Fall 2016 Antiques Shows: Warrenton

Here’s the low down on the Fall 2016 Antiques Shows in Warrenton. Yes, they’re part of the lovable behemoth known as the Round Top Antiques Shows.

Come take a whirl around the antiques shows with us as we showcase Round Top Register advertisers. (For locations, dates, hours and important information regarding food, restrooms and parking, see our pullout special section in this magazine.)

By the way, the venues are organized by the city in which their GPS address should show up. In the heart of the rolling hills, only the rural mail carriers know exactly where one town ends and another begins.

And a note on the photos…. These are scenes and vendors representing the entire Round Top Antiques Shows’ experience, not necessarily from the communities and venues we’re showcasing here.

The shows in Warrenton, which began about 1980, cover many acres on both sides of Highway 237. Most of these cow-pasture-turned-antique-shows are contiguous, which means you can walk from one to another; you likely won’t know you’ve left one for another. The ground is uneven, and there are cattle guards in places, so save the stilettos for another time. There are no sidewalks, so be Texas friendly and cross the state highway at designated areas, and watch for traffic. Food is readily available. Royer’s Cafe sets up at Zapp Hall, and there are food trucks and vendors around. A word to the wise: don’t try to do it all in one day and expect to be anything but exhausted.

Roy Wied runs the Bar W Antiques & Collectibles Field on property that has been in his family for more than 100 years. He hosts 150-plus dealers offering a wide array of items. With its distinctive iron entries, the Bar W field is accessible from Highway 237 and FM 954. It is an ideal place to park (free) and begin treasure hunting. Dealers occupy about 25 acres—and many begin selling as they are unloading their trucks. Parking is available on 40 acres. Steak nights are on Saturdays at the Bar W Cafe. (Sept. 15 – Oct. 2; early – late; 4001 S. State Highway 237)

North Gate Antique & Design Show has five acres of American and European furniture, antiques, collectibles, porcelain and lighted signs, military salvage . . . the list is long. Danny Spencer, who has been producing the show since 2007, noted that easy load out is a plus for dealers and shoppers alike. A North Gate highlight is the breakfast featuring made-to-order burritos and fresh-ground brewed coffee. (Sept. 15 – Oct. 1; early – late; 3955 S. State Highway 237)

Lone Star Gallery has 25,000 square feet of exhibitor space—in a climate-controlled venue in the heart of Warrenton. Twenty or so dealers offer vintage jewelry, clothing and other treasures. South Texas Tack parks its boot box on the grounds for western wear shopping options. Kaci and Sterling VanCoutren established the show in 2012 and this spring introduced the Glamper Inn—with vintage trailers available for rent. There is also a bar, pool table and big-screen televisions to entertain those not inclined to roam the fields. (Sept. 23 – Oct. 1; 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (also open Saturdays year-round); 4212 S. State Highway 237)

If you missed Recycling the Past’s The PréludE in Burton, then check out Matt White’s funky finds from around the globe at the Round Top Ballroom. The 12,000-square-foot facility is chock full of architectural salvage items destined to make a bold statement. Shoppers can find doors, windows, petrified wood, gems, minerals, reclaimed lumber, furniture, architectural antiques, airplane parts and more. He also sets up at Ex Cess I in Warrenton. (Sept. 15 – Oct. 2; 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. or by appointment year-round; 1132 FM 1291 N.)

Rancho Pillow originated as a family ranch retreat. In March, Sheila Youngblood opened the doors to the public offering lodging and event space. For the fall show, she has “Feasts in the Field” planned nightly with Houston’s famed farm-to-table Chef Monica Pope cooking Sept. 27 – 29. Live music nightly also. Handpicked artists, designers and makers from around the globe offer new and vintage home items, jewelry and fashion during Rancho Mercado, also Sept. 27 – 29. (Sept. 25 – Oct. 1, dinners at 5:30 p.m.; Rancho Mercado Sept. 27 – 29 from noon til dark; 11222 Schuster Road.)

Also check out these venues: Clutter; Tin Star; Marketplace at Warrenton; The Chicken Ranch; Punkie’s Place at Neese House; Campbell Building; Das Blaue Haus; and St. John’s Lutheran Church.

To read more about the Round Top Antiques Shows, check out: Ten Antiques Venues, Five More Antiques Venues and Fall 2016 Antiques Shows: Burton/Carmine, Round Top and Elsewhere. We asked venue owners/show promoters to tell us about their shows in their own words. Read those here: Warrenton antiques shows in their own words

by Katie Dickie Stavinoha
photos by staff