summer fun 101 Brenham
1. BLUE BELL CREAMERY
Location: 1101 S. Blue Bell Road, Brenham Phone: 979-836-7977 Web: bluebell.com It’s not summer in Texas until you have had Blue Bell ice cream. The Blue Bell Country Store and ice cream store located in Brenham allows visitors the experience to learn how Texas’ beloved sweet treat is made.
“Blue Bell has a wonderful visitors center that has a lot of historical information for people to enjoy. Plus, they have an outstanding ice cream parlor,” Lu Hollander said, advertising and public relations manager of Washington County Chamber and visitor center. “Blue Bell has a really nice gift shop, and of course, beautiful grounds. The landscape is beautiful, and I often see people stop there to take pictures.”
Tours of the creamery are currently not available. The visitor’s center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2. BRENHAM ANTIQUE DISTRICT
Location: 115 West Main Street, Brenham Phone: 1-888-BRENHAM Web: www.visitbrenhamtexas.com Go vintage this summer while shopping at various antique stores downtown in Brenham.
The historic downtown features an array of antiques and specialty shops that shoppers must experience while in Brenham.
3. WASHINGTON ON THE BRAZOS HISTORIC SITE
Location: 23400 Park Road 12, Washington, TX, 77880 Phone: 936-878-2214 Web: wheretexasbecametexas.org
Texas is rich in history. Explore the Washington-onthe-Brazos State Historic Site and learn about the birth of Texas. The site, located approximately halfway between Brenham and Navasota, is where the Texas Declaration of Independence from Mexico was signed, and visitors will find the Star of the Republic Museum and Barrington Living History Farm on the grounds as well. Don’t miss Fireworks on the Brazos, which takes place July 4.
4. ANTIQUE ROSE EMPORIUM
Location: 10000 FM 50 Independence (just outside of Brenham) Phone: 979-836-5548 Web: antiqueroseemporium.com
Award-winning antique rose gardens near the community of Independence, Texas on FM 50 between Brenham and College Station. Antique roses of many varieties may be purchased here and can be mailed throughout the US.
5. CHAPPELL HILL, TEXAS
Location: Along US 290, about 10 miles from Brenham Phone: 979-836-6033 Web: www.chappellhillmuseum.org
Quaint historic town with a Main Street Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. Other historic sites include the H.C. Brandt House, Old Rock Store and Providence Baptist Church. Known for the Bluebonnet Festival in the spring and the Scarecrow Festival in the fall.