See & Do
Blue Bell Creamery
Bluebell is headquartered in Brenham, and the offer a Visitor’s Center with displays of memorabilia items and the history of the factory. Their old fashioned ice cream parlor includes some flavors that aren’t sold in stores, and each scoop is just $1! Usually, you can also go to the Observation Dec to see the delicious ice cream being made (this part is currently closed due to Covid).
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Washington on the Brazos
This historic site was where the signing of Texas’ Declaration of Independence took place. There are walking trails, two museums, and a living history farm. At Independence Hall, you can take a 45 minute guided tour to learn about the story of Texas’ independence of Mexico. At the Star of the Republic Museum, you can explore the 10,000 square-foot space with 46 exhibits on the history of Texas. At the Barring Living History Farm, you can see the home of Anson Jones, the last president of the Republic of Texas. The farm has actory portraying historical figures who can answer questions about the livestock and way of life during the mid-1800s.
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Chappell Hill Lavender Farm
The farm is open to the public on weekends from March to November. You can cut your own lavender, feed the resident farm animals, picnic in the fields, and shop onsite for décor and products made with the lavender from the farm. They also sell lavender blueberry ice cream, lavender cupcakes, and lavender lemonade.
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Antique Rose Emporium
This inspiring place is located just down the road from Brenham in Independence and has eight acres of award-winning display gardens. They also have a shop to get something to spruce up your own yard.
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Downtown Brenham’s Historic District
The historic downtown area is full of quaint shops, art galleries, and restaurants in historical buildings. There are often free events put on downtown, so check online before you visit!
Brenham Heritage Museum – The museum is located downtown and celebrates the history and culture of Washington County. The building was once a U.S. Post Office and a Federal Building in Brenham. It is currently undergoing renovations, but you can still view their artifacts as they are open to the public our of the Art Deco Bus Depot. Check their website for house, and weekdays require a reservation.
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Peeka Ranch
The ranch is location about 15 miles from downtown, features 60 acres of meadows and oak trees, and is home to 100 alpacas. You can pet them, feed them, and purchase alpaca wool products at their on site shop. They request a call ahead before visiting so they know you are on the way.
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Wineries & Breweries
Pleasant Hill Winery offers tastings of their award-winning wines inside or on their covered deck overlooking the vineyards and rolling hills of Washington County. They also have a well stocked gift shop on site. Windy Winery is a small boutique winery producing classic varietals and unique blends. Their tasting room and vineyard are located on a hill that provides breathtaking views. Texas Star Winery is nestled in Chappell Hill and offers award-winning wines in a charming tasting room or out under the trees. Saddlehorn Winery is in the picturesque countryside of Burton, and offers award-winning wines. Brazos Valley Brewing Company is an independent craft brewery located a black from downtown.
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Texas Cotton Gin Museum
Here, you can see the Burton Farmers Gin, which was the oldest operating cotton gin in America. It’s located on its original site where it was built over 100 years ago. In addition to exploring the gin, the museum teaches the history of cotton picking in the south. If you visit on the third Saturday of April, you can join in with the annual Cotton Gin Festival.
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Newman’s Castle
Located nearby in Bellville, you can visit a one-of-a kind custom creation hidden in the rolling countryside. The castle features a moat, a working 3,000 pound drawbridge with a portcullis, a chapel, five round corner turrets, a courtyard, and a central keep with a dramatic view of the surrounding lands. Castle tours require a reservation, and include live actors who encourage crowd participation
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