July is National Ice Cream Month, and there’s no better place to celebrate than the Ice Cream Capital of Texas—Brenham! Whether you’re a scoop purist, a float fan, or just in it for the festive fun, we’ve got something sweet lined up all month long. Here’s how you and your crew can cool off and enjoy the month in Brenham:
Sundae Stroll
All of July | Downtown Brenham
Take a stroll through Downtown Brenham and check out the decorated ice cream cones displayed at participating businesses. Cast your vote for your favorite by picking up a voting pamphlet at the Brenham & Washington County Visitor Center. It’s a fun way to explore the shops, snap some cute photos, and support local businesses!
Saturdays in July | 5 PM – 6:30 PM | Downtown Brenham
Come out early before Hot Nights, Cool Tunes and enjoy free Blue Bell ice cream floats in Alamo Alley. It’s the perfect pre-show treat to beat the heat and kick off your Saturday night downtown.
We’re celebrating National Ice Cream Day a little early this year with hand-dipped Blue Bell ice cream served during the concert! Bring your lawn chairs, grab a scoop, and enjoy a night of live music and small-town charm.
Stop by the Blue Bell Parlor to celebrate the big day with free ice cream! The Blue Bell Country Store will also be open—stock up on Blue Bell gear, gifts, and sweet souvenirs. There’s no better place to enjoy the holiday than right here in Brenham, home to one of the most beloved ice cream brands in the country.
Sweet Specials all july
Downtown Brenham is celebrating National Ice Cream Month with ice cream-themed specials all month long! From refreshing treats to creative desserts, local businesses are serving up limited-time offers you won’t want to miss.
Buy a slice of apple pie and get a free scoop of ice cream (à la mode!) – the ultimate classic summer combo!
Whether you hit every event or just stop by for a scoop, there’s no wrong way to enjoy National Ice Cream Month in Brenham. So grab your spoon, and treat yourself to a taste of why we’re proud to be the Ice Cream Capital of Texas!
This Mother’s Day, Brenham and Washington County are the perfect places to show your mom just how much you appreciate her! Whether she’s into fashion, home décor, or fine wine, our local businesses have the perfect gift for every mom. Here are some top picks to help you find something special for her:
For the mom who loves to combine a little bit of country with a lot of style, The Canyon Chick offers a curated selection of trendy clothing, accessories, and unique pieces that blend rustic Western charm with boho flair. Whether she’s looking for an eye-catching new outfit or a statement accessory, The Canyon Chick has something perfect to add to her wardrobe.
Treat Mom to something stylish from Tres Chic Boutique. Known for its trendy clothing, footwear, accessories, and jewelry, this boutique has a range of chic items that are perfect for any occasion. Whether she’s looking for a new outfit or a statement piece of jewelry, you’re sure to find something to make her feel fabulous.
For moms who love flowers and nature, the Antique Rose Emporium offers a unique experience. Take her on a visit to explore their beautiful gardens. The emporium also offers a variety of roses and plants, perfect for adding a bit of beauty to her garden or home.
For the gardening mom, Bluebonnet House & Garden Center is the place to be. From unique plants to garden accessories, they offer everything to help your mom enhance her outdoor space. Spend the day shopping for beautiful flowers, plants, and more, and treat her to something special for her garden.
Treat Mom to a day surrounded by the calming scent of lavender at Chappell Hill Lavender Farm. You can also stroll through the fragrant lavender fields, cut your own fresh lavender, and enjoy a relaxing picnic by the pond.The gift shop, “The Lavender Patch,” offers a variety of lavender-infused products, perfect for a thoughtful gift.
If your mom loves adding a touch of elegance to her home, Hermann Furniture is the place to go. As the oldest furniture store in Texas, it has been family-owned for five generations, offering a collection of high-quality furniture and décor. Treat her to a beautiful piece of furniture or unique home accessories that will add warmth and charm to her space.
At Visser Emporium, timeless treasures meet modern finds. Specializing in unique antiques, curated vintage pieces, and eclectic décor, this shop has everything to add charm and character to any home. Visit and discover the stories behind every item while finding the perfect piece for Mom’s home.
If your mom enjoys unique, handmade items, Woman’s Cave is the place to visit. This local shop offers a variety of handcrafted soaps, lotions, candles, jewelry, and home décor that will make perfect gifts. Each item has a personal touch, making it a thoughtful choice for any mom who loves special, one-of-a-kind treasures.
Treat Mom to something special at Puppy Dawgs and Cat Tails, a unique pet store in Downtown Brenham. Featuring artisan-made jewelry, up-cycled art, pet beds, natural foods, over 100 grain-free treats, and clothing, this shop offers a curated selection of sustainable, locally crafted products. It’s the perfect spot to find something unique for both Mom and her furry friends. Friendly, leashed dogs are always welcome!
Relax and enjoy a selection of local wines at 36 North Vineyard. Nestled in the Texas countryside, this winery offers a peaceful setting to sip on sweet or dry wines, sample local craft beers, and enjoy small plates in a scenic environment. Take Mom for a relaxing afternoon at their tasting room or picnic on their expansive grounds. And don’t forget to indulge in delicious, made-from-scratch cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and pastries from Sweet Jar Treats, located right within the vineyard. Pair a decadent dessert with the amazing Texas wines for a truly delightful experience!
Chapelton Vineyards offers the perfect escape for wine-loving moms. Celebrate her day with a tasting experience in the vineyard, relax on the spacious grounds, and enjoy stunning views of the rolling hills. Chapelton’s mission is to provide an atmosphere where wine is the focus, and every visit is an opportunity to unwind and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
If your mom enjoys a glass of wine, Haak Wines is a wonderful place to spoil her. Known for its great wine selection, Haak offers tastings and a range of Texas produced wines. Treat her to a relaxing afternoon at the tasting room, or pick up a bottle of her favorite wine for an at-home celebration.
Born near the birthplace of the Texas flag and now based in Washington County, Where Texas Became Texas itself, Texas Star Winery continues the tradition of crafting exceptional handmade wines. Specializing in small batches made with Texas-inspired ingredients, this winery offers a unique tasting experience that reflects the flavors of the Lone Star State. Relax and enjoy their distinctive wines in a rustic, charming setting, and let Mom experience the essence of Texas with every sip.
For the mom who loves gourmet chocolate, Jet Set Chocolates offers a decadent selection of sweet treats. Their artisan chocolates are perfect for indulging in a little luxury this Mother’s Day. Choose from a variety of handcrafted chocolates or create a custom gift box filled with her favorites.
Indulge Mom with delectable treats from Thomas Craft Confections. This local gem offers a variety of hand-crafted chocolates and confections that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you choose a box of artisanal chocolates or a delightful selection of homemade pastries, Thomas Craft Confections is sure to bring a smile to her face!
With so many wonderful shops and experiences in Brenham and Washington County, finding the perfect Mother’s Day gift is a breeze. Whether you’re treating her to a stylish new outfit, a relaxing day at a local winery, or a special piece of home décor, these local businesses have something to make her day extra special. Celebrate Mom with a thoughtful gift and create lasting memories together!
For many surrounding schools, Spring Break runs fromMarch 10-14, and it is the perfect time to explore Brenham and Washington County! Whether you’re visiting for a family-friendly getaway or looking for unique local experiences, we’ve got something for everyone. Here’s our guide to the top must-visit spots for your Spring Break adventure:
1. Antique Carousel Ride & Local Parks
Antique Carousel, Fireman’s Park, Brenham
Take a spin on the historic Antique Carousel for just $1 in Fireman’s Park! This beautifully restored carousel is a local favorite and a must-do for families with young kids. Afterward, enjoy one of Brenham’s beautiful parks like Henderson Park or Hohlt Park, where you can have a picnic, let the kids enjoy the playground, or take a scenic walk along the trails.
Stroll through stunning gardens filled with fragrant heirloom roses. This picturesque spot is great for photos, relaxing walks, and plant shopping. Plus, admission is free!
March 8-9: Spring Celebration Weekend! Enjoy an artisan vendor market, hands-on gardening inspiration, and seasonal refreshments.
Open Daily: Monday-Saturday 9AM-5:30PM and Sunday 11AM-5:30PM
No trip to Brenham is complete without a stop at Blue Bell Creameries! Grab a $1 scoop of your favorite flavor and check out the observation deck to see how the famous ice cream is made.
Spring Break Hours: Open 8 AM – 5 PM Monday-Friday, with the Observation Deck closing at 2 PM but the Ice Cream Parlor, Visitor Center, and Country Store open until 5 PM!
Relax and enjoy a cold craft beer while the kids play outside at Brazos Valley Brewing Company. With a laid-back atmosphere, outdoor seating, and food trucks, it’s a great place to unwind.
Open Wednesday-Sunday: Wednesday-Thursday 3PM-9PM, Friday-Saturday 12PM-10PM, and Sunday 12PM-7PM
Take in the beautiful scenery and breathe in the fresh lavender at this charming farm. While lavender may not be in full bloom just yet, the gift shop offers plenty of lavender-themed goodies, and you can visit and feed the friendly goats!
Special Spring Break Hours: March 10-16, 10 AM – 2 PM
Step back in time where Texas became Texas! Explore the Washington-on-the-Brazos for a hands-on history lesson.
Special Spring Break Hours:
Barrington Plantation & Independence Hall will be open Monday & Tuesday with guided tours at 10 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM.
Living History Interpreters will be on-site in period clothing, re-creating life in the 1840s at the real home of Dr. Anson Jones, the last president of the Republic of Texas.
Watch craftsmen building a replica of the Ark of the Covenant from original boards of Independence Hall!
Open daily, 8 AM – 5 PM
Special Spring Break Events
Check out these exciting events happening during Spring Break! Click on each for more details:
Spring Celebration at Antique Rose Emporium – March 8-9, 2025
Unity Theatre Presents: The Originalists – March 8-9, 2025
Kids Camp Workshop at Board & Brush Brenham – March 10-13, 2025
Texas Ranger Day at the Burton Railroad Depot – March 15, 2025
Riders in the Sky at The Barnhill Center – March 15, 2025
Historic Homes Tours in Independence – March 15 & 22, 2025
Bonus: Will We See Bluebonnets?
Springtime in Texas means bluebonnet season! If the flowers are in full bloom, be sure to take a scenic drive along Highway 290 and visit our Wildflower Driving Map for breathtaking photo opportunities. Keep an eye out for updates on the best spots to see these iconic Texas wildflowers on our Wildflower Watch Page!
No matter what your Spring Break plans look like, Brenham and Washington County offer the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and small-town charm. We can’t wait to welcome you!
For more Spring Break happenings, check out out Spring Break “What’s Happening” flyer!
The Holidays are officially here! This magical time of year is the perfect time to visit Washington County. Here are a few of the things to do throughout the holiday season in Brenham and Washington County.
Hermann Furniture presents Christmas Magic – Nov. 1-3
The store will be fully decorated with seasonal décor from wall to wall. Guests can enjoy door prizes, pop-up shops, wine, and hors d’oeuvres. Designers will also be available to assist with floral arrangements and any interior décor needs.
11th Annual Sugar Plum Market – Nov. 23
Holiday Shopping all in a beautiful Indoor Holiday atmosphere with an array of quality items to shop, great food, holiday music and more. Shop this quaint market for yourself and for those on your holiday list! Located at Brenham Fireman’s Training Center from 9am-4pm. Free Admission and Parking.
Downtown Brenham’s Cocoa Crawl – Nov. 30
Shop small in beautiful Downtown Brenham on Friday, Nov. 30. Taste variations of hot cocoa concoctions while you shop at your favorite boutiques!
Unity Theatre “Fruitcakes”, a comedy by Julian Wiles – Dec. 5-22
Mix together a batch of fruitcakes, three dozen Christmas trees, 10,000 outdoor Christmas lights, a chicken pox epidemic, two southern spinsters, an estranged old man, a lost cat named Tutti Frutti and a Christmas hog named Buster and you’ve got the recipe for a fun-filled and touching evening of festive frenzy. Into this world comes Jamie, a runaway kid who has come as far as his money will take him. At first, he thinks this town’s inhabitants are “nuttier than fruitcakes,” but soon he comes to admire, appreciate, and adore this crazy little town. So, grab your eggnog and join us for a heaping helping of holiday warmth and Christmas cheer.
Tickets available online or by phone, 979-830-8358.
Downtown Brenham looks like a holiday movie set with the holiday magic of the annual Christmas Stroll. The lighted parade on Saturday, Dec. 7 is the highlight of the festivities, but the weekend also includes the First Friday Farmer & Artisan Market, Cold Nights, Holiday Tunes (free concert!), Breakfast with Santa at The Barnhill Center, Jingle Bell Market at Ant Street Inn, rides on the 1950 Invader Firetruck following the parade, and more. For a complete schedule of the weekend festivities, click here.
Bring your kiddos to downtown Chappell Hill for the annual Teddy Bear Parade. Lots of fun activities for the children. Sit and talk to Santa, and bring your Teddy Bear for the parade!
Live Nativities
Celebrate the reason for the season with one of the area’s live nativities. Bethlehem in Independence live nativity is December 14-15, 6-8pm, at the Independence School House. The Greatest Gift Live Nativity by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is December 6-7, 6:00-9:00 pm, at 1400 Niebuhr Street, Brenham. There will also be a live nativity scene at The Christmas Experience at Milk & Honey Ranch, Sunday, December 15, 5:30-9.
Chappell Hill Christmas Home Tour – Dec. 14
Saturday, December 14, is the perfect day to visit Chappell Hill. Festivities begin with the Christmas Home Tour by the Bluebonnet Garden Club from 10am-5pm!
Independence Historical Christmas Home Tours – Dec. 14
Step back in time and take a tour by Independence Historical Society docents of four historical structures dating back to the 1820’s. All of these furnished buildings are adjacent to Old Baylor Park where visitors can see the original columns of Baylor University.
Burton Christmas Market – Dec. 14
Burton’s Christmas Market on Saturday, December 14, 12:00-400 pm, at The Texas Cotton Gin Museum, has something for everyone in the family. Enjoy delicious food and soak up the holiday spirit with fun crafts! From 1-3pm, Santa will arrive for festive photos. Enjoy community caroling from 3-4pm!
The Christmas Experience at Milk & Honey Ranch – Dec. 15
Join the fun on Sunday, December 15, 5:30-9pm at Milk & Honey Ranch with a Christmas market, hay rides, live nativity scene, bounce house, caroling and more fun for the entire family. $20 per car. Purchase tickets here.
