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Oct 2006
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