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The owners of one of the most iconic retail experiences in Round Top call themselves gypsy souls engrossed by flea market finds, castoff stuff, and folksy/Western detritus others might toss. In other words, they like junk.
They’ve turned that obsession into a mini-industry that proudly calls itself Junk Gypsy. Today, sisters Amie and Jolie Sikes have built an empire celebrating a particular Texas aesthetic that embraces cowgirl clothing and accessories, boho chic furnishings and housewares, and the joys of salvaged ephemera (after all, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure). Their Junk Gypsy isn’t just a store, it’s an entire compound that includes the Wander Inn, a series of multi-room guest houses that offer traveling vagabonds and kindred spirits a place to enjoy Round Top’s beauty and beatnik soul.
Junk Gypsy likes to say that “Round Top isn’t trendy, it’s a state of mind.” And one person who certainly understands and appreciates that state of mind is Kelley Keen. The Round Top resident has long been associated with the Junk Gypsy company as a frequent collaborator with the Sikes sisters and remains a key figure in brand’s “crew of magic makers.”
If you’ve ever been out to the flagship store, stayed at the Wander Inn, or enjoyed Junk Gypsy events (especially around the antiques show), you’ve no doubt encountered Kelley. As a true Round Top insider, Kelley not only speaks fluent Junk Gypsy, she also holds the keys that unlock Round Top’s abundant charms:
Where/how do you start your day? And what’s your advice to first-time visitors to Round Top to start theirs?
I would definitely start my day at Mill Street Cafe as I'm always on the go! Amazing coffee, avocado toast, scones, etc! When I have more time, I love brunch at Garden Co, Boon & Co or Duo. You really can't go wrong in Round Top!
Aside from Junk Gypsy and Wander Inn, where are you most likely to be found in Round Top?
Most often than not, my favorite place in Round Top is being at home with my daughter when she's in town and of course with my dogs, cats and horses! I love spending the day outside with our horses or taking our dogs for long walks down the country roads.
Your favorite place to shop in Round Top?
Junk Gypsy, of course. I also love Schmidt Jewelry, Townsend Provisions, Curate by Stash, Wimberley, gosh, I could go on and on- so many new places!
Is there a hidden or unsung place you'd send visitors to get a sense of the real Round Top?
Festival Hill is always a must! Truly breathtaking. And Royers – a true Round Top staple. There have been so many changes in Round Top, but both of those places are still the same and represent Round Top to me.
If someone told you they have a little gypsy in their personality, what would you recommend doing, seeing, eating (or whatever) in Round Top?
I would definitely recommend they come stay a bit at the Wander Inn...it's truly magical. Breath in the country air, hang out on the porch with a cup of coffee and watch the longhorns, stargaze at night by the firepit, then shop at Junk Gypsy where there is lots of fun stuff for the gypsies at heart!
The owners of one of the most iconic retail experiences in Round Top call themselves gypsy souls engrossed by flea market finds, castoff stuff, and folksy/Western detritus others might toss. In other words, they like junk.
They’ve turned that obsession into a mini-industry that proudly calls itself Junk Gypsy. Today, sisters Amie and Jolie Sikes have built an empire celebrating a particular Texas aesthetic that embraces cowgirl clothing and accessories, boho chic furnishings and housewares, and the joys of salvaged ephemera (after all, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure). Their Junk Gypsy isn’t just a store, it’s an entire compound that includes the Wander Inn, a series of multi-room guest houses that offer traveling vagabonds and kindred spirits a place to enjoy Round Top’s beauty and beatnik soul.
Junk Gypsy likes to say that “Round Top isn’t trendy, it’s a state of mind.” And one person who certainly understands and appreciates that state of mind is Kelley Keen. The Round Top resident has long been associated with the Junk Gypsy company as a frequent collaborator with the Sikes sisters and remains a key figure in brand’s “crew of magic makers.”
If you’ve ever been out to the flagship store, stayed at the Wander Inn, or enjoyed Junk Gypsy events (especially around the antiques show), you’ve no doubt encountered Kelley. As a true Round Top insider, Kelley not only speaks fluent Junk Gypsy, she also holds the keys that unlock Round Top’s abundant charms:
Where/how do you start your day? And what’s your advice to first-time visitors to Round Top to start theirs?
I would definitely start my day at Mill Street Cafe as I'm always on the go! Amazing coffee, avocado toast, scones, etc! When I have more time, I love brunch at Garden Co, Boon & Co or Duo. You really can't go wrong in Round Top!
Aside from Junk Gypsy and Wander Inn, where are you most likely to be found in Round Top?
Most often than not, my favorite place in Round Top is being at home with my daughter when she's in town and of course with my dogs, cats and horses! I love spending the day outside with our horses or taking our dogs for long walks down the country roads.
Your favorite place to shop in Round Top?
Junk Gypsy, of course. I also love Schmidt Jewelry, Townsend Provisions, Curate by Stash, Wimberley, gosh, I could go on and on- so many new places!
Is there a hidden or unsung place you'd send visitors to get a sense of the real Round Top?
Festival Hill is always a must! Truly breathtaking. And Royers – a true Round Top staple. There have been so many changes in Round Top, but both of those places are still the same and represent Round Top to me.
If someone told you they have a little gypsy in their personality, what would you recommend doing, seeing, eating (or whatever) in Round Top?
I would definitely recommend they come stay a bit at the Wander Inn...it's truly magical. Breath in the country air, hang out on the porch with a cup of coffee and watch the longhorns, stargaze at night by the firepit, then shop at Junk Gypsy where there is lots of fun stuff for the gypsies at heart!
