Essentials: Finding Independence in Washington County

Brenham, seat of Washington Co., is on US 290, about halfway between Austin and Houston. The city’s downtown historic district is part of the Main Street Program, which is sponsored by the Natl. Trust for Historic Preservation and the Texas Historical Commission. Washington Co. is a focal point of the Texas Independence Trail. The area code is 979.

You’ll need Washington County’s 2006 Visitor’s Guide to learn about scores of interesting and enjoyable places and some 26 festivals, from Mar. to Dec. Guides are free at your hotel or at the Washington Co. Chamber of Commerce, 314 S. Austin, Brenham 77833; 836-3695 or 888/BREN-HAM (273-6426); www.brenhamtexas.com.

Contact information for places mentioned in story:

Ellison’s Greenhouses, 2107 E. Stone St., Brenham 77833. Open daily; 836-6011; www.ellisonsgreenhouses.com.

Pleasant Hill Winery, 1441 Salem Rd., Brenham 77833; 830-VINE (8463); www.pleasanthillwinery.com.

Blue Bell Creamery, (mailing address: Box 1807, Brenham 77834), on Loop 577. Tours weekdays at 10, 11, 1, 1:30, 2, and 2:30. Fee. Call ahead, 800/327-8135; www.bluebell.com.

Antique Rose Emporium (at Independence; mailing address: 9300 Lueckmeyer Rd., Brenham 77833); 979/836-5548 or 800/441-0002; www.antiqueroseemporium.com.

Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site (mailing address: Box 305, Washington 77880); 936/878-2214; tpwd.state.tx.us.

Star of the Republic Museum, Washington; 936/878-2461; birthplaceoftexas.com.

Rio Red Ranches, which raises miniature horses, is at 16747 FM 1155 E., Washington 77880; 936/878-9997; www.rioredranches.com.

Chappell Hill Lavender Farm (mailing address: 2250 Dillard Rd., Brenham 77833); 251-8114; www.chappellhilllavender.com.

Burton Cotton Gin & Museum, 307 N. Main, Burton, 289-8114; cottonginmuseum.org.

Lodging and Dining

Accommodations in the county: 9 hotel-resort properties, 30 bed-and-breakfast inns.

Restaurants: 34, offering a wide choice of menus and ambiances, from gourmet kitchens in Brenham such as Volare Italian Restaurant (836-1514) and Ernie’s (866-7545), and the Brazos Belle (in Burton; 289-2677) to great sandwiches and ice cream at Must Be Heaven (830-8536), burgers and pie at the Burton Cafe (289-3849), and super salads and desserts at Bevers Kitchen in Chappell Hill (836-4178).

Entertainment

Unity Theatre, in downtown Brenham, a non-profit theater with professional actors on an intimate stage; reservations recommended. Call 830-7656.

Blinn College Theater Arts Program, musical and choral performances and guest entertainers. Call 830-4024.

International Festival-Institute at Round Top, 27 miles west of Brenham; performances by internationally-recognized musicians and conductors in a European-style, 1,100-seat concert hall. Call 249-3129; www.festivalhill.org.

From the March 2006 issue.

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