Wander>Home: Round Top Part 2
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…
ROUND TOP: PART 1, PART 3, FINALE
ROUND TOP: DAY 1…
On our first morning, we were obviously budding with excitement for the feast our eyes would soon encounter. We loaded into a van and made our way to Blue Hills Round Top where I IMMEDIATELY ran to East End Salvage. We’ve become friends on IG in recent months (click here to give them a follow)...and I’ve already purchased a French apothecary table for a kitchen island in our new house! Glad I bought that one in advance as to not worry about it fitting in a suitcase 😂
I knew I would love everything in their tent, and I was right. I think I touched every single item, and despite the MANY photos I took…I still wish I had taken more.
One of the crowning glories from my time at Round Top was a cowboy hat that captured my heart. It belonged to a late rancher, part of a collection of 17 hats! I was fortunate enough to find one that felt like it was made for me - complete with the most perfect wear and tear. I wore it religiously, leaving my other two hats untouched throughout my trip.
As I wandered among the various tents, something remarkable happened – I encountered someone who happens to know my daughter Emma’s new roommates in NYC (she’s moving there this summer)! Meeting Sara from Chakeris Clothing felt like a God-wink, reassuring me that the world is interconnected and that Emma will THRIVE in the Big Apple. Not sure what I’m talking about? Read more HERE!
At many of the booths, we encountered a stunning array of European antiques curated by French and Italian shopkeepers. The displays were exquisite, and I found myself longing for each and every piece!
Among my perusing, I made my way to The Cotton Shed tent to find the owner, Carrie, whom I have known for several years! We always get the chance to connect at Vintage Pickin (one of my favorite events in Alabama), and I can always count on her to have unique and fun finds! On this particular day, she had an old hotel key organizer, and well, I had to have it.
An incredible maker named Lauren, whose card I unfortunately misplaced, had her Airstream stationed at Blue Hills, which happened to be her complete jewelry-making setup. The stones she was working with were absolutely stunning! Unable to resist their allure, I treated myself to a chic ring and a pair of star earrings.
With limited time on my hands, I stumbled upon a tent housing some beautiful furniture pieces. I could have bought a ton of things there, but it was a breathtaking chandelier that stole my attention. It boasted an abundance of brass arms, over 24 in total, with just the right amount of crystals. Tammy and Brian from French Bleu shared its intriguing history – dating back to the turn of the century, possibly Italian, and nearly 125 years old! Recognizing its value, I couldn't resist making it mine, knowing I'd regret passing it up.
Stay tuned for the full story on an upcoming "Build a New House with Old Things" blog!
We gathered at the front of the event space for a cocktail and photo before we made our way to our next destination! How cute are we? 🤗
We made a stop at Market Hills and indulged in a delightful lunch at Duo. The food was exceptional, prompting us to linger a while before exploring the venue. There were numerous shops adorned with diverse antiques and unique finds. I couldn't resist purchasing a scarf from Paul Meyer, foreseeing the cooler weather ahead in the week! Strangely, I have no photos from this venue. Perhaps its elevated elegance deterred me from taking any, especially after splurging on two chandeliers. My pockets were feeling a bit light 😅
We crossed the street to The Arbors, conveniently close to The Vintage Roundtop, our home base, and where we would later enjoy pizza & wine for dinner. Despite the gusty, dusty conditions (it was crazy!), we ventured outside to explore the various booths, all filled with treasures. Seeking refuge from the wind, we stumbled upon a tent with a collection of hats. Peggy, who I met in Italy and now we are retreat besties, was determined to find the perfect one! This search led us to meet Derek, who shared his inspiring journey with alopecia and the inception of his hat-making venture, Saints Hats. From affordable options to premium selections, his hats catered to various budgets (from $20-$700)! side bar: Did I mention his parents live in Pelham? 10 minutes from me! Peggy opted for a more budget-friendly choice, and Derek tailored it to perfection. With added branding and embellishments, Peggy's new hat looked absolutely adorable!
Meeting incredible people and makers like Derek made the experience of Round Top that much more special. So many people fail to realize that almost ALL small businesses are built from a dream…and many are created with a great purpose in mind. Going to places like Round Top is about so much more than finding unique items - it’s about supporting the individuals who bring them to life.
ROUND TOP: DAY 2… Can you believe there’s more? The adventure of a lifetime!