Round Top’s Remarkable Transformation: This Texas Retreat’s Not So Sleepy Anymore — See What’s New

It’s no wonder Mark Massey now serves as director of the Round Top Chamber of Commerce — his passion for restoring and revitalizing the town has breathed new life into the region.

THE COMPOUND

The Compound, one of Massey’s stellar projects, is composed of five barns used for antiques shows, weddings, and other events, and he’s recently added another salvaged building, this one dating to the late 1800s from the Fayetteville area.

For the Spring Antiques Fair, loosely March 18 to April 1, The Compound’s early show opens Saturday, March 18, in the Neal barn, Carriage House, Stables and Gazebo, with top-notch dealers Alisanne Wonderland, Pascal Home, and Old World Antieks; the Peck Barn and the full list of dealers opens Friday, March 24.

In the Grove area of The Compound, Massey introduces Top Shelf, operated by Vin 114 of La Grange, serving wine and charcuterie from 2 to 6 pm under twinkly lights after a hard day of antiquing.

Also new this year — a popup dinner on Tuesday, March 28, from 7 to 10 pm, with Houston hotspot State Fare chefs Lee Ellis and Jim Mills crafting a three-course affair served in the Carriage House courtyard, with pre-dinner appetizers and signature cocktails, and wine pairings with dinner. Musician Danielle Reich will be performing live jazz with her trio. Tickets $85 each, available here. The Compound, 2550 Texas 237, Roundtopcompound.com.

RUMMEL SQUARE UPDATE
One of three squares in the town of Round Top, Rummel Square, another Massey project, is a collection of antique houses, forts, and cabins that house Townsend Provisions, Espressions Coffee & Art, and other shops coming soon. New to the burg is antiques shop House Rummel, opening for the spring shows and owned by Susan Horne, who also operates Susan Horne Antiques in the Memorial area of Houston.

Also new — and not a moment too soon, say Round Top regulars — is LNG Spirits, stocking Texas craft beer, top-shelf spirits, and handmade cigars, slated to open in time for the spring antiques fair. Garden Company Cafe, housed in a 1914 farmhouse, is also scurrying to open in time for the spring shows.

IN HENKEL SQUARE …
In Mark Massey’s third project, Henkel Square, Teague’s Tavern has opened, serving casual country food set to a backdrop of live music, which Massey describes as the Cheers of Round Top. Dapper Deer from Bastrop has opened a location in Henkel Square, with men’s clothing, knives, and accessories.

Artist/former NASA employee John Lowery and his art gallery Humble Donkey Studio have moved into a larger space, the better to house his bovine paintings, vintage furniture, and other swag, as he calls it. Saturday, April 22, noon to 3 pm, Henkel Square hosts the 2nd Annual Crawfish Boil, with crawfish from Ragin’ Cajun, beer, wine and bluegrass music. Ticket price to be announced.