Wander > Home: Round Top, Texas: Part 1
Welcome to Wander>Home, a series dedicated to sharing how I bring my travels around the world back into my home! Join me on a journey that goes beyond traditional “souvenirs” as I explore the infusion of textures, colors, art, and even memories that evoke the essence of each place I've visited. This series is an invitation to see souvenirs not just as tokens, and experiences not just as memories - but as elements that can seamlessly become part of the fabric of your home.
You see, I believe wandering > home, and the collision of the two has the opportunity to not only decorate your home but also narrate tales of your adventures.
In each part of this series, I’ll share key memories of my trip, along with specific sights, sounds, and ways I brought the experience back with me (i.e. incorporated it into the fabric of my home).
WANDER WITH ME…
If you asked me how long I’ve wanted to go to Round Top, I’d say it’s been on my list for well over a decade…ever since I heard my Aunt talk about going years and years ago. She and my Mom are the ones responsible for teaching me all about antiques – how to find them, what to love about them, and how to use (or..hoard?) them. My Aunt’s stories about Round Top painted a glorious picture in my mind that has left me itching to experience it.
Alas, raising kids meant following the school calendar, and the timing of Round Top just never seemed to align with our schedule. Until 4 years ago, when both my kids finished school.
I’ll admit: although open schedules meant I could finally experience Round Top like I had been dreaming of, I still felt held back (and admittedly, overwhelmed) by the “HOW”...
How to navigate shopping and how to get it all home…
Would it really be worth going if I felt stressed…and constricted by not being able to transport my treasures back to Alabama?
Fast forward to this year, when my good friend Jeanne Oliver told me about her collaboration with The Vintage Roundtop. They would be creating a unique shopping and art retreat (including Jeanne teaching an art class on one of the days). I knew this was my golden ticket to experiencing Round Top without feeling lost the whole time. And to experience it with a friend? Say no more!
I was fortunate to score one of only twelve spots at the retreat, which sold out in minutes.
“Let the magic begin,” I thought to myself as I began making travel plans.
GETTING TO ROUND TOP…
I ended up chatting with a few friends that were going and we decided to meet up in Houston at the airport and all carpool together. Insider Tip: I rented a suburban since we were shopping for antiques. We also brought at least two suitcases and those wouldn’t have fit in a normal SUV!
Inspiration flourished on the drive - there was an abundance of Indian paintbrush flowers and bluebonnets in bloom on all sides of the highway. It was jaw-dropping in the most “Texas” kind of way and set the tone for the adventure ahead. I regret not taking the time to stop for a photo – but I won’t make that mistake next time.
We arrived at Round Top around 2 pm and went to Henkel Square where we did what anyone embarking on a Texas adventure should do: ate some BBQ and bought a hat from Kemosabe (they have the coolest stores and really know how to design a brim)! My hat tricks class on Jeanne Olivers website doesn’t hold a candle to these hats…so needless to say, I was QUITE inspired.
We made it to The Vintage Round Top and settled into our rooms. I was in the loft, which I shared with two others
[ QUICK NOTE: While my roomies were amazing, I wouldn’t opt for these sleeping arrangements again unless I was sharing with someone I knew very well. I had to wake up so early the last morning and was worried about waking them…so I didn’t get any sleep! ]
ARRIVING AT VINTAGE ROUND TOP…
Upon arrival to Vintage Round Top (learn more HERE), we were greeted with a delightful cocktail and a charming grazing table brimming with delicious treats. It was a warm welcome, to say the least! I was excited to connect with several familiar faces…and had the pleasure of meeting many new ones. It made for a fun first night of connection + getting to know each other. there and met a few that I didn’t know and that was fun that first night just getting to know each other!
This beautiful place far exceeded expectations, and was exactly what you might imagine a venue at Round Top to be: filled with vintage finds, cozy layers and textures, and interesting vignettes around every corner! The perfect place for artists or anyone designing a home to be inspired (speaking to myself, here)!
ROUND TOP: DAY 1… coming soon…..
Want to get on the first to know list for my upcoming Round Top Shopping Retreat this fall? We will be staying at the Vintage Round Top!
Sign up here to be on the list before registration goes live to the public. There are only 12 spots available!