Exploring Brenham/Washington County
We have more than ice cream - a whole lot more!
When people think of Brenham, Texas, they often think of Blue Bell Ice Cream. And while Brenham is the hometown to Blue Bell, and the Ice Cream Capital of Texas, there is more to the area than ice cream - lots more!
Washington County is "Where Texas Became Texas" and home to the first state capitol in the town of Washington on the Brazos. Explore Texas history at the state park at Washington on the Brazos and the Star of Texas Museum. Our history continues with Freedman settlements and a controversial burning of the town after the Civil War. We are home to the first public water works system and the first fire department. Visitors today can explore all of that and more at the Brenham Heritage Museum and the Fire Truck Museum just blocks away from Main Street House, and self guided tours around the county.
Be sure to visit Burton, just 20 miles from Brenham (a short 15 minute drive), is a must. There you can explore The Cotton Gin Museum, quiet coffee shops and restaurants, while popping into a shop or two to find that vintage item you can't live without.
Chappell Hill, also located just 15 mintues from Brenham, is full of history as well. And don't forget Independance, Texas, where Baylor University began, Sam Houston was baptized and the amazing Antique Rose Emporium and Gardens is located.
Of course there are bluebonnets to see in the spring, BBQ to eat year round and pie and kolaches to snack on along the way. Summer brings free outdoor live music concerts and car shows, along with the world famous Round Top Festival Hill summer concerts. Fall brings beer tastings, art festivals, scarecrows, county fairs and the roar of Texas Football on Friday and Saturday nights. Winter herolds the holidays with shopping downtown, parades, family gatherings and time to reflect on the year gone by and the year ahead.
Year round you can enjoy professional live performances at Unity Theatre, traveling musical tribute shows at The Barnhill Center, live music downtown, public murals reflecting our history and the present, great restaurants, free parking and most of all a pace that reminds you that life can be simple if you just take time to breathe.
For more details on what's happening in the area, check out www.visitbrenhamtexas.com and click on our "Conversations at Breakfast" page for articles written by Suzy and Keith sharing their perspective on all the amazing people and places that make Brenham/ Washington County a place you'll want to explore time and time again.