Arriving in Round Top is quite the experience. Thousands of people walk along the highway, traipsing on foot through the fields of this antiques carnival of sorts. For first-timers or relative newcomers, it’s hard to know where to begin. If you ask where to start people will say, “Paul Michael’s” and what they mean is “Market Hill,” Paul Michael’s 119,000-SF venue that’s unlike anything else around.

Market Hill is where we go every day of the show – not because we have to, but because it’s become the hub, the hangout, for much more than shopping. It has amenities you can’t find in the fields, like free parking, A/C, clean bathrooms, free WiFi, food and drink and, of course, the best vendors in Round Top who bring their very best stuff, because it’s safe inside and not subjected to one of those big Texas thunderstorms that we often get in the spring.

Market Hill offers rest, comfort and genuine hospitality. You are treated like family. In fact, you are often greeted by Paul Michael, his son, Jake, wife, Debbie, or daughter, Elizabeth. It’s a place where you expect someone to ask, “Did you eat yet?” And, if not, then it’s “Well, get in line, grab a plate, and come sit by me.”

Parking out front, you’ll enter through the Paul Michael Company showroom, which takes up 11,000-SF of the space. It’s beautiful inside and filled with original art, antique rugs, agate-topped tables, large cowhides, plush sofas, and decorative pillows. The remainder of the space is mostly dedicated to the vendors inside. Each showroom is well appointed and staged with the best lighting, antiques, accessories, rugs, and art you’ve ever seen in one place.

The Restaurant at Market Hill is open for lunch and dinner. Everything is made from scratch daily, with a menu that changes, but always has hearty staples. It’s all consistently good, generous, and nourishing. There’s also a great beer and wine selection and homemade desserts. The open kitchen format allows you to see what’s going on back there and to meet the people kindly preparing your meal. It’s not just the food but it’s the gathering around the table that makes the restaurant special. Long tables encourage you to sit next to someone you don’t know and strike up a conversation, sharing stories about your day and your interesting finds.

Vendors here feel the same about the way it brings people together. They also appreciate the permanent structure it provides, which allows them to load in and load out more efficiently, and a canvas to create a showroom that expresses their styles and offers them an opportunity to display their products in a way that aligns with their vision, and inspires customers to see how these items may be incorporated into their homes and their lives.

Demir Williford of Nomadic Trading Company says, “In order for us to showcase products in the most effective way, it requires a lot of logistics. At Market Hill, I am not restricted by an eight-foot tent. I have walls. I can hang lights. I can hang rugs on the walls. I am not able to do that in other spaces, exposed to the elements where I may get mud on them. Things like cement floors help us move quicker, load and unload faster, get the product in and out. It makes a better show for us overall.”

As artist Paul Meyer and wife Stephanie prepare for their first show at Market Hill, Stephanie says, “Over the years, as our business has grown, we recognized we needed something that offered a more permanent structure. We needed a space to create. We want our customers to feel wonderful in that space, and that’s what Market Hill provides.” She adds that their decision to show at Market Hill was also based on Paul Michael’s support, encouragement, and hospitality. “When we would go over [to Market Hill] and eat, Paul Michael would sit with us, and he and [my husband] Paul would talk about art. Their relationship started with their shared love of art. It became a great friendship.”

This isn’t Kelly Framel’s first time to Round Top, but it is the artist-designer’s first time in a long time, and she says, “My mom was my guide. She’s been going to Round Top for 15 years. She brought me to Paul Michael. It was her recommendation [...] Paul Michael has created a real hub where you can discover beautiful things and receive generous hospitality.”

It’s also a lot of fun. Market Hill hosts live music most nights and all concerts are free.That’s when the party really gets started. It’s common to see vendors you met that day along with new friends you just made at dinner, and Paul and Debbie Michael out on the dance floor. Past performances have included The Heart Collectors from Australia, and Black Cat Choir, a local rock band from Round Top. Another favorite is Austin-based country singer Kimberly Dunn, who drew a big crowd in the fall – fans of hers drove in just to see her perform – and we soon saw why as her petite frame took the stage and her larger-than-life stage presence emerged and captivated everyone in the audience.

In addition to food and music, Market Hill hosts a series of events intended to engage and enlighten. Artists, designers, hoteliers, and restaurateurs gather at Market Hill. It’s a place to connect and share industry insights. This spring, Paul Michael and Vincent Peach, master jeweler and Market Hill vendor, will lead two Round Top Roundtables. There will also be a fashion show and a master class with Vincent Peach.

Come early to shop, stay for lunch and dinner, have a few drinks and catch a show or special event – all in one day, all in one place. That’s the Market Hill experience. Follow Market Hill Round Top on Facebook and @market_hill_round_top on Instagram for more music and event announcements during the spring show.

Location and contact info:
1542 Highway 237
Round Top, TX 78954
customerservice@paulmichaelhome.com
800-732-3722

Hours
Open daily
9 a.m.-9 p.m.
March 19-April 5

Events

March 22
Round Top Roundtable – Session 1, 4-5 p.m.
Join us for a lively and informative cocktail-hour discussion about the business of design hosted by Vincent Peach and Paul Michael, and featuring designer Renea Abbott. Wine provided.

March 25
The Dolores Hawkins Runway Show, 3-5 p.m.
Honoring supermodel Dolores Hawkins, the fashion show will feature Round Top designers and benefit the Round Top Family Library. Tickets are $20. Champagne and cookies included.

March 26
Master Class with Vincent Peach, 5-6 p.m.
Tap into your creativity under the tutelage of Master Jeweler Vincent Peach. Sip on wine and enjoy light appetizers as you make your own bracelet. Tickets are $30 with materials provided.

March 29
Round Top Roundtable – Session 2, 4-5 p.m.
Vincent Peach and Paul Michael discuss the business of design with Blackberry Farm designers Jason Bell and Samantha Feuer, and Urban Cowboy owner/designer Lyon Porter. Includes wine.

March 29-30, 7-10 p.m.
Join us for dinner and a show with Black Cat Choir.

March 31, 8-9:30 p.m., Kimberly Dunn
After dinner at Market Hill, dance the night away to the music of Kimberly Dunn.