A Dog-Friendly Escape in Brenham & Washington County

Pack your pup’s leash and favorite treats — it’s time for a tail-wagging getaway to Brenham & Washington County! Whether you’re looking for relaxing parks, great food, or unique shopping, this two-day trip is the perfect treat for both you and your furry best friend. Plus, get some expert tips from Maverick along the way—he’s a seasoned traveler with a nose for adventure, and he’s here to share his thoughts on the best spots for you and your pup!

Day One: Gardens, Trails & Wine Time

A woman wearing sunglasses, a black tank top, and denim shorts walks her happy, dark brown dog through a lush, flower-filled pathway at the Antique Rose Emporium. Hanging baskets of colorful flowers frame the archway overhead on a bright, sunny day.
Antique Rose Emporium, Independence

Start your day with a peaceful stroll at the Antique Rose Emporium. Leashed pups are welcome to explore the blooming gardens filled with vibrant heirloom roses—a perfect way to kick off your trip.

Maverick’s Thoughts: This place smelled amazing! I had a blast sniffing all the flowers and taking in the peaceful atmosphere. A perfect start to a relaxing day with plenty of room to roam and enjoy the outdoors.

Next, head to Chappell Hill Lavender Farm for more fresh air and scenic views. Stroll the lavender fields (seasonally blooming), visit the goats, and browse handmade lavender products in the gift shop.

Maverick’s Thoughts: Lavender everywhere! It was like a dreamy, aromatic wonderland, and the goats were so fun to meet. I stayed cool, calm, and collected—though I may have gotten a bit too excited around the goats.

After a morning of exploring, enjoy a leisurely lunch on the shady patio at Brossa’s Cibo e Vino. Their fresh pasta dishes and cozy outdoor seating make it an ideal break for you and your pup.

Maverick’s Thoughts: The patio was shaded and comfy, perfect for a break. While Mom and her friends enjoyed some pasta, I savored my dog-friendly treats. The smell of that pasta though... I had to show some restraint!

A woman and man enjoy ice cream together at an outdoor table in front of Must Be Heaven in Downtown Brenham, smiling and chatting under the storefront sign. Their happy chocolate lab, wearing a floral bandana, sits nearby and looks back at the camera with its tongue out.
Must Be Heaven, Downtown Brenham

Take a sweet detour after lunch and head to Must Be Heaven for a well-deserved treat. Known for their ice cream and pies, this place is the perfect stop to cool off and treat yourself after a busy morning of exploring.

Maverick’s Thoughts: After all that adventure, there's nothing like a sweet treat to top off the day. Must Be Heaven was the perfect spot for some ice cream, and let’s just say—it’s every pup’s dream come true. I might’ve had a little more than my fair share of the cone, but who’s counting?

Once you’ve refueled, continue the fun outdoors:

Head to Lake Somerville for hiking trails, swimming spots, and plenty of open space for adventurous pups.

Maverick’s Thoughts: This place has tons of space to run around. I enjoyed a leisurely stroll, but don’t be fooled—I also had my fun running around in the water. There’s nothing quite like the freedom of a good swim.

For history lovers, explore the trails and historic grounds at Washington-on-the-Brazos (leashed dogs welcome, but note: no pets allowed inside Barrington Plantation).

Maverick's Thoughts: While I wasn’t allowed inside Barrington Plantation (something about being a dog), the grounds were open for exploration, and I enjoyed my time roaming the trails with Mom!

Wrap up your day with a visit to a dog-friendly winery. Relax on the shady patios at 36 North Vineyard or Texas Star Winery, sipping Texas wines with your pup by your side.

Maverick’s Thoughts: These wineries are the ultimate chill spots. Mom enjoyed some wine, and I just relaxed in the shade. What’s better than that?

Day Two: Downtown Adventures, Treats & Brews

A man and woman sit at the outdoor counter of Mescalito Coffee in Downtown Brenham, smiling and enjoying their drinks. Their chocolate lab rests happily at their feet, panting and wearing a floral bandana. The café’s modern signage is visible behind them.
Mescalito Coffee, Downtown Brenham

Ease into your morning with a latte at Mescalito Coffee. Grab a table on the pup-welcoming patio, then browse Ballad of the Bird Dog for stylish finds—some just for your dog!

Maverick’s Thoughts: Coffee smells great, but I was all about my spot on the patio. And of course, I had to pick out a new leash at Ballad of the Bird Dog—I mean, a dog has to look good, right?

A happy chocolate lab wearing a blue floral bandana lays on the sidewalk in front of Jet Set Chocolates in Brenham. Behind the dog, a chalkboard sign reads, “Love is great and all, but chocolate never broke my heart.” A water bowl sits nearby.
Jet Set Chocolates, Downtown Brenham

With coffee in hand (and leash in the other), continue your morning with a walk through Downtown Brenham. Many shops have water bowls out front, and there’s no shortage of charming photo ops and shady spots to rest.

Maverick’s Thoughts: Downtown Brenham is perfect for a casual stroll. Lots of water bowls to keep me hydrated and plenty of spots for my human to shop while I get some rest in the shade. I even posed for a couple of photos—I'm basically a model at this point!

A chocolate lab wearing a red harness lounges on the sidewalk next to a white and black Dalmatian statue in front of the Brenham Fire Museum. Sunlight reflects off the glass-paneled building behind them, creating a warm and cheerful scene.
Brenham Fire Museum, Downtown Brenham

Next, pop into the Brenham Fire Museum, open Saturdays from 11 AM to 2 PM. (Note: If you miss Saturday, this stop won’t be open Sunday!) If visiting another day, just swap for extra shopping and relaxing strolls instead.

Maverick’s Thoughts: I couldn’t miss the chance for a photo with the Belle statue! It was a fun, quick stop, and I’m definitely adding this pic to my doggy album.

A smiling couple enjoys drinks at a patio table outside 30 North Gastropub in Brenham, Texas. Their happy chocolate lab, wearing a red harness, sits beside them near blooming pink flowers. The scene is bright, cheerful, and full of small-town charm.
30 North Gastropub, Downtown Brenham

When lunchtime rolls around, grab a table on the pet-friendly patio at 30 North Gastropub. Their elevated comfort food hits the spot after a morning of exploring.

Maverick’s Thoughts: The patio here was just right—shady and relaxing. I got comfy while Mom enjoyed her meal. Perfect place for a laid-back lunch!

A chocolate lab wearing a floral bandana sits eagerly in front of a colorful treat display at Puppy Dawgs and Cat Tails in Brenham, Texas, eyeing the decorated dog biscuits and pet goodies behind the glass.
Puppy Dawgs and Cat Tails, Downtown Brenham

After lunch, treat your dog to a shopping spree at Puppy Dawgs and Cat Tails. Stock up on new toys, treats, and accessories!

Maverick’s Thoughts: My favorite stop! I picked out a few new toys and treats—because why not spoil yourself a little? Trust me, this place is heaven for dogs.

Then, stretch your legs with a walk at Hohlt Park or let your pup run free at the Friends of Washington County Dog Park.

Maverick’s Thoughts: I love running around here! There’s so much space to play, and I got to burn off some energy before dinner.

As night falls, savor bold Mexican cuisine with a patio dinner at LaJefa Homestyle Birria. Sip a margarita from SALUD, right next door, and reflect on the adventures of the day with your pup happily lounging nearby.

Maverick’s Thoughts: Dinner on the patio was the best. While Mom had a margarita, I relaxed nearby. We were both pretty content after such a fun day.

Wind down your weekend at Brazos Valley Brewing Company. Enjoy a cold brew while your dog relaxes by your side on their welcoming patios.

Maverick’s Thoughts: I ended the weekend the right way—chilling by Mom’s side while she had a craft brew. The perfect end to a perfect trip.

Ready to Plan Your Dog’s Dream Getaway?

From scenic gardens and trails to downtown strolls and pet-friendly patios, Brenham & Washington County roll out the red carpet for you and your pup. Pack the leash, grab your camera, and get ready to make some unforgettable memories together!