One of the signs that spring is, well, springing in East Central Texas is the annual pilgrimage to the Round Top Antiques Show, which dominates the landscape this time of year. Known as “The Show,” it brings crowds, adrenaline, and some hefty price tags to Round Top, along with Burton, Warrenton, and Blue Hills—all within an 11-mile radius and offering antiques shopping of their own. If you want to escape all the hoopla, check out nearby Brenham, the largest city in Washington County that is as small town sweet as can be.
You might recognize Brenham as the home of Blue Bell Creameries headquarters. But it isn’t just that.
“Spring and fall in Brenham and Washington County are our busiest times of year for visitors,” says Jennifer Eckermann, director of tourism and marketing for the city of Brenham, noting that tourism numbers sometimes double this time of year. “When you add the Round Top antiques shows to the mix, it’s difficult to distinguish which event draws more visitors.”
Brenham and Washington County are known as the birthplace of Texas. None other than Sam Houston himself signed the Texas Declaration of Independence here in 1836. Located smack dab between Austin and Houston, the city’s prime location offers the best of both worlds: a diverse history and population, cowboy culture (sprawling ranches abound), and more than 70 dining and retail options.
Whether you go for a quick day trip or a 36-hour adventure, be sure to snap a selfie with an alpaca at Peeka Ranch—but beware that when it comes to alpacas, spit happens.
Shopping
Need some design inspiration but not enough to tackle Round Top? Leftovers Antiques, known for its 17,000 square feet of styled displays that blend old and new, is a huge Brenham draw. The store showcases high-quality European antiques, home décor, furniture, textiles, and accessories. Owner Ed Fulkerson opened the shop in 2006 and is adding another venture this year. “By fall, we’ll open our new retail store, The Forge, in the old blacksmith shop here in town, a nod to the history of Brenham.” Think more antiques, an apothecary, heirloom wares, jewelry, fancy dry goods, and sundries.
History
Walk in historic footprints at the new Camptown Soundwalk Experience in downtown Brenham, a Freedom Colony where formerly enslaved people developed a community and learned to live as freedmen. “Black residents knew much of the history,” says Tina Henderson, president of Texas Ten Historical Explorers, which supplied research for the project. “But many details have been revealed through recent research that we are proud to share locally and with visitors.” Hear stories of heartache, grit, and, ultimately, success, all brought to life through an engaging audio experience.
Outdoors
Spend a relaxing hour strolling the nursery and gardens at the Antique Rose Emporium with picture-perfect views at every turn. Get inspired to grow your own Old Garden roses or purchase a unique gift for green-thumbed friends. Feeling a little friskier? Head over to Rockin’ Star Ranch, where you’ll groom your best-match horse, saddle up, and ride across grassy meadows and past a skeet shooting station, a reminder that there’s much to do on this 150-acre ranch.
Animal Encounters
Gather the whole family for a visit to Milk & Honey Ranch, where you’ll find a working farm of ready-to-be-fed donkeys, pigs, rabbits, cows, goats, and horses, along with a chicken coop replete with eggs for the picking at $10 a dozen. Book a private session or check their online calendar for the popular monthly mini-highland cow cuddling sessions, said to be the softest, fluffiest way to sooth stress and connect with nature. Stay the night at the luxury ranch for about $400, and you might even wake up to a dog snoozing on your front porch.
Food
Power up for a day of fun at The Tilted Windmill. The impressive variety of tea and coffee selections complements a bubble waffle, their take on the popular Hong Kong snack that replaces the traditional waffle wells with bubbles of dough, or Texas-style French toast. For dinner, segue from savory meatballs and crispy arancini appetizers to decadent wild boar served on fresh pappardelle at Brossa’s Cibo E Vino. And if you’re just looking for a place to imbibe, relax on Floyd’s Lounge’s enormous deck with craft cocktails and the company of your new Brenham friends.
Wine
What happens when you give a wine drinker a cookie? He asks for another. 36 North Vineyard, which unapologetically pairs merlot with homemade blackberry lemon tarts, will inspire you to order their full wine pairings of vino and sweets. “We wanted to create a Hallmark-movie setting right here in Brenham,” says Tracy Rodriguez, who co-owns the business with her baker sister Jennifer. “Sit under our 100-year-old oak tree or in our newly renovated cottage and enjoy your two favorite things.”
