Texas tours can offer pleasant adventures
Ready to hit the road? Interesting and informative tours of all kinds are available throughout Texas. Many businesses offer them to showcase their products and the steps it takes to make them.
Some tours are free, while others charge a fee. Free samples may be offered. Reservations may be required. Tour times can change, so it’s recommended that people either go online or call to make sure a particular tour is being offered that day. Here are some places to go and things to see:
Blue Bell is a Texas favorite in Brenham. Visitors can watch how they make their popular, great-tasting ice cream from the Observation Deck, which is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Country Store, Ice Cream parlor and Visitor Center are open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit at 1101 South Blue Bell Road. www.bluebell.com, 800-327-8135.
Wimberley Glass Works is one of the premier hand-blown glass lighting and art glass studios in the region. It offers free glassblowing demonstrations to the public. Decorative and functional hand-blown glass can be seen in the gallery next door. Open Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Either go online or call to find out current glassblowing schedule. Visit at
6469 Ranch Road 12, San Marcos. www.wgw.com, 800-929-6686.
On Messina Hof Winery tours, visitors will learn the history of this winery and experience a behind-the-scenes look at the wine-production facilities. Tour cost is $15 and includes wine samplings. Reservations preferred. Tours: Monday to Friday 2 p.m., 5:30 p.m.; Saturday 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m.; and Sunday 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4 p.m. See website for other times. Information is about the Bryan location, 4545 Old Reliance Road. www.messinahof.com, 979-778-9463.
Head north to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing — Western Currency Facility Tour in Fort Worth. During the tour visitors can see billions of dollars being printed as they walk along an enclosed walkway suspended over the production floor. The facility also has a Visitor Center and gift shop. Self-guided tours available Tuesday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visit at 9000 Blue Mound Road. https://www.moneyfactory.gov/fortworthtxtours.html, 866-865-1194.
Haak Vineyards & Winery is a commercial vineyard in Galveston County. During the tour visitors are shown around the wine-making facility and learn about the wine-making process. Tours are offered Thursday at 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday at 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 5 p.m. Tours offered Sunday at 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. Tours are $15 per person. Children under 21 admitted free. Tour fee includes tour and a tasting of four wines the staff has preselected, as well as your choice of one of their Madeiras. Visit at 6310 Avenue T, Santa Fe. www.haakwine.com, 409-925-1401.
Take a drive to Spoetzl Brewery.
Texans love Shiner beer, and they can see how it is made. There are multiple tours a day. Cost is $5 for those over 18. Tour is free for 18 and under, first responders, clergy, activity military, and veterans. Tours are offered Monday to Friday, 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 4 p.m.; and Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., continuous. Visit at 603 East Brewery St., Shiner. www.shiner.com, 361-594-3852.