Michael SatterfieldRound Top, Texas, may have earned a reputation as the ultimate girls’ trip getaway—but scratch beneath the surface, and you’ll find a destination that speaks directly to the discerning eye of the collector, designer, and admirer of craftsmanship. It’s not just vintage lace and shabby chic. For men who appreciate fine leather, industrial finds, mid-century modern, and Americana with soul, Round Top is a rich hunting ground. While there is always something happening in Round Top, the main shows are held in Spring and Fall. if you are planning a trip, here’s where to go:
Round Top: Blue Hills
Set on 26 acres just off Highway 237, Blue Hills delivers a masterclass in curated collecting. With over 100,000 square feet of vendor space, it’s a haven for those who appreciate authenticity, patina, and pieces with a story. Think vintage drafting tables, antique tool chests, reclaimed architectural elements, and rare artwork. The venue is relaxed but elevated, with wide aisles, shade trees, and well-designed rest areas that make long browsing sessions feel effortless. It’s the kind of place where serious collectors and interior designers go to unearth something no one else has. We have bought a number of pieces from Blue Hills over the years, from vintage apparel and signs to furniture.
Round Top: The Halles
If you’re drawn to the intersection of art, design, and culture, The Halles is your spot. A mix of sophisticated show halls and curated events, it feels like an art fair and design week collided with the best of Round Top’s rustic charm. From modernist furniture to large-scale fine art, The Halles attracts high-level dealers and tastemakers. But what really sets it apart are the nighttime chef dinners, cocktail hours, and gallery-style exhibits. It’s where you go not just to buy, but to experience.
Round Top: Gasoline Hill
A hidden gem for those who live for barn finds and vintage grit. Located on Highway 237, Gasoline Hill leans into a more rugged aesthetic—think enamel signs, gas pumps, vintage tools, and automotive ephemera. If you grew up thumbing through Hot Rod Magazine and now spend weekends wrenching on your project car or restoring old motorcycles, this place will hit you right in the nostalgia. It’s Round Top with grease under its fingernails—and it’s glorious.
Round Top: The Compound
Refined but never fussy, The Compound feels like the grounds of a polo club. Set on 57 manicured acres with barn-style architecture and garden-lined pathways, it’s home to dealers who specialize in heirloom-quality furniture, European antiques, vintage Americana, art, and standout statement pieces. It’s equal parts event venue and treasure trove. You’ll find everything from 18th-century armoires to large-scale sculpture. This is where design professionals come to make big moves for client projects—and where you’ll likely leave with something your home didn’t know it needed. The Compound is where we met artist Peter Horjus and purchased two of his originals, including a fun painting of a Porsche 912.
Royer’s Café: Comfort Food with Character
No trip to Round Top is complete without a stop at Royer’s Round Top Café, the legendary hole-in-the-wall eatery that’s been dishing out Texas-sized personality (and pie) since 1987. While the town is overflowing with high-end antiques and curated design, Royer’s is all about low-frills, big flavor, and a dose of Southern hospitality that hits harder than a shot of bourbon.
Step inside, and you’re greeted by walls plastered with vintage signs, quirky art, and if you look closely, you’ll find one of our decals from the Round Top Rally The Gentleman Racer hosts. The menu is a greatest hits list of comfort food classics—think burgers, chicken sandwiches, and their famous fried chicken dinners served with a side of sass and mashed potatoes. It’s the kind of food that makes you want to loosen your belt and stay awhile.
But what really puts Royer’s on the map? The pie. Whether you go for the iconic Texas Trash Pie (a decadent mashup of chocolate chips, coconut, graham crackers, and more) or a slice of the rich Buttermilk Delight, it’s worth the calories and then some. They even ship their pies nationwide, so when you inevitably get hooked, you don’t have to wait for your next Round Top trip.
Owned by the larger-than-life Bud Royer and now run by his son JB and family, Royer’s isn’t just a place to eat—it’s a Round Top institution. Pull up a chair, grab a Shiner, and make yourself at home.
Round Top isn’t just for Instagram influencers and floral print enthusiasts. For men with an appreciation for timeless design, storied objects, and the thrill of the find, it offers something far more substantial. Plus it is a great drive through the Texas countryside. So pack your boots, bring a truck, and don’t forget your tape measure—you never know what you’ll discover.
