ELLIS COUNTY – The historic roads of Ellis County are making way for one of the largest treasure hunts in North Texas.
From Sept. 18 to 20, the annual Antique Alley Texas event will transform local highways into a massive, 40-mile open-air market, bringing a powerful surge of tourism and support to local vendors.
While the bi-annual trail weaves across both Johnson and Ellis counties, three specific Ellis County communities serve as primary hubs for the weekend excitement.
WAXAHACHIE: The historic anchor where permanent downtown antique shops, local boutiques, and residential front-yard sales fully integrate into the weekend festivities.
MAYPEARL: A vital rural highway hub that bridges the two counties, famous for its scenic open-air country road sales, pasture markets, and roadside stands.
VENUS: The ultimate geographic crossroads. Sitting right on the county line, its central point of activity is the Historic Venus Town Square, serving as the perfect jumping-off point for shoppers heading east toward Maypearl or west toward Cleburne.
What is now a massive, two-county festival started from incredibly humble roots back in 1999.
It was originally launched as a simple downtown sidewalk sale by Lisa Hill and Nita Redmon, co-owners of Pop & Gran’s Antiques in Grandview.
Today, the event takes place every April and September offering miles of yard sales, handmade crafts, church fundraisers, and food trucks across the North Central Texas landscape.
Whether you are hunting for a rare piece of Texas history, a unique farmhouse primitive, or just a flawless slice of homemade pie, Ellis County is wide open and ready to welcome you.