To Do and See in Brenham and Surrounds

Washington County, Texas has quite a lot to see and do, if you can tear yourself away from the hospitality and history of the inns and B&B's where you will be staying. Activities range from antique shopping and wine tasting to horseback riding and touring a living history farm.

Texas History - A must-see for visitors is Washington on the Brazos State Historic Park.

It is through visiting the Barrington Living History Farm and the Star of the Republic Museum that you will begin to develop an understanding of Texas history and the roots of Texas pride.

At the Barrington Living History Farm, docents in period dress will tour you through the home of Dr. Anson Jones, last President of the Republic of Texas. (Did you know that Texas was once an independent country?). You may be treated to a demonstration of working with oxen on the farm.

Be sure and go through the Star of the Republic Museum, also on the property, and view the video. You will then understand the struggle between Texians and Mexico and the decision made to declare independence and affiliate with the United States.

Blue Bell Ice Cream Factory - A visit to Brenham isn't really a visit without enjoying luscious bowls of Blue Bell Ice Cream. Even better, tour the factory.

The Blue Bell Creameries is yet another family-run enterprise with roots deep in Texas history. They recently celebrated their 100th Birthday.

A small admission fee is charged for tours.

Location: Brenham, TX (and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Sylacauga, Alabama)
Contact: 1-800-327-8135
Website: www.bluebell.com

The Antique Rose Emporium - You can get married, have a picnic or go shopping for heritage roses. It's a beautiful place.

These "Rose Rustlers" have gone throughout the area hunting down old, and very hardy, rose bushes growing in graveyards, abandoned farms and in the backyards of historic homes. They now have a mail-order nursery and an eight acre display garden. While many in the area are noted for preserving the architectural heritage of the area, The Rose Emporium is preserving the garden heritage.

Worth a visit to see the gardens and shops. Entrance is free.

Location: Brenham, TX and San Antonio Texas (I visited the garden in Brenham)
Contact: 979-836-5548
Website: www.antiqueroseemporium.com

Monastery of St. Clare Miniature Horse Farm

A dedicated but dwindling order, the nuns of Poor St. Clare, maintain a herd of 80 miniature horses. You can visit the horses, peruse their gift shop and support their efforts. The income of the order is based on proceeds from the sale of horses, gift shop ceramics, tours and from alms.

The miniature horses are all different. You will see pintos, buckskins and black horses. What they have in common is that they are all under 34 inches in height. So the miniature horse is not a breed.

The Monastery of St. Clare opens its grounds to visitors most of the year from Tuesday through Saturday, from 1:30-4:00 p.m. There is a small admission fee to tour. Guided tours for groups are available by reservation.

Location: Hwy. 105 just outside of Brenham, TX
Contact: 979-836-9652
Website: monasteryminiaturehorses.com

Wine Tasting - You can enjoy a drive through the countryside and stop by Windy Hill Winery to taste the wine made from Texas grown grapes. Also tour Pleasant Hill Winery.

Shopping and Antiquing

The main shopping area of Brenham is on Alamo and Commerce streets. Shop for antiques, boutique clothing and gifts in this historic area. If you are in to antiques, head to the area during the spring or winter Round Top Antiques Fair just east of Brenham.

Dining

There are some fantastic Texas-style eateries in Brenham. We enjoyed guacamole made at the table-side and steaks at the family-style restaurant, K-Bob's Steak House. It's not much on ambiance but it's true Texas!

While you are shopping in Brenham stop in for lunch at This Must Be Heaven Sandwich Shoppe. The sandwiches are made fresh to order, the broccoli salad is excellent and you must save room for their home-made pies and Blue Bell ice cream. They are daring with their pies. You might find something unusual like "Sawdust Pie" when you are there. Try it, you'll like it.

If you want something a bit more creative, try Funky Art Cafe, also in central Brenham. Connected to a culinary oriented gift shop, the atmosphere is upbeat, artsy (of course) and the food is excellent. The chef, granddaughter of a blacksmith who had his shop on the same premises, is known for her innovative soups, sandwiches and desserts.

While you are out in the countryside visiting the Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site, consider a lunch at R Place. Their property backs up to the state park. Once a community grocery store and gas station, this simple building on the curve of a roadside, serves up local bar-b-que and sides with a twist. They are very creative. It was not surprising to find out that the owner and chef also hosts gourmet wine dinners. We settled for Lone Star beer and iced tea when there for lunch.

Address: 23254 FM 1155E Washington, TX 77880.
Phone: (936) 878-1925.

Talk to the Locals

While you are in the Brenham area, you will encounter many people who grew up there and whose families have lived there for generations. They are interested in sharing their stories. It is through the shopkeepers, innkeepers and residents that you will get a sense of the real Texas. You'll come home from your vacation having developed a true appreciation for what it's like to be a Texan.