Is it wise to bring children to Round Top or other antique markets or shops? That is an interesting question. I think it depends on your goals and the type of trip. It depends on the venue. Outdoor is best. And it depends on you. And your children? Their ages and if they are interested in history etc.
If you are hardcore shopping, I recommend coming solo or with your decorator and a good measuring tape. Don’t bring children or a gaggle of girlfriends if you are really doing serious shopping.
Unless you are Lynsey Kramer of Yonder Way Farm…her girls are amazing little Round Top shoppers! (fyi you should follow Lynsey on instagram @fivechicksandafarmer her photos and insight are wonderful) She could shop the fields and purchase a trailer load of amazing good at rock bottom prices and still have the Yonder Way Farmer’s dinner on the table by six. Just kidding; She says they have actually had kettle corn for supper out there some nights..A perk of living close by.
Some of the Kramer girls charming their way around Round Top with their curls and cuteness.
Lynsey and I actually had a flat at Round Top years ago when we were both very pregnant..it was crazy but funny looking back. Point being you never know what might happen..be fluid! I once went with a newborn and could tell he was too getting too hot and I simply had to leave;( It happens. But it can work if you think through a bit.
Henry spent a lot of time out there when he was still in the stroller (see photo below, oh my heart). And aside from the tough newborn visit, we usually did pretty well, if not we left knowing that is just how it is some days with a little in tow.
But as soon as he was eager to get out and run we had to take a break. Some years it would have been totally nuts to have taken him to the shows.Those were good years for mama to go alone or meet friends. Now he is finally getting old enough to be a little more civilized around breakables and follow directions (sometimes).
Henry feeling a little Round Top excitement at La Bahia
So if shopping with kids at Round Top I suggest:
*Take it slow
*Be realistic about shopping agenda
*Teach kids to respect other’s property and be polite to vendors
*Remind them to be careful not to run or roughhouse because there are a lot of old and precarious objects and displays including rusty metal and glass
*Be careful with drinks and shoes on light upholstery or around linens or fabrics (we still stear clear of those things, save looking for those items when alone or without littles) Even if you think something looks shabby or dirty and ratty don’t let your kids sit or lounge on textiles, even that leather was not a good idea for Henry, shame on mama
*Talk about history and recycling, teachable moments mama!
* Model the habit of asking before taking photos
*Take a wagon
*Bring snacks and think through potty situations, large strollers will not fit in a port potty, just saying
*No when it’s time to leave
*Consider bringing old cameras for older children to use
I always say that giving a kid a camera to use when out and about both gives them something to do with their hands and feeds their creativity!
Drew the photographer
Bottom line I intended to stay home sunday and recoup from a busy week but our oldest asked to go to Round Top because it is fun and it is something we can do together. Taking your kids antiquing can be great family time and teach kids an appreciation for history and creativity. Most dealers are happy to chat with little people and teach them about their items. Age and other issues may not make it wise for every season of life but with a little direction your little people might surprise you.
Lynsey Kramer says “we pack a wagon and snacks and I have found dealers to be very warm and friendly to my children giving them trinkets and treats and good memories.” That sums it up, go forth and have fun using common sense and courtesy.
How about you? Do you take your children to markets or antique shops? What works for you??
I think a lot really depends on individual kids. Some of mine I would take, and some not. What has been really fun for me is discovering that my 14 year old son enjoys going antiquing with me. It was an unexpected surprise!
Definitely agree that snacks and water are a must. Even adults get cranky when hungry.
I want to go so bad! I might try it with my older two.
I took my 3 month old in the spring and my now 9 month old this time around. We’ve found that a baby carrier works best for places like Blue Hills and Arbor Antiques where you can’t really manuever a stroller and our BOB stroller works best in the fields in Warrenton. Lynsey is right in that the dealers are all so nice when you have kids/a baby! They all want to tell you about their “babies” or grandbabies. I swear having my daughter strapped to me gets me a better deal when negotiating too;). Three more tips – 1) go the weekend before preview (Sept. 21 this year) when it’s not as crowded 2) stay overnight if you can and shop for two days and 3) bring backup and don’t try and do this by yourself.
Ooohhh.. never been to Round Top but I”M DYING TO GO!
You will miss the boys when they are too old to go with mom. Believe me, enjoy every minute!
A baby contained in a stroller, yes, anytime 🙂 A toddler/preschooler, no way, shopping of any kind is not fun for anyone involved 🙁 An older child who has a bit more patience and understands more, yes that could be a fun outing!
Oh those boys in their boots!!! Adorable!
I am so impressed! Great pics and I know you had fun!
Aren’t Lynsey and Yonderway the BEST?!?! Those pics she posted from Warrenton the first day made me want to load up and skip dinner just to rummage through the fields of goodies! I definitely prefer to shop Round Top w/o my precious little ones – but sometimes I think taking them is better than not going at all! Also, loving the Hunter boots on your boys. Too cute!
Hi Holly! I am so excited to go to Roundtop on Saturday. This will be my first trip to Roundtop. I loved the dough bowl that you found for Melanie last year. Any suggestions on where I might find one?
I love that last line, “go forth and have fun using common sense and courtesy.” Sums up being out and about in the world with little ones! And sometimes common sense just says to go home and try it again another day 🙂
My kids are all grown with the youngest being 22 years but I just have to tell you a funny story. When my four were little (4 kids in 5 years and 1 month, a girl and 3 boys) I would sometimes take them to antique stores just because a woman’s gotta do what a woman’s gotta do! I made the boys keep their hands in their pockets as a way to keep them from touching anything. So, this last summer we were visiting my youngest son at USMA at West Point where he is a senior. He and his girlfriend took us to a little town called Cold Spring across the Hudson from West Point. It is a typical New England town with a wonderful couple of blocks with lots of antique shops. In 11 trips to West Point how did I never know about this wonderful place?! Anyway, we were all looking around and my son came over to me with his hands in his pockets and told me he still does that in antique stores! I guess it worked.