Toast the New Year with Downtown Brenham’s Uptown Wine Swirl

Leave 2021 Behind … Welcome 2022!


Purchase at participating Downtown merchants:
$35 before 12/31 or $40 after 12/31

Purchase online:
$40 before 12/31 or $45 after 12/31

BUY NOW!

Bring your ticket purchased at a participating Downtown merchant, or your receipt if purchased online, to the Courthouse Gazebo the day of the Swirl. Turn it in and show ID to receive your wristband, keepsake tasting glass, and shopping bag. Enjoy!

Swirl participants on sidewalk

Don’t delay--quantities are limited!

Swirl participants in Alamo Alley

Spend time with family and friends relaxing and tasting wine from all over the world. Swirl leisurely through quaint establishments nestled in Brenham’s beautiful downtown National Register District.

Swirl Participants in store

Fresh air, plenty of shopping, and wine at every stop!

Swirl participants taking selfie

Finding Holiday Magic

Finding Holiday Magic

This is my favorite time of year … waiting and anticipating the first cold snap of the season … when the air turns crisp, leaves begin to float gracefully to the ground, coffee tastes better and animals and children alike seem to get a boost of extra playfulness. It’s magical.

Sounds a bit like the opening of a Hallmark movie, but … it is real. Brenham and Washington County can’t be replicated. This is true Texas. Unapologetically Americana. Authentic.

Fall wouldn’t be complete in Brenham without candy-littered streets from the annual homecoming parade, including of course, homecoming queen hopefuls waving from convertibles. It doesn’t get much more Americana than this, right?

October boasts creatively dressed scarecrows posed in front of Downtown Brenham shops. Each one lovingly put together by dozens of schoolchildren and individuals alike, who have put their hearts into these straw creations, in hopes of winning one of the many prizes. Local spirit and pride are reflected in each entry.

Our community of Chappell Hill, located just 15 minutes east of Brenham, throws its annual Scarecrow Festival. This popular event draws huge crowds to its tiny town to shop, eat and welcome the season with a smile. Tent-lined streets are full of holiday shoppers, happy to escape big city mass merchandise to enjoy unique street vendors and small-town life.

November continues the holiday spirit with what we’ve all been looking forward to all year long … the Christmas Stroll and Lighted Parade in Downtown Brenham … an event that will melt the heart of even the worst Scrooge. Downtown Brenham comes to life with residents and visitors mingling on the streets and throughout the shops. No crowded malls here, just a hometown atmosphere of genuine Christmas spirit. Brenham’s Downtown shopkeepers dazzle and surprise unsuspecting visitors with unique finds. Inside some of the antique architecture, new hip ventures are alive and well and waiting to be discovered.

The Stroll is kicked off with the tree lighting ceremony where onlookers are serenaded by a Girl Scout choir singing carols. As night continues to fall, the parade begins. Beautifully decorated and fully lit floats, marching bands, horses and dancers parade through Downtown, all to the delight of friends, family and visitors. And of course, the man of the hour SANTA makes his grand entrance to the squeals of excited children lining the streets, frantically waving to him as he passes by, perched atop a Fire Truck.

People passing, children laughing, meeting smile after smile … doesn’t just happen in a song or a Hallmark movie. It’s in Brenham, Texas and Washington County … where It’s a Wonderful Life! Sorry, couldn’t help myself!

 

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day!

Isn’t that what mom always said?  We have locally owned restaurants who proudly specialize in creating ‘love on a plate.’  Imagine steamy, fluffy biscuits the size of your fist slathered in creamy sausage gravy; buttermilk pancakes piled high, dripping with real melted butter and syrup; farm fresh eggs, thick slabs of bacon with a side of hot coffee.  The list of morning eateries is extensive and we all have our ‘go-to’ places that help us push the reset button to face the day with a smile and albeit, tight pants!

Here’s a list of places in Washington County to get your day started off on the right foot!

  1. Andrea’s Taco Shop – open 24-hours (Friday & Saturday only) – authentic mom & pop taqueria
  2. Blue Willow Café (Burton) – Tweaked Eggs Benedict are a favorite, but so are the Banana Pancakes Banana pancakes with bacon
  3. Brenham Grill (located inside Ant Street Inn, serves breakfast only on weekends) everything from granola to eggs Florentine
  4. Chappell Hill Bakery & Deli - Sausage & Fruit kolaches and traditional breakfast
  5. Chappell Hill Sausage Company (closed Sundays) – can’t get more fresh than where the sausage is made
  6. Daisy’s Mexican Food – authentic Mexican breakfast including menudo and migas migas and breakfast taco
  7. Las Americas Latin Cuisine (Downtown Brenham)– weekend brunch specials like Fried eggs & chorizo with mimosasFried egg & chorizo sandwich
  8. Manuel’s Mexican Restaurant – breakfast only available Saturdays
  9. Ninety-Six West (Downtown Brenham) – another weekend brunch favorite like smoked salmon eggs benedict along with mimosas & bloody mary's Bloody Mary and Mimosa
  10. Santa Fe Café – only open weekdays in Downtown Brenham, but a local favorite
  11. Smitty’s Café & Bakery – where everything is homemade & made from scratch chicken and waffles

And who doesn’t need a JOLT of caffeine??  Try our locally-owned coffee shops!

  1. Mescalito Coffee (inside Ballad of the Bird Dog)
  2. Wired & Inspired Coffee Shop (inside The Pomegranate)

In a hurry?  Try these places for a quick & easy bite.

  1. Weikel’s Bakery – kolaches, just like homemade
  2. Max’s Donuts - donuts, kolaches and breakfast tacos

Sometimes the best things in life are FREE … or pretty close …

TOP NINE FREE THINGS

to do and see in Washington County!

 

The ‘dog days’ of summer are here and you are dreaming of having fun—something beyond the blow up pool in the backyard. You NEED to get out of the house, experience a complete change of scenery, make some memories, feed your spirit … without breaking the bank! No worries. Head to the Brenham and Washington County area! It’s an easy drive away—halfway between Houston and Austin—and a world away from the hustle and bustle of big city life.

 

  1. Window Shop in Historic Downtown Brenham and Chappell Hill

You’ll feel the stress melting away as you stroll our peaceful historic streets and experience small town friendliness and charm. Take a moment to sit in the shade of huge oak trees surrounding the Courthouse in Brenham or the historic buildings in Chappell Hill and don’t be surprised if you get a friendly wave or two. FREE!

Downtown Chappell Hill stores

  1. New Splash Pad near Fireman’s Park

Take a seat at a nearby picnic table and watch the kids laugh and play in the cool, clean water. You might just want to join them! Good, clean fun for all. FREE!

Splash Pad at Fireman's Park

  1. Peeka Ranch Alpacas

Get up close and pet these beautiful animals. You’ll fall in love as soon as you gaze into their sweet eyes, complete with enviable long eyelashes! FREE for those under 17, $5 for adults! Appointments required.

Alpacas

  1. Texas Cotton Gin Museum in Burton

History comes alive with this one-of-a-kind experience. Built in 1914, the Burton Farmer’s Cotton Gin is the oldest operating gin in the U.S. The museum is full of cotton memorabilia and the store offers fun, cotton-inspired shopping.  Open Tuesday – Saturday from 10-3. The Museum is FREE for everyone.  Tours at 10 am and 2pm are FREE for children 5 and under; Students $4; Adults $6.

Model T's in front of Cotton Gin

  1. Let Giant Murals Inspire Your Creativity

Drop by the Visitor Center in Downtown Brenham and pick up a passport or download a map  here, that will direct you to all the breathtaking murals that have been painted by famed muralists from around the country. Truly inspiring—and great backdrops for selfies! FREE!

Sam Houston Mural

Ahhhh, the sweet smell of lavender! Take a scenic drive to the Chappell Hill area and walk among the rows and rows of gorgeous lavender plants. The shop offers a variety of lavender-inspired soaps, food, gifts and more. Fresh air and lavender are FREE !  Open Thursday – Sunday, see website for hours.

Lavender fresh cut in basket

  1. Antique Rose Emporium

This 8-acre complex features nature in all its glory and is a definite “must see.” Photographers love the endless vignettes (charges apply for professional photo shoots). Gardeners are inspired by the creative uses of plants and found objects that dot the gardens. Nature lovers get their ‘fix’ of all things beautiful in these display gardens. FREE! Open Thursday – Sunday, see website for hours.

Antique Rose Emporium gardens

  1. Old Baylor Park

Sprawling old oak trees shade this historic site, where stone ruins remain from Baylor University’s earliest days. Picnic tables and a playground make this a favorite stop for traveling families. An easy two-mile round-trip walk (or drive) takes you to Independence Cemetery, one of the most soulful historic cemeteries in the area. FREE!

Ruins of Old Baylor

  1. Blue Bell Creameries

No trip to our area is complete without visiting the creamery. Browse the Blue Bell Visitor Center for all kinds of history, pictures, and videos. Savor a generous scoop of your favorite Blue Bell ice cream from the Parlor (only $1 per scoop) and a trip to the Country Store for a unique gift. Important Note: Observation Deck is not currently open, but the Parlor, Visitor Center and Gift Shop are FREE and open Monday – Friday 8am-5pm.

Blue Bell ice cream in a cup with spoon.

Plan a weekend stay to do it all!  There’s plenty to do and see in the fresh open spaces of our area—without breaking the bank. You are FREE to roam our area. See you soon!

Summer Fun

So, you want to run away from home?

THREE HUGE reasons why you should head to Brenham and Washington County this summer!

Reason #1  -  Amazing, Delicious, BBQ from Texas’ best Pit Masters featured on Brenham’s BBQ Trail

Reason #2 -Local Wineries & Breweries

Chapelton Vineyards - Beautiful winery and event space located in the historic town of Washington, TX.

Saddlehorn Winery - Escape to the picturesque countryside of Burton, TX to sip and savor award-winning wines.

Texas Star Winery - Nestled in beautiful Chappell Hill, enjoy award-winning wines in a charming tasting room or out under the trees.

Windy Winery - Small boutique winery located on a hill that provides breathtaking views of Washington County. "Texas Wines from Texas Grapes."

Brazos Valley Brewing Company - Located right outside of historic Downtown Brenham, this independent craft brewery is a ‘must do’ while here.

#3  Summer Events

Main Street Chappell Hill Artwalk - May 27th; Come to Chappell Hill to shop and meet the artists in the variety of stores while they create masterpieces throughout the day.

Summer Sip - June 10th; stroll through unique shops in historic Downtown Brenham while tasting signature drinks offered by local merchants.

Cotton Gin Classic Car & Truck Show - June 10th; Annual Car & Truck Show held in the shadow of the oldest operating cotton gin in America and located in Burton, TX. 

WCJA Juneteenth Ceremony & ParadeJune 17th; Annual Juneteenth Parade in Downtown Brenham held by Washington County Juneteenth Association.

Chappell Hill Father's Day Beer & Sausage Festival - June 17th; Bring your dad and come walk around charming Downtown Chappell Hill to try the beer and sausage samples that will be offered.

Annual Judge Eddie E. Harrison Juneteenth Heritage Celebration - Junes 24th; Washington on the Brazos is proud to celebrate Juneteenth as a part of Washington County’s long history of marking the end of slavery in Texas. This year the event will focus on the legacy of the Black Cowboy in Texas. We will have great presentations of cowboy artifacts and skills, bands, vendors, food, genealogy workshop and even a church baseball game!

Hot Nights, Cool Tunes  - Saturday evenings July 8, 15, 22, & 29; Bring your lawn chair and gather around the historic downtown square to listen to the sounds of live music and walk through the classic car show. Admission and parking is FREE!

Chappell Hill Independence Day Parade & Festivities - July 4th; Biggest small town parade! Come on out to celebrate 4th of July in Chappell Hill.

Annual Independence Celebration - July 4th; Fireworks will be visible for miles, so there's plenty of room for everyone to come out and celebrate our freedom and independence in Independence, TX.

Chappell Hill Wine & Cheese Swirl - August 12th; This will be a day filled with going to the different shops along Main Street and tasting different wines, sampling goodies that will blend with the wines and spending time with friends and family while you explore Chappell Hill.

When you’re ready to run, make Brenham your finish line!

The Temporary Normal

Who would ever guess that now when someone refers to ‘The Good Old Days,’ they are indicating a time in our history that began just eight short weeks ago. They are reminiscing about a time before an invisible, scary virus turned lives upside down ... when life as we knew it suddenly changed.

Lucky that in Brenham we know a thing or two about combining the past with the present so that we can enjoy ‘The Good Old Days’ again without too much fear or anxiety. In fact, we are pretty proud of offering friends, family and visitors a way to experience the past while enjoying modern and clean conveniences.

Just take a stroll through Downtown Brenham and you’ll see beautiful examples of combining old and new. Exterior walls of well-preserved historic buildings are adorned with beautiful contemporary murals created by renowned artists from around the country.

And, while you are out walking in the fresh air (on our uncrowded small town streets), feel free to pop into one of our friendly shops. You’ll find convenient hand sanitizing stations, not only to keep your hands clean but to give you peace of mind in knowing that we take your well being seriously. Our merchants look forward to seeing you again, but know it’s important to maintain small numbers in their shops for the health of everyone. You won’t get any hugs (not that they won’t want to) but, you’ll feel a genuine Texas friendliness and see a lot of warm smiles ... albeit some behind masks ... and that’s okay!

Throughout our area, dozens of restaurants have worked diligently to provide an environment that respects social distancing while serving some of the best food you’ll put in your mouth. Mexican, Barbecue, American or Gourmet ... doesn’t some good comfort food sound perfect right now? Whether you opt to dine in or order take out, we think you’re going to love biting into something that’s not another one of your own home cooked meals! Seriously!

We want you to fill your days in Brenham with fun and laughter and a feeling of safety. You can be secure in staying overnight knowing our lodging has been scrubbed to the max. Our hotels, including our downtown boutique hotel, Ant Street Inn, have established extreme cleaning protocols to sanitize and prepare rooms to ensure your stay is pristine so both your mind and body can relax during your stay in our area.

So, when you feel ready to take a break from home ... head our way ... we are ready for you.

We miss you and can’t wait to show just how much!

Bluebonnets and Beyond

It seems that we barely finish ringing in the New Year before people begin to ask us ‘How’s the bluebonnet crop this year?’

It’s a true obsession. A rite of passage. A Texas tradition carried on throughout countless generations. Almost a primal need to find the perfect spot to plunk down your babies, both human and fur, to ensure the bluebonnet season (and said family members) have been preserved in history. No other wildflower will do, it must be bluebonnets for a true Texas bluebonnet baptism ... no disrespect meant ... but sometimes it does feel almost as important.

Let’s be honest, finding a giant field of bluebonnets is like walking into a picture painted by the hand of God. There really is nothing like it, especially if we are lucky enough to experience a ‘Super Bloom’... oceans of bluebonnets as far as the eye can see ... cascading wave after wave, adorning our fields and hillsides.

However ... what if the Spring doesn’t give us a Super Bloom, or perhaps you miss the blooming peak by a week ... but you still NEED that bluebonnet fix.

No worries ... all is not lost!wildflowers under large trees at sunset

Take a moment and look around. It’s beautiful here, regardless of Super Blooms. Really beautiful, with so much to take in and enjoy ... beyond the bluebonnets.

Wildflowers are everywhere, in every color and are ever changing depending the time of spring or summer you visit our area. Multi-colored phlox carpet the earth, then bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes and wine cups reach for the warm spring sun and Indian blankets and coreopsis let us know that summer is in full swing.

Wildflowers can be amazing tour guides in Washington County. They can lead you to places and experiences both expected and unexpected.

old baylor ruins and bluebonnetsA favorite stop for bluebonnet hunters is Old Baylor Park in Independence. Centuries old, graceful oak trees gently shade the area where old Baylor Female College once stood. Situated just off Highway 390, it’s a perfect location for travelers who have driven the scenic highway to relax and take photos.

While there, take a look around and you’ll discover hidden sites. The Independence cemetery is nearby where you’ll gaze on a treasure of old graves that lie beneath mounds of wildflowers that seem to understand they are gracing our ancestors who are at rest beneath. Truly a beautiful and historical place.

Texas Baptist Historical Museum welcomes visitors to discover the area’s past. This is where Sam Houston attended church ... you can even see where he carved his initials in the pew!

monument and bluebonnets

classic cars at old fuel station

 

 

 

 

 

Plan your visit around the lunch hour and come hungry! The Independence General Store (circa 1900) serves the best hamburgers around. Grab your sodas and longnecks from the coolers and order at the counter. Then, head out back and enjoy the breeze on the raised deck while waiting for your burger. No doubt you’ll be visited by the resident goat who will meander up the wooden stairs and peer through the gate to check for any leftovers ... and he’s usually not disappointed ... there’s always a bite or two left to share. Forgot to mention this is a casual affair, no tie needed. Ha!

garden and windmillTime to walk off lunch. Luckily, just five minutes up the road you’ll find the Antique Rose Emporium. This eight-acre botanical garden center offers views from every angle and antique rose varieties of all types ... not to mention a ton of native plants. It’s the perfect place to take a walk and breathe in the fresh air while surrounded by nature.

There’s so much to do and see, you’ll want to plan a weekend ... or a few days to take it all in!

Chappell Hill’s Official Bluebonnet Festival of Texas, Burton’s Cotton Gin Festival, and Brenham’s Cool Nights, Hot Tunes all land on the same date this year, April 18th. Enjoy the festivals by day and head to downtown Brenham that evening for a free outdoor concert under the stars, around the courthouse square. It doesn’t get more fun or more Texan than this ... it’s great fun for the whole family.crowd of people around cotton gin museum

Super Bloom? Only time will tell. Super Fun? Definitely … come exploring all the sites and sounds our area has to offer. There’s no better way to unwind, relax and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us in Brenham and beyond.

See you soon!band performing in downtown brenham people dancing in the street

Finding Holiday Magic in Brenham & Washington County

This is my favorite time of year … waiting and anticipating the first cold snap of the season … when the air turns crisp, leaves begin to float gracefully to the ground, coffee tastes better and animals and children alike seem to get a boost of extra playfulness. It’s magical.

Sounds a bit like the opening of a Hallmark movie, but … it is real. Brenham and Washington County can’t be replicated. This is true Texas. Unapologetically Americana. Authentic.

Fall wouldn’t be complete in Brenham without candy-littered streets from the annual homecoming parade, including of course, homecoming queen hopefuls waving from convertibles. It doesn’t get much more Americana than this, right?

October boasts creatively dressed scarecrows posed in front of Downtown Brenham shops. Each one lovingly put together by dozens of schoolchildren and individuals alike, who have put their hearts into these straw creations, in hopes of winning one of the many prizes. Local spirit and pride are reflected in each entry.

Our community of Chappell Hill, located just 15 minutes east of Brenham, throws its annual Scarecrow Festival. This popular event draws huge crowds to its tiny town to shop, eat and welcome the season with a smile. Tent-lined streets are full of holiday shoppers, happy to escape big city mass merchandise to enjoy unique street vendors and small-town life.

November continues the holiday spirit with Christmas at the Mansion, a home tour and Christmas fair held at Brenham’s beautiful Giddings Stone Mansion. The mansion’s exterior and eight rooms will feature different holiday themes, designed and decorated by Jennifer Hermann of Hermann Furniture.  There is inspiration at every turn.  Self-guided tours are available all weekend and even two separate seatings for a special lunch on Saturday (reservations required).

Antique Rose Emporium’s 32nd Annual Fall Festival of Roses is a favorite outdoor experience in November. Breathing in the cool rose scented air while taking in spectacular blooms and learning how to care for them is a unique seasonal event not to be missed.

And, what we’ve all been looking forward to all year long … the Christmas Stroll and Lighted Parade in Downtown Brenham … an event that will melt the heart of even the worst Scrooge. Downtown Brenham comes to life with residents and visitors mingling on the streets and throughout the shops. No crowded malls here, just a hometown atmosphere of genuine Christmas spirit. Brenham’s Downtown shopkeepers dazzle and surprise unsuspecting visitors with unique finds. Inside some of the antique architecture, new hip ventures are alive and well and waiting to be discovered.

The Stroll is kicked off with the tree lighting ceremony where onlookers are serenaded by a Girl Scout choir singing carols. As night continues to fall, the parade begins. Beautifully decorated and fully lit floats, marching bands, horses and dancers parade through Downtown, all to the delight of friends, family and visitors. And of course, the man of the hour SANTA makes his grand entrance to the squeals of excited children lining the streets, frantically waving to him as he passes by, perched atop a Fire Truck.

People passing, children laughing, meeting smile after smile … doesn’t just happen in a song or a Hallmark movie. It’s in Brenham, Texas and Washington County … where It’s a Wonderful Life!

Sorry, couldn’t help myself!

Photos by: Natalie Lange

Showing the Grands a Grand Time Around Brenham

Grandma of the Year … or at least a close runner-up!

When I learned my daughter who lives in Los Angeles was planning a week-long visit in August with her boys, ages 3 1/2 and almost 2, I was thrilled … and then panic-stricken. How will I entertain two very active toddlers for a week? What will they like? How can I live up to the tall ‘Texas’ tales they’ve been told by their mom?  They already refer to their grandfather as ‘cowboy grandpa’… and we don’t even own a horse?!

It was time for some serious planning, which turned out to be not so serious and truly a lot of fun for the whole family. Showing our grands around the Brenham area was eye-opening and educational … even for us … and we’ve lived here for 30 years!

Day One - Floats and Flicks

There is no better way to beat the Texas heat than by watching an outdoor movie while floating in the pool at Brenham’s Blue Bell Aquatic Center. It is perfect for kids of all ages. The ice cream-themed pool floats and decor set the scene for a lot of fun and laughter. The cost was nominal … which put a smile on Cowboy Grandpa’s face, too!

Day Two - Jersey Barnyard

Of course, Texas conjures up images of cows and our two boys were obsessed with everything cow. This meant finding a fun way to get them up close to these creatures and The Jersey Barnyard, about 45 minutes away, did not disappoint. After a short hayride we met Belle, the famous Blue Bell cow … and even got to milk her! Then bottle-fed a sweet calf. Fed the barnyard animals, which included goats, ducks, rabbits, and pigs. After all the outdoor fun in the sun, we cooled off in the gift shop that offered organic milk products and barnyard themed toys! Adults $10 and Children 2-8 $8 … worth every penny.

Day Three - Parks and Carousel

Brenham has amazing parks. Seriously great parks. Our grandkids’ eyes lit up when they entered the carousel pavilion and saw the beautiful carved antique horses. Hearing their oohs and aahs as they pointed out which one was their favorite and which one they would ride … will be one of my favorite memories of the trip. We rode round and round, listening to calliope music mixed with the laughter and “Yee Haws” from our boys (and Cowboy Grandpa). $1, yes $1 for all you wanted to ride, (from 1-4pm Saturday-Sunday) adults and children alike! The. Best. Town. Ever.

We managed to pull them away from the carousel to play in the park near the Library, complete with giant shade covers and cushioned ground cover. My favorite was the tandem swing which allows you to put your child on one side and the adult sits across and faces him … allowing you to swing together and look at one another. Just a simple pleasure that I am so glad I got to share with our boys.

Day Four - Peeka Ranch and Books

Peeka Ranch, close to Burton, is a beautiful ranch that raises alpacas. We were able to pet and feed their sweet animals. We learned all about alpacas and Cowboy Grandpa managed a great selfie with one of the sweetest alpacas! The gift shop is worth the trip alone. So many beautiful woolen products … I’ll be shopping there often. BTW … there is no charge for visiting the alpacas, but a donation box is there if you want to donate!

Time for some AC after the ranch visit, so off to Downtown Brenham’s little bookstore, The Book Nook.

The kids were smitten … not kidding. The play area captivated them while we filled our baskets with amazing finds for everyone. The children’s book area is among the best I’ve seen and the prices are super affordable. My daughter couldn’t believe her eyes and bought all kinds of goodies for her kids. The staff was helpful and kind. This quaint bookstore is a must-visit in Brenham.

Day Five - Departure

Time flew by quickly and we didn’t even scratch the surface of all the things I had planned … Blue Bell, Washington-on-the Brazos, Downtown shopping (for daughter and me) … so much more to do and see! We will have to save those things for their next visit, which I hope will be soon.

So, if you are a panicked Nana, Grammy, Grandma, looking to make some great memories with your Grands… plan a few days in our town. You will enjoy every moment … and not break the bank.