1.  THIS PODCAST IS SPONSORED BY HELSER BROTHERS HADRWARD Helser brothers are a fully custom manufacturer of drapery hardware.  It is run by Brothers Jay and Mark.  Jay was an expert independent drapery installer and designs new products that are install friendly and engineered for strength and Mark, a talented metal worker with a mind of an engineer, has been regarded as a mechanical genius by all who know him. Helser has an outstanding reputation and has been in business for 24 years.  Their customer service agents known as “The Rod Squad” include retired interior designers and drapery workroom owners with decades of experience. They can customize anything and any order over $100 is shipped free.  you can see their products at helserbrothers.com or find them on facebook, instagram, Twitter and Pinterest. 2.  INTRO We have been wanting to attend this show for years and could never work it out either because of our workload or because both shows, Spring and Fall, are right before High Point Market.  That is one of the reasons we are not in High Point right now.  We made the decision, and with the help of design friend Sarah Eilers, that now was the time to go. What is this show? A show where you can find antiques, furniture, rugs, artwork, mirrors, clothing, jewelry, boots, one of a kind pieces and so much more.  Round Top is located in between Austin and Houston, Texas and started in 1968.   The population of this area is 90, but in the Spring and Fall about 200,000 descend upon the area.  It spans over a twenty mile stretch.  Fly into Austin or Houston and rent a car. 3.  HOW TO NAVIGATE A.    Go with a seasoned professional - Lucas Eilers Design – Sarah Eilers – Houston Interior Designer                i.         Sarah was the ultimate hostess, picking us up at the airport, taking us to some of her favorite shops in Houston and then to tour her amazing office in the Houston Design Center. We left the next day to head to Round Top – about a 1-1/2 hour drive.              ii.         Stay in a reputable place – Sarah found an amazing rental just a few miles from all the action – There’s a crazy story about this place.            iii.         Map out the shows you want to go to – (some open later than others) Sarah did this all for us J             iv.         Save the air conditioned places for the afternoon               v.         Know where the best bathrooms are             vi.         Dress comfortably and bring sunscreen.   It is HOT!!!!           vii.         Bring cash – not all dealers take credit cards and you have better options to haggle         viii.         Take a break and have a nice lunch – Lulu’s   B.    THE SHOWS                i.         Marburger Farm – our favorite – can spend a whole day here 1.     Entrance Fee 2.     350 Dealers 3.     Big field - All outdoor tents              ii.         Big Red Barn 1.     Quality Antiques 2.     30,000 square feet – air conditioned 3.     Estate jewelry, silver            iii.         Blue Hills 1.     First top along Highway 237 2.     26 acres 3.     Antiques, textiles and outdoor furniture 4.     Great BBQ lunch at the picnic tables             iv.         The Compound – 5 Barns 1.     Beautiful European antiques 2.     40,000 square feet 3.     Doors 4.     Armoires 5.     Mirrors               v.         Market Hill 1.     Large indoor venue 2.     Art, rugs, décor, furniture 3.     Air-conditioned restrooms             vi.         The Arbors – a favorite 1.     Artwork 2.     Textiles and linens 3.     Clothing 4.     Boots 5.     Handcrafted Jewelry C.    SOME FAVORITE VENDORS                i.         Pascal Home (shows at Scott Antique Market) – beautiful tables, beds, seating and lighting              ii.         Southern Classic Jewelry (shows at Scott Antique Market and Americasmart) – Joann purchased the nurse buckle            iii.         The Crooked Antler – great clothes, accessories, and jewelry             iv.         Kim Hoegger Home – design c