If you’re in the market for a new mattress, grill, phone, or even a novelty kitchen tool (we’re looking at you, World’s Greatest Peeler), you’ll find plenty of options at the State Fair of Texas. But you should by no means let those be your stopping point to shopping. All month long there are hundreds of booths set up across Fair Park, selling everything from hot tubs to handcrafted leather goods to dip mixes and everything in between. And while some of the shops can be found right here in Dallas, many have trekked across the state and the country. We’ve gone through the full vendor list and rounded up the out-of-towners you definitely don’t want to miss.
And Everything Nice
Hometown: Duncanville
Fair Location: Craft Pavilion
In 2015, Oak Cliff native Liz Arrambide and her husband, Michael, bought And Everything Nice. The couple sells a wide range of home goods, apparel, jewelry, and accessories, importing much of their merchandise from Mexico, at their Duncanville boutique. Shop loteria-inspired gifts, Otomi décor, guayabera baby onesies, and much more.
Dusty Road Farm
Hometown: Normangee
Fair Location: Go Texan Pavilion
This southeast Texas farm raises Nubian goats just outside of Madisonville. Dusty Road uses fresh goat milk to make its soaps, lotions, and milk baths. It also sells lip balm, leather key chains, pet products, and home fragrances, like the Pumpkin Spice and Bluebonnet Breeze room and linen spray.
Eastside Remedios
Hometown: Austin and Cuyamungue, New Mexico
Fair Location: Go Texan Pavilion
This Texas-born company makes small-batch bath and bodyworks using honey and beeswax harvested in Austin and New Mexico. Think lip balms, honey-based soaps, natural bug spray, and plenty of salves. Visit the booth and pick up a bar of the bourbon pecan soap, made with pecan shells, Texas whiskey, and New Mexico beer.
One Crazy Grandma
Hometown: Fort Worth
Fair Location: Go Texan Pavilion
Belinda West is One Crazy Grandma. The Fort Worth maker sells a wide variety of handmade cloth goods, like totes and face masks. Many of her wares have plenty of practical uses in the kitchen, like the wonderfully-named pan handlers. But we want to invest in her baked potato bags, tortilla warmers, and bowl caddies—all of which ensure you don’t burn your fingers when using your microwave.
Outdoor Republic
Hometown: Nolensville, Tennessee
Fair Location: Grand Place
Outdoor Republic is back for another year at the State Fair. The Tennessee shop peddles relaxation, by way of hammocks and hanging lounge chairs. Opt for a traditional cloth hammock, kick back in a hanging recliner, or gently rock in a two-seat swing. Prices start around $189 and reach to $699.
Pria Accessories
Hometown: San Antonio
Fair Location: Embarcadero
Angela Solano founded Pria Accessories to help her sister with her finances, now she uses her company to help Colombian single mothers support themselves. The San Antonio-based shop sells stunning hand-beaded earrings, bags, hats, and hair accessories. The pieces are affordable, too, with purses ranging $44–$150 and earrings ranging $22–$55.
Samsville Gallery
Hometown: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Fair Location: Grand Place
For 25 years, Sam Abweh has been taking his shop, Samsville Gallery, to rodeos and fairs all over the country. Through Samsville Gallery, which has a permanent storefront in Santa Fe, Abweh sells luxury jewelry crafted by Native American artisans, including turquoise necklaces, Navajo belts, lapis earrings and more.
Spencer’s Custom Wood
Hometown: Austin
Fair Location: Go Texan Pavilion
With the ever-growing popularity of charcuterie, you really need a nice board in your arsenal. Stop by Spencer’s Custom Wood, and shop Sidney Spencer’s stunning handmade wooden cutting and cheese boards. Don’t miss the breathtaking wall mandalas, like this Texas bluebonnet piece, allcourtesy his wife Laddavan.
True Honey Teas
Hometown: Lorton, Virginia
Fair Location: Embarcadero
Every tea drinker in a Keurig household knows the struggle of brewing tea in a coffee machine. True Honey Teas is here to help. Along with honey-infused tea bags, the Virginia-based shop also sells tea K-Cups that pop right into your Keurig. K-Cup flavors include Ginger Lemon Zest and Earl Grey, but the company offers 20-plus options.
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