A Secret Treasure Trove: Burton Texas

A Junker’s Paradise in Burton, Texas a must visit stop on your way to Round Top Antiques Week

Can you keep a secret?

You see, there is a sleepy little town that lays in wait for you to come visit and have the most glorious afternoon. You’ll feel miles away from it all, but really it is just a hop, skip and a jump away. There is the most precious store there that I love to peruse. I’m sort of scared to tell you how cute it is because the next thing you know the town will grow and get all Fredricksburg on me. (Which is sooo great, but not so small town anymore) There is something special in the quaint neighborly feel that lives here. I’d hate to see it all blow up.

The exciting thing is, Round Top Antiques Week is approaching…you know it’s my favorite time of year. This secret spot I’m telling you about is Round Top’s neighbor. It’s Burton, Texas. You can go there on your way.

You have to.

Really, don’t miss it!

On the corner of whimsical and sublime sits a little white farmhouse, smack dab in the middle of town. Right behind it is the little treasure trove called Flown The Coop.

The story of how it all started is one that can only be lived out by a free spirit.

The owners are Tiffany and Jeff Eckhardt and they are straight up kind and daring souls. For twenty years, Tiffany has been working in the antique/junkin’ business. She has schlepped her treasures across the US working different show, including Round Top. Four years ago this adventurous couple moved to Texas from Ohio and parked themselves in Houston for a bit. While working her booth at Round Top last Fall she caught wind of a house for sale in Burton. With a shop out back.

She literally called her husband and said, “I think we need to move” to which he promptly quipped, “OK!”.

A double rainbow hung in the sky above the house when they went to take a peek at it. A sure sign they should make this place home base.

And they did.

Like that.

It was pretty much that quick and simple. See what I mean? Free spirits. They left the fast pace and city pressure behind to head to where it’s better…in Burton. Lucky for me, we crossed paths and I got invited into their home. I asked them if I could share it with y’all. Because it is so stinkin’ awesome.

I was going to photograph the store, but the house gives you a personal glimpse of the people behind the place. So, I am showing you their home. You will have to visit for yourself to see how quality Flown the Coop is. The Coop oozes curiosity the moment you pull up. Your eyes aren’t sure where to settle…on the pink pick up parked out front, the lazy porch laden with wares, the swing in the yard or the brilliant sign painted on the side of the building.

Once inside you are treated to a procurement of goods predominately sourced from Tiffany’s home state of Ohio. That’s a good thing for us friends. It means it isn’t a bunch of items you see every day.

Flown The Coop specializes in vintage industrial pieces. The store is set apart by the way they displays goods. Tiffany goes to great lengths to show you how to use her stuff in your home. So, if you are not a decorator at heart, she’s your girl. Often we see amazing things in stores, but can’t figure out how they would actually work in our own space. The second you walk in you will be greeted with a smile and a welcoming offer to help…and she means it.

One on one service with a smile, just as you might expect in smalltown, USA. It’s a lost art.

All through her house are items saved for her by vendor friends. Trinkets and bobbles her friends knew she would love. They save stuff that would be great for her store too. This level of friendship, sharing and trust between vendors is something that can only be built up over time and mutual respect in the marketplace. It speaks volumes to who the Eckhardts are. Their home and store benefit from lifelong relationships.

The whole thing is meant to be an adventure, a peek into small town life where you let loose for the day. Enjoy the layed back groove and soak in the scenery as you go.

The Coop is even working on turning one of the little outbuildings into a guest house. Then you can actually spend the night in Pleasantville.  It should be ready by the Spring Antiques Show.

There are other things to see, places to eat and shop while in Burton, but this is my favorite.

You don’t really have to wait for Antiques Week to go to Burton. People live there year round. I took my kids the other day, for no reason except to wash the schedule out of our hair. There was something for everyone. I think you’ll feel the same way too.

Be sure to take you photo next to the genuine free spirit mural and post it to your social media of choice. It’s Texas bucket list thing for sure. #genuinefreespirit #bringmetoburton

You can follow all the going ons of Flown the Coop on their facebook page, or Instagram account. Please head over and share some love with her today. Then go to her store in Burton.

When you stop by tell Tiffany I sent you and let me know what you get from her place.

Flown the Coop was incredible enough to sponsor this post. All opinions are mine and they’re the real deal. Don’t forget to share this hidden gem so others can stumble upon it! If you love junk and unexpected upcycles join our growing group on Facebook! Make It New…request to join and then see and share great makeovers and tips!

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