Texas Towns

Charming Brenham Texas-Things to Do, See & Eat!

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Brenham, Texas is a charming small town located in the heart of Washington County and the “birthplace of Texas.” The area is known for its beautiful bluebonnets, which bloom in the springtime and cover the hillsides in a carpet of color. The city was founded in 1844 and named after Dr. Richard Fox Brenham, a hero of the Republic of Texas Army.

Brenham, TX is home to a number of historical landmarks and a number of National Register Historic Places markers, and a great Texas weekend getaway. The city is also well-known for its annual Bluebonnet Festival, which celebrates the state flower of Texas and the Texas-famous Blue Bell Ice Cream Factory.

Brenham Texas is the perfect, idyllic small town in Texas.

Visitors to Brenham can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking and biking in nearby Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park or exploring the historic downtown district.

For those looking for a taste of Texas culture, Brenham is an ideal destination.

The downtown area of Brenham, TX has a variety of restaurants, unique specialty shops, art galleries, and museums all centered around the courthouse square.

There are also many beautiful murals adorning the sides of the building. You can wander the streets and take great Instagram photos.

Brenham TX

Brenham Texas: Getting There

Brenham, TX is conveniently located near many major Texas cities like Houston and Austin. Additionally, there are other historic districts like Burton, Chappell Hill, Independence, and Washington to explore while in Brenham, Texas.

Directions to Brenham Texas map.

  • 70 miles west of Houston
  • 90 miles east of Austin
  • 40 miles south of College Station
  • 180 miles northeast of San Antonio
  • 240 miles south of Dallas-Fort Worth

Brenham, Texas Hotels and B&Bs

Brenham is such a cute and quaint town with tons of historic charm. Brenham has lodging for your preference. You can stay in a traditional hotel or check out an adorable bed and breakfast in Brenham, Texas for the whole small-town experience. Here are a few options for your stay in Brenham:

Top Brenham Texas Hotels:

  • Holiday Inn Express Brenham South. Located in the entertainment district, this IHG Hotel is a great choice for a stay in Brenham. Downtown Brenham historic district is a four-minute drive, Blue Bell Creamery is a seven-minute drive.
  • Hampton Inn Brenham. Hampton Inn & Suites Brenham is a great choice for a stay in Brenham. For a workout, you can visit the fitness center or go for a morning swim at the outdoor pool. Close to all area attractions.

Bed and Breakfast Brenham Texas:

  • Far View-B&B. This quiet bed & breakfast offers six elegantly appointed guest rooms or pool cottages, each with its own private bath. Breakfast is served each morning in the dining room and guests are welcome to relax in the living room or on the patio. Situated near all Brenham attractions.
  • Jen’s Den. This adorable, private 1925 craftsman bungalow is filled with modern amenities while retaining its original charm and character and is located on one of Brenham’s prettiest tree-lined streets. Within biking or walking distance of Brenham downtown.
  • Cottage on Main. Your family will be close to everything when you stay at this centrally-located place. Our cottage is less than five minutes away from our famous and delicious Blue Bell Creamery. It is within walking distance of Downtown Brenham.

Downtown Brenham’s Main Street District

Downtown Brenham is a charming historic district that offers a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Nestled in the heart of Texas Bluebonnet country, downtown Brenham is home to a number of unique businesses, including boutique shops, bookstores, antique stores, and art galleries.

Visitors can also enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants or take in a show at the historic Unity Theatre. With its small-town nostalgia and friendly atmosphere, downtown Brenham is the perfect place to spend a day exploring.

Why Gruene Texas One of Our Favorite Spots in Texas

Must Be Heaven Brenham Texas

In the heart of downtown Brenham, Must Be Heaven Sandwich Shoppe is a local favorite for its delicious food and welcoming atmosphere. This Brenham Texas restaurant has a distinctly southern diner feel, with its red-and-white checkered tablecloths, jukebox-style music, and the smell of fresh-baked pies wafting through the air.

The menu features a variety of hand-crafted sandwiches, salads, and desserts, all made with fresh ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite to eat or a leisurely meal with friends, a slice of pie, or a scoop of Blue Bell Ice Cream, Must Be Heaven is the perfect spot.

Additionally, Must Be Heaven Eatery has two great murals featured on the side of their building featuring an ode to Brenham, TX.

Must Be Heaven: 107 West Alamo Street Brenham, TX 77833

The Book Nook Brenham

Across from Must Be Heaven is a little gem we fell in love with, The Book Nook. An old-school, Ma & Pop Bookstore.

It has been so long since I have been in a classic used and new bookstore. It brings back so much nostalgia for a neighborhood bookstore.

The Book Nook is a must-stop and you will need a little time to explore. From children’s books, popular new books, and used books (with that awesome book smell) you will be able to find a fantastic read for unwinding after exploring Brenham.

The Book Nook: 108 S Douglas Street, Brenham, TX 77833

Do the Brenham BBQ Trail

Brenham, TX is quickly becoming known as a barbecue hotspot. With two restaurants listed on Texas Monthly’s Top 50 BBQ Joints list, Brenham is a must-stop for anyone who loves barbecue.

\The restaurants in Brenham are known for their smoked meats, and each has its own signature style. Whether you’re looking for brisket, ribs, or sausage, you’ll be able to find it on the Brenham BBQ Trail. Here is a couple to try!

LJ’s BBQ is a must-visit spot when in Brenham, Texas. The small town is known for its bluebonnets and historic downtown, but it’s also home to some of the best barbecues in the state. LJ’s was ranked one Texas Monthly for its 2021 list of Top 50 BBQ Joints and specializes in smoked meats, and their brisket is mouth-wateringly tender. The ribs are also cooked to perfection, and the sausage is incredibly juicy. Even the sides are delicious, from the creamy macaroni and cheese to German-style potato salad.

LJs BBQ: 1407 W. Main St. Brenham, TX 77833 |  Wed-Sat 11–3 or sell out

Brenham is also home to Truth BBQ, one of the hottest barbecue joints in the state. Pitmaster Leonard Botello is responsible for Truth BBQ’s deliciousness, and he takes his craft very seriously. Botello sources only the highest quality meats, and he cooks them over carefully-selected wood to create the perfect flavor profile. The result is some of the best barbecues in Texas.

Truth BBQ: 2990 US – 290, Brenham, TX 77833  | Open Sat & Sun 11 am to sellout

The Best Resorts in Texas for Families

Antique Rose Emporium

On our way from College Station to Brenham TX, my kids and I accidentally stumbled upon this Texas gem.

I saw it from the road and did a u-turn. It was Memorial Day and luckily the garden was open. The Rose Garden was our favorite part of Brenham.

Brenham, Tx Antique Rose Emporium
Antique Rose Emporium Brenham Texas
One of the best things to do in Brenham Texas is the Antique Rose Garden In Brenham Texas. Its a dreamy adventure
Yellow Brick Road at the Rose Garden

The Emporium was founded in 1984 by Mike Shoup, who grew up in Brenham and developed a love for roses while working at his family’s nursery. Since its inception, the Antique Emporium has become one of the world’s leading sources of antique roses, and it now offers over 600 varieties of these beautiful flowers.

Visitors can stroll through 8 acres of gardens, learn about rose care, purchase roses to take home, or get married at this beautiful venue.

Blue Bell Factory

Blue Bell Texas. Come see how Texas' favorite cold treat is made

Probably the most popular attraction in Brenham, TX, is the Blue Bell Ice Cream Factory. Blue Bell Ice Cream is a Texas favorite and is wildly popular. The Blue Bell tour is not only fun if you are traveling with kids, it’s a must-see as an adult, too.

The Blue Bell Ice Cream Factory is a must-see for any ice cream lover. Located a couple of blocks from the historic district of Brenham, Texas, the factory offers self-guided tours of the production process, as well as a chance to get $1.00 scoops of their most beloved ice creams.

The Bluebell Factory is fun for kids and children alike, who doesn't like a $1 scoop of ice cream?

The tour begins in the Blue Bell Museum, where visitors can learn about the history of the company and see vintage ice cream containers and photographs. From there, it’s on to the viewing gallery, where guests can watch blue bell workers in action and see where Texas’ favorite cold treat is made. Then, get as many scoops as you want for $1.00 each!

See the Brenham Bluebonnets

Photo: TomWachs Getty Images

Brenham, Texas is famous for its bluebonnets and is one of the best places to see this Texas treasure. Every spring, tourists flock to the city to see the fields of blue flowers in bloom. Brenham’s bluebonnets are so iconic that they even have their own festival.

The Brenham Bluebonnet Festival is held every April and features a parade, live music, and plenty of food. Of course, the main attraction is the flowers themselves.

Depending on the yearly weather pattern, the Brenham Bluebonnets bloom anywhere from mid-March to the end of April.

Peeka Ranch Alpacas

Photo: Peeka Alpaca Ranch

Eighteen miles outside of Brenham, Texas is the Peeka Ranch Alpacas. With over 100 fluffy and friendly alpacas, you can enjoy a day at the ranch.

This unique ranch offers visitors the chance to interact with these gentle creatures and learn about their care and husbandry. The ranch also offers a variety of alpaca-themed merchandise, from fiber products to stuffed animals.

Be sure to make an appointment before heading out, here!

Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Park

If you are looking for historic things to do in Brenham, Texas, Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. This site is the home of the first President of the Republic of Texas, and it’s also where the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed.

Today, visitors can tour the historic buildings, see exhibits on early Texas history, and even take part in living history programs.

Texas Cotton Gin Museum

Brenham, Texas is home to the Texas Cotton Gin Museum, which chronicles the history of cotton production in the state. The museum is located in a restored cotton gin, and it features exhibits on the history of cotton production, the evolution of the cotton gin, and the impact of cotton on Texas.

The museum also has a gift shop, and it offers tours of the historic Brenham Cotton Gin. The Brenham Cotton Gin was built in 1869, and it is one of the oldest working cotton gins in the United States.

The Brenham Cotton Gin was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970, and it was designated a State Historic Site in 1971.

You can see tour hours and holiday hours, here.

Chappell Hill Lavender Farm

 

The Chappel Hill Lavender Farm is an idyllic destination for anyone looking to escape to the Texas countryside. Nestled in the heart of bluebonnet country, the farm offers stunning panoramic views, rolling acres of lavender, and a peaceful gazebo overlooking a tranquil pond.

The farm is also conveniently located just 8 miles north of the historic town of Chappell Hill Texas, and 15 minutes from Brenham.

Come enjoy a cold glass of lavender lemonade or mingle with the resident miniature goats-Fonzie, Oreo and Moonshine. Or stroll through the blackberry patches or fruit trees.

During the spring and fall, join in educational seminars and events like painting, yoga, fruit tree growing, teas, and meditation.

To find the lavender blooming schedule at Chappell Hill Lavender Farm, which blooms twice a year, you can find it here.

Visit a Brenham TX Winery

One of the highlights of Brenham, TX is its many wineries. Brenham is home to some of the best wineries in Texas, and visitors can enjoy tours, tastings, and special events at these unique businesses. Here are a couple of our favorite Branham Wineries:

  • Texas Star Winery. Exceptional handmade wines in the heart of Bluebonnet country, Texas Star Winery is a quaint small-batch winery. Come sit under the shade of trees and sip some Cabernet Sauvignon aged in Jack Daniels barrels.
  • Threshold Vineyards. twenty-eight minutes from Brenham, Threshold Vineyards is a fantastic spot to drink wine, picnic, or join a tasting room.
  • Blue Mule Winery. This fun and quirky winery will give you a nice glass of Cigar Box Jack while you hang out with the roaming chickens, alpacas, and donkeys.

Brenham, Texas: The Perfect Texas Town

Brenham, Texas is a charming small town with a lot to offer visitors. From its quaint shops and restaurants to its beautiful historic homes, Brenham is the perfect place to spend a weekend. And of course, no visit to Brenham would be complete without a stop at Blue Bell Creameries. Brenham, TX is a friendly town with a rich history, and it’s definitely worth a visit. Thanks for reading!

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