I’d come to Austin for a chance to kick back and take in some of the stunning hill country scenery but my day soon took a twist I hadn’t anticipated. I’m taken in by the history that surrounds me at the estate – built as a country home by Edgar “Commodore” Perry, a longtime Austin real estate developer in the late 1920s – and I stop to talk with Jackie to learn more.

I’ve been standing outside the doors to the Round Top Antiques Fair for 30 minutes, but if you’re not here before the doors open, you’ll miss your chance on the best items. I’ve been coming to Round Top since I was a little girl, when my mother, aunt, and I would drive over from Louisiana. Since those early days, Round Top, just an hour and 15 minutes outside of Austin, has evolved from a flea market into a European antiques fair, with big-name dealers coming in from all around the world to sell their rare collectibles.

Walking these halls each day, I’m always taken in by the attention to authentic historical detail that greets me at every turn – from the incredible Mediterranean-style architecture and design to artful décor and landscaping that all pay homage to the estate’s rich past and the vision of its original owner, Edgar Howard “Commodore” Perry.

“The tortillas! They have to be fresh, homemade tortillas!” laughs Connie Martinez, owner of La Cocina de Consuelo. Born Consuelo Arroyo Martinez in Zacatecas State, Mexico, Connie immigrated to the US in the early 1960s, and her journey to owning a restaurant began as a church fundraiser in 1983. Connie led the women’s group and sold enchiladas to fellow parishioners, co-workers, friends, and family. Those people soon became regular customers and, in the early ‘90s, her delicious enchiladas became well known throughout Austin, Texas, as “Connie’s Enchiladas.” Before long, Connie was catering parties, weddings, and other special events. She even catered to First Lady Laura Bush, Governor of Texas Anne Richards, and artist Amado Pena, among others.