A Weekend in {Brenham}
A small town full of adventure
Words by Alison Bryce
Located nearly half-way between Austin and Houston, Brenham’s rich history shines in the walls of restaurants, shops, and parks. Although one of the most common attractions, Blue Bell Factory, is not open on weekends, Brenham has plenty of other activities to keep visitors busy on a weekend vacation.
Friday
Head straight to Main Street to check into the Ant Street Inn, a small boutique hotel that holds the charm of a bed & breakfast in its 15 guest-room structure. Once settled, make your way to Yumm! Sweets & Eats for dinner. While the menu consists of a variety of fare from gumbo to meatball subs, this local eatery is known for its pizza. For a beverage and a show after dinner, walk south to Brazos Valley Brewery. This family-owned business provides a variety of locally crafted beer and entertainment nightly.
Saturday
Wake up to a ready-made breakfast at the hotel. The omelets are custom crafted to their guest’s desire and are sure to help start the day off right. After breakfast, journey across town to take a stroll through Chappell Hill Lavender Farm. Walk through fields full of lavender which permeates the air with its peaceful aroma. If visiting during blooming season, visitors are allowed to cut their own lavender bundles. Make the return trip into downtown for lunch at Truth BBQ. This local favorite provides some of the best pork ribs, sausage, and brisket in town. An extra bonus to the meal is the free beer. But don’t fill up completely on the main dish. With a daily cake selection of Italian creme, triple chocolate, red velvet, and more, dessert stands out just as much as the BBQ.
Pleasant Hill Winery gives beautiful views and expert knowledge on wines made from Texas grapes. The winery offers tours and tastings each weekend for visitors to enjoy in the afternoon. If the weather permits, plan on packing a picnic dinner to enjoy on the vineyard. Another option is Ninety-Six West. They will not disappoint with their generous appetizers and flavorful dishes on the menu.
After dinner, stretch your legs with a short walk to Toubin Park. Even after the sun goes down, Toubin Park shares the story of Washington County’s history. The lampposts light up the park so the historical plaques are still visible after sun down.
Sunday
Start the day off with a trip to Weikel’s Bakery. From their award-winning fruit and creme kolaches to homemade cinnamon rolls, this local bakery will help start the day off right. Once full on bakery treats, stop by the Downtown Art Gallery to see a variety of work from local artists. Whether searching for a new painting for home, or just wanting to look around, this art gallery provides a wide selection of artistic styles.
