there goes the neighborhood…

February 15, 2011

some of you may remember our ‘searching for mayberry’ post…and if you do, then you may remember that we ended the post with the promise of a big announcement. big news on our next great adventure.

{that’s right, population 77. one of the smallest incorporated towns in texas}

we finally found a place to put roots for our gypsy souls.

yep, we just put the town population over 80. that’s right, we moved. we loaded up the fam and headed to the wild blue yonder. to the country. to the wide open spaces of sprawling oak trees and rolling pastures. (well, we’re not officially moved yet, BUT we’re in the MIDST of moving…baby steps buy the land, baby steps move the fam, baby steps move the warehouse. it’s all about baby steps at this point, y’all :))

round top, texas. home of the FaMOUS RouND ToP/WaRRENTON AntiqUES WEEK and birthplace of the JuNK GypSY JUNK-O-RaMA prom. it’s where we’ve made some of the best junker friends in the world and it’s where we decided we never wanted to be anything else other than a junk gypsy. (we’ll tell you the story of our first show at warrenton soon)

it’s home to the world-renowned FeSTIVAL HiLL, the LEGENDARY 4th of JuLY parade, a general store called the RounD ToP MERcANTiLE (which is, i might add, one of my most favorite places…it’s where you can buy anything from organic spinach to hardware to deer corn…everyone knows your name AND you can buy it all on tab), and of course RoYERS ROUND top CAFE.

{the concert hall @ festival hill…you have to see it to believe it}

and here, yes here, is where we are going to build our FirST-EVER-long-time-comin JuNK GypSY store. we realize this seems like a slightly muy loco decision. to build a retail store in a town whose population sign reads 77. we’ve weighed our options, we’ve driven miles and miles across all of texas including every major city, we’ve looked near and far from here to there. we’ve spent hours (actually years) deliberating this decision…pondering the proper zip code for our flagship store.

{yep, this is our view…and you probably can’t tell in this shot but that’s a crane over to the right on the pond}

as i type this blog, i glance out the window and see a beautiful country pond with peaceful ripples from the february breeze. it’s recently been inhabited by several ducks that are effortlessly cruisin their temporary home. the pond is shaded by evergreen cedars and spanish moss-filled live oaks. and past the pond, i see longhorns grazing in the pasture and horses kickin’ around in the cool morning. other than the rattle of the keyboard… i can hear the wind. and the birds. and that’s all.

alas, it’s because of this and so much more, that we’ve concluded, without doubt, that the country is the ONLY place for the first-ever, long-time-comin’ JuNK GypSY store.

where there are more trees than parking spaces.

where you can see the stars at night.

where things are still done on a handshake.

where the green grass grows.

we’ve hugged the trees (there’s over 100 on the 10 acres we bought for JG)…

we’ve planted bluebonnets…

{amie & me pausing from bluebonnet planting to pose AmERICAN GoTHIC style}

well, kind of…

we’ve moved in portable buildings to the construction site to temporarily office out of…this one came straight from AUSTIN CITY LIMITS to the new JuNK GypSY world headquarters in RounD ToP, texas. amie, mom, & i felt like rockstars…the keys were labeled “artist 1” and “artist 2”. 🙂

{oh yeah, feelin pretty cool right about now…}

{over to the right is our temporary office…straight from ACL:)}

part of the JG crew is moving to MaYBERRY too. archie (our resident super-model) & crazy legs will soon be round top residents. we like to think the business that moves to the country together, stays together. we’ll be moving the shipping warehouse soon into the one below…fannnnncy!

{cleared the gate by 3 inches…whoa, baby!}

we’ve completed phase 1 of operation: old macGYPSY farm…

{relocating the soon-to-be chicken coop/GoaT hotel}

we’ve flagged the future site of our store…

and we hope to break ground soon…stay tuned for the play-by-play!

 tomorrow, we start PhAsE II…we’ve rescued an old farmhouse that we’re movin on to the property…it’s the cutest little thang this side o’ the mississippi!

{she’s got potential :)}

as they say, you can take the girl outta the country but you can’t take the country outta the girl…and we’ve decided, you can take the girl outta the country but she’ll find her way back as fast as she can.

happy trails from the gravel road….

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84 Comments

  • Reply Chelsea February 22, 2011 at 12:40 pm

    Congratulations! It’s a gypsy’s dream come true!

  • Reply Kiki February 22, 2011 at 12:42 pm

    Wow! Inspiring…. I wanna be a junk gypsy when I grow up 🙂 Love everything y’all are doing – keep up the good work!!

  • Reply Chantelle February 22, 2011 at 12:44 pm

    Brilliant! Can’t wait to see the progress.

  • Reply Gina S February 22, 2011 at 12:44 pm

    I Luv it!!! I’ve followed your online store & stories, for the last 3 maybe 4 years now! That was when i bought my first & Most Favorite Junk Gypsy Shirt 🙂 Unfortunately… i out grew it …. lol
    ☮♥ & JuNk!

  • Reply Kimberly Turgesen February 22, 2011 at 12:45 pm

    awesome!!!! i love it….wishin i could find my way to a pretty spot like that……i do dream!!! it will be wonderful to watch as your dream comes true. i know it will be amazing!

  • Reply Shannan February 22, 2011 at 12:46 pm

    So very proud for you gals! So very proud of ya too!! Congrats and can’t wait to see what happens next! Love from New London and Houston…and all points that think they are as grand!!

  • Reply Nancy February 22, 2011 at 12:47 pm

    So jealous of your lives….this is awesome! Can’t wait to see that farm house renovation!

  • Reply Laura February 22, 2011 at 12:47 pm

    You have moved into my old stompin’ grounds…the Burton/RTC area is where I spent 5th grade all the way thru High School! My family still lives there and my parents own the Citgo Station in Burton; stop in and say hello sometime! I can’t wait to visit your store when it opens!!! Good luck and happy moving!!

  • Reply Lisa Love Harris February 22, 2011 at 12:50 pm

    OMGoodness!!! I’m soooo happy for you guys!! I’m so thrilled that you’re puttin’ down roots in Round Top! So appropriate. Would you believe I’ve been looking for my own piece of earth there too? Great minds think alike. 🙂
    Can’t wait for your new store to open!! CONGRATS!!!
    Peace, love, and MEGA blessings for your new Gypsy home,
    Lisa

  • Reply bud the pieman!!! February 22, 2011 at 12:53 pm

    the royer fam is so excited to have the JG girls as our neighbors in round top!!!! party time in round top all the weeks between the antique shows!!!
    bless, bud the pieman!!!

  • Reply jen February 22, 2011 at 12:55 pm

    awesome news!

    family on my mom’s side is still in the area. round top, shelby, warrenton, carmine… beautiful country.

  • Reply Michele O'Connor Dunn February 22, 2011 at 12:55 pm

    I am so happy for you all! I am so happy for all of us! New adventures to follow and the promise of a JG flagship store! Be still my heart! Bestest of wishes for all to go smooth and easy! Attending the Prom is on my personal bucket list – (it’s a bit of a schlep from Cape Cod – but I will make it one day!) now shopping at the store and seeing the wonderfulness you are creating goes on the list as well!

  • Reply Heidi Dains February 22, 2011 at 12:59 pm

    looks amazing. can’t wait to see where this journey takes you!

  • Reply Rebecca Lynn February 22, 2011 at 1:00 pm

    Your stories, you words, your courage, your heart and soul they rock the core of my soul! I love them! Congratulations! !!

  • Reply Lin February 22, 2011 at 1:05 pm

    If you build it, I will come, baby!

  • Reply Caroline February 22, 2011 at 1:09 pm

    I LOVE that you are headed out to Warrenton. You gypsey girls are the envy of every wanderers soul! Can’t wait to see it unfold.

  • Reply Tara February 22, 2011 at 1:12 pm

    Gosh, I love you gals!!! You truly are inspiring!! I love that you are doing things out-of-the-box and making a small town come to life with your store!!! LOVE IT!

  • Reply LeShaun Baker February 22, 2011 at 1:13 pm

    Bless your hearts! Gotta love the country! Congrats you guys! You deserve it! Good luck! And God bless ya!

  • Reply Laura Higgins February 22, 2011 at 1:15 pm

    Just wondering if this that SWeeeeT piece of heaven on 71 between Warrenton and Round Top that I’ve drooled over the past year or so? See ya’ll at the Prom. It’s ALwaYs the social E-vent of the season in my book!

  • Reply Brenda B. February 22, 2011 at 1:22 pm

    WOOHOO!!!
    I can’t wait to find out more…so excited for you- finally!
    Now you need to open a B&B so we’ll have a place to stay during antique week 🙂

  • Reply Lynette Smith February 22, 2011 at 1:22 pm

    Just added Round Top Texas to my “Road Trip” this June. Thanks girls…can’t wait to visit….

  • Reply angie February 22, 2011 at 1:23 pm

    hOOrAy!!!!!
    so excited for Y’ALL!!
    xOXo

  • Reply Laura February 22, 2011 at 1:27 pm

    Congrats! Can’t wait to see the store!! This is such a great little town. xo

  • Reply Lea February 22, 2011 at 1:30 pm

    so excited! Can’t wait to come see the new digs!!!

  • Reply Dawnie February 22, 2011 at 1:42 pm

    LOVE IT! Inspiring, & reminds me even MORE of my own dream <3 thanks Gals! you rock!

  • Reply Liz February 22, 2011 at 1:42 pm

    I’m digging those spurs…I might need to get you some sharper ones!! Yea…we can meet in Snook for some Chicken Fried Bacon. xoxo

  • Reply Suzanne February 22, 2011 at 2:04 pm

    YeeHaW!!!!!!
    So So Happy to know there is going to be a JG store there- SO Great that it will be by Home for you— That makes all the difference in the world!!!!
    Keeping the family all together to build more of your dream is so inspiring- love the gypsies putting down roots- the kids will love growing up there!!!!

  • Reply Lucky Gypsy February 22, 2011 at 2:07 pm

    Looking forward to seeing that farmhouse Gypsyfied!
    i love round top!

  • Reply KAREN February 22, 2011 at 2:10 pm

    Love it!! Best decision is always Round Top!!! I can’t wait to visit the new store. This is Grand news!! Congrats to all

  • Reply Beverly February 22, 2011 at 2:30 pm

    Wonderful! Looks like so much fun. Congrats to you!

  • Reply Theresa-Garden Antqs Vintage February 22, 2011 at 2:30 pm

    OMG, I am so super excited for y’all! I drove past your place this weekend (or so I think) without realizing it was yours. Yes sirre, we were there still dreaming as we drove down an undiscovered country road (for us at least it was) still looking for our dream place. I can’t wait to come and see it in person once the store’s there. Happy trails indeed!

  • Reply billie February 22, 2011 at 2:30 pm

    So cool! My mom grew up there! Down the road is where I grew up! Y’all will love it down there for sure!

  • Reply Matthew February 22, 2011 at 2:39 pm

    This is fantastic, we can’t wait to make our way down there and check out y’all’s palatial estate. 🙂

  • Reply Steph / Cowgirl Cowture February 22, 2011 at 2:42 pm

    Congrats you guys! Love the update!

  • Reply Jana is Jaynuh February 22, 2011 at 2:46 pm

    I hope you guys don’t mind if I load up a lawn chair and a cooler on the weekends and just sit outside. I won’t bother anyone, I swear.

  • Reply Lori Souter February 22, 2011 at 3:03 pm

    SWEET!!!!

  • Reply Sheli February 22, 2011 at 3:12 pm

    From the looks of things y’all couldn’t have picked a more perfectly ‘Texas’ place to drop anchor. I CAN’T WAIT to visit the new store!! And I’m really excited for y’all ~ sendin’ lotsa good, may-things-go-smooth-and-easy vibes your way!!

  • Reply Michelle February 22, 2011 at 3:38 pm

    What a great place to set up shop! And how befitting it be Round Top! What a beautiful place, hope to visit soon!

  • Reply john M February 22, 2011 at 4:05 pm

    congrats on making it O-ficcial. we will bring banty chickens to fill that coop…our chicken coop is now the coop de ville. yee haw.

  • Reply char February 22, 2011 at 4:10 pm

    So happy for you! Your site is soooo cool, can’t wait to see it all gypsyied up!
    xo
    Char

  • Reply Kerrie Williamson February 22, 2011 at 4:30 pm

    Congrats – your livin’ the dream – all the best for the first step in the rest of your life

  • Reply Kristi February 22, 2011 at 4:36 pm

    This post makes me want to shed real tears of happiness! Congratulations to all of you… You are true inspirations to junkers, artists and gypsies the world over!

  • Reply connie krall February 22, 2011 at 4:39 pm

    Well, I’m a San Diego JG gettin ready to pack my bags to join you girls for the spring show ,would not miss one!!!! Have been voming for 15 yrs. Can’t wait to see the new store ! Just ran into Racehl Ashwell in vignettets in Ocean Beach she told me all about her new B&B to late to get resv. Lots of things goin on in Roundtop!!!! See y’all soon Connie

  • Reply JoePete February 22, 2011 at 4:44 pm

    Giddy Up!!!! Lump

  • Reply Maribeth February 22, 2011 at 4:52 pm

    Congratulations! I CANNOT wait to see what you do with that farmhouse! Good Luck, Junk Gypsy family!

  • Reply Margaret Dominy February 22, 2011 at 5:14 pm

    No website-my partner Ken Lawrence, has the Inn at Indian Creek on a farm outside Burton, so we will be fairly close neighbors. Great pub in Burton , the Pig & Whistle, and the Burton Cafe is being opened again by someone from Fredrichsburg. I am moving from Victoria to the farm in August. Denny Bell should be visiting us soon from Mass. and Joyce Shillings (all the way from Pt. Lavaca) too. Soo glad you are adding to the population. We do Rifle Hall but will have time to check out the neighbors.

  • Reply Jessi Reel February 22, 2011 at 5:35 pm

    Congrats ladies! I’m so happy for you. I wish I could move to Round Top and work for you! 🙂

  • Reply cindy burch February 22, 2011 at 5:35 pm

    How cool are you!!!! That is GREAT….my dream..your reality….can’t wait to see it

  • Reply vintagesusie February 22, 2011 at 5:50 pm

    I LOVE y’all!!!! You take my breath away reminding me of all the things I LOVED about TEXAS & why I just can’t get back there fast enough. Just remember…”If you build it, they will come!” I know, I will come!
    Can you find me an old farmhouse that needs to be rescued, I want to be resident 81.
    Hugs & see y’all soon…
    vintagesusie

  • Reply happy pamela February 22, 2011 at 6:33 pm

    Yay JG girls! So fun to have you close in the country. . .watch out Round Top, here they come. . . .!!!

  • Reply Sandy and Gary February 22, 2011 at 6:44 pm

    Best of luck. Always remember Canton. Where it all began.

  • Reply Rochelle February 22, 2011 at 6:50 pm

    So happy for all of you! Congratulations!!

  • Reply amy~ the gypsy chick February 22, 2011 at 8:51 pm

    alright my gypsy friend! i am so excited for all of you! and of course just another reason to LoVe roundtop!!! But in all seriousness… i am truly in awe of you both, the ability to follow your dreams & stick together as a family is awesome!
    See you in 30 days!!!
    XoXXo
    amy boland

  • Reply Candi February 22, 2011 at 9:32 pm

    Round Top!! So thrilled about a store! So thrilled you will be closer to us!! We love that area, and we come up there often. Now we will have a new reason to come! So excited! eeek!!

  • Reply debbie york February 22, 2011 at 11:04 pm

    Home is where you hang your hat and I see y’alls’ Stetson’s hangin’ on the moon. I’m so proud of you and for you!
    Debbie

  • Reply Joel February 23, 2011 at 12:08 am

    Hey girls, and uncle Phillip. This looks really good. I hope we can visit you soon. We have been so busy but I always read your posts. See you soon.

  • Reply Hausfrau February 23, 2011 at 3:17 am

    So excited for you–it seems you’ve found your Mayberry! Hope you’ll give us plenty of updates as you work toward putting down roots.

  • Reply D @ 5dM February 23, 2011 at 10:18 am

    Congrats from Cinco d’ M and family. Can’t wait to go “shop” at store. it’s not that far from Navasota!

  • Reply dana February 23, 2011 at 11:50 am

    Wow!!! This is incredibly exciting news! How wonderful for you all!! Congratulations! It all sounds like a lot of hard work but since it’s hard work that’s gotten you this far already, then I’m sure you’ll be just fine 🙂

  • Reply donna February 23, 2011 at 12:01 pm

    Congratulations!!!!! Looks like a beautiful place for your new digs.

  • Reply AmyMoore February 23, 2011 at 12:46 pm

    I can’t wait til its done so I can take a road trip and shop, shop, shop! Good luck gypsy ladies!

  • Reply a mess of things February 23, 2011 at 9:37 pm

    Good luck with everything. I’d love to take a road trip soon and stop by the shop. Your merchandise ROCKS!

  • Reply Lori @Sweet Relish February 23, 2011 at 11:07 pm

    Hey Ladies- the country always calls you back! You all are rock stars, lady luck, generousity and true talent have shined on you all. Best of luck from Idaho! xoxo

  • Reply Melissa February 24, 2011 at 12:35 am

    Love this! Round Top is absolutely gorgeous…it is just perfect and I can’t wait for y’all to open shop so I can stop by for a visit. You gals are such an inspiration. 🙂

  • Reply Nita February 24, 2011 at 6:54 am

    Congrats from one gypsy family to another!! Can’t wait to see what you gals do & for a road trip out there!

  • Reply Anecia February 24, 2011 at 10:19 am

    I loved reading this! It sounds amazing..Congratulations and good luck!

  • Reply Mary Drake February 25, 2011 at 9:53 am

    Love it, Ladies! You give me inspiration and hope! Someday I hope to free myself from the chains of this desk.

  • Reply Cloud9 Design February 25, 2011 at 9:55 pm

    Amazing story! Welcome!

  • Reply Kelly Taylor February 26, 2011 at 9:18 pm

    So VeRy eXcItED FoR y’AlL!!!!!! CoNgRaTS!!!!!
    xOXo

  • Reply Missy February 27, 2011 at 8:32 am

    That’s what makes Junk Gypsy so great! It’s not about what everyone else has done, it’s all about what sets you apart. This is a story of success and I think that is exactly what ya’ll will be blessed with when she’s up & runnin’. Keep pavin’ the way ladies and the people will come. Rebel Road Sista’s for life!

  • Reply lisa February 27, 2011 at 10:18 pm

    Woo hoo! Congrats, girls! I can’t wait to visit you in your new happy place!

  • Reply Mandy March 2, 2011 at 4:30 pm

    Amie~ So happy for you and your family! This is such a wonderful post! Glen and I would love to see you. It has been so long… Love~Mandy

  • Reply Julie M. ~ The Little Red Shop March 2, 2011 at 5:31 pm

    How exciting! I’m looking forward to hearing more about your adventure! My mama is my bff and business partner. We rescued and moved an ol’ bungalow which we are restoring…….so, your project sounds extra cool to us!

    : )

    Julie M.

  • Reply Tara March 5, 2011 at 1:09 am

    OMG! I’m SO excited!! I’ll actually be in Round Top for a workshop this fall!!!!!!!

  • Reply annalee March 6, 2011 at 11:00 pm

    a HUGE hooray, hurrah!!!

  • Reply shani March 8, 2011 at 6:15 pm

    Woohoo! How exciting! I only wish I could jump on a plane and see it all in person…all the way from country NSW Australia 🙂 …keep us posted on the improvements through your blog please, it’s a heckuva lot cheaper than an airfare! Bless you all,
    Shani

  • Reply Lyns March 17, 2011 at 1:34 pm

    Wow! I’m so excited for you gals! That is awesome. I can’t wait to see this Gypsyville take shape! Welcome to the neighborhood….sort of (we are Brenham peeps from Yonder Way Farm).

  • Reply sandi March 18, 2011 at 12:19 am

    Remember do not visit Bud’s too often ….

  • Reply Cindy Segrest May 28, 2011 at 8:54 am

    Fantastic!!!what an incredible adventure!! It’s like a dream coming true!! I can’t wait to come visit, I may never leave!!
    Many blessings to you all, good luck with all the moving!! You’ve got a lot a work ahead of you, but it will be well worth it!!
    Love you guys!!XOXO

  • Reply Shae November 18, 2011 at 7:34 pm

    Good Luck you girls, dreaming of a visit in the future!

  • Reply alisa February 7, 2012 at 12:49 pm

    HURRy111

  • Reply Amanda March 30, 2013 at 9:16 am

    Love the pic of the cattle guard. hope y’all kept it! Growing up ours was sort of like a “doorbell” when people would pull in the drive. Keep up the good work!

  • Reply Tres Skeen September 27, 2013 at 5:25 am

    Hey It’s Tres. I never realized it was you and Jolie until someone told me the other day. You guys have done well. lol. So happy for you guys. I hope everyone is well and tell them I said hi!!

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