While in Katy for some horseshows, I took a side trip to Brenham, just an hour drive away. Brenham, with a population near 19,000, is most famous for being the home to Blue Bell Creameries, maker of “the best ice cream in the country.”
While Blue Bell may be one of the most popular attractions in this darling town, there are many things to in Brenham from strolling its historic downtown to riding the Flying Horse Carousel to camping at nearby Lake Somerville State Park. Historians, nature lovers, and shoppers will all enjoy a weekend getaway in Brenham.
Table of Contents
Where to Stay in Brenham
When I visited Brenham, I camped in my Sprinter van, VANgo, at Lake Somerville State Park. The state park is separated into two units. Nails Creek Unit is on the southwest side of Lake Somerville while the Birch Creek Unit is on the northeast side of the lake.
I stayed in the Birch Creek Unit, as I was most interested in the hiking trails on that side of the park. More on hiking at Lake Somerville State Park later.
If you don’t wish to camp, one of the best places to stay in Brenham is Ant Street Inn. You can’t go wrong with this boutique hotel located in the heart of Brenham’s historic downtown. The century old building dating back to 1899 was once a grocery store and saloon.
Over time, the building fell into disrepair, but in 1991 it got a makeover and now features 15 unique rooms adorned in antiques and oriental rugs. Ant Street Inn is a perfect place for a romantic getaway to Brenham.
Things to Do in Brenham
Stroll Brenham’s Historic Downtown
Right from the Ant Street Inn you can stroll Brenham’s historic downtown listed on the National Register of historic places. Preserved 19th and 20th century buildings housing restaurants and boutique stores line the square featuring the art deco county courthouse.
Don’t miss the Mescalito Coffee which shares space with a darling store called Ballad of the Bird Dog. This is a very popular place among locals and it stays open all week, unlike some places which are only open for weekend traffic.
Check Out the Art
As you meander through historic downtown, admire the many colorful murals. There are at least 20 murals painted on the quaint buildings. And each October the City of Brenham commissions an artist who paints another at the Texas Arts & Music Festival. I personally liked the Bluebonnets, the Texas state flower.
Learn Some History
Also, tucked in between two buildings off Alamo St. near Toubin Park is Belle’s Alley which features detailed signage about Freedom Colonies. Admittedly, I was never good in history as a child, but at 54, this is the first time I have ever heard of Freedom Colonies in Texas. I got an entire history lesson!
After emancipation, The Freedom Colonies were established on White landowners’ undesirable land or on the outskirts of town by formerly enslaved individuals. The colonies typically included a church, school, a cemetery, a place for trade, a lodge, and clusters of homesteads.
There are remnants of a Freedom Colony once called Camptown just a few blocks from the Brenham Historic Downtown. Pop in your car and head over to Camptown to take a short walking tour that begins at Jerry Wilson Park. I particularly liked visiting the cemetery with headstones dating back to the 1860’s.
Indulge in Blue Bell Ice Cream
From there, drive over to Blue Bell Creameries to take a self-guided tour. The factory includes a visitor’s center, baseball museum, gift shop, a viewing deck, and of course scoops of Blue Bell ice cream for a $1. As a native Texan, I was happy to relive my childhood by indulging in peppermint and mocha almond fudge ice cream. Delicious! I concur with Blue Bell. It makes “the best ice cream in the country!”
Ride the Flying Horse Carousel
From Blue Bell take a five-minute drive to Fireman’s Park to ride the Flying Horse Carousel. The fully restored, antique carousel, once abandoned in a field north of town, is one of only eight in Texas. And it is the only CW Parker carousel that features Herschell-Spillman horses. It is protected by an octogonal building with glass for viewing. And it’s full story can be found on the signage at the park.
Unfortunately, I visited Brenham in November, so it was closed for the season, but if you visit between March and October, you can take a spin every Saturday for $1. It also runs on Sunday during the spring. At least I didn’t miss the carousel ride in Central Park during my December visit to New York City. I’m not sure why I like carousels so much. Maybe just because I love horses!
Watch a Baseball Game
Fireman’s Park also features one of the finest high school baseball fields in the nation. Brenham is considered the Baseball Capital of Texas, and its high school team has been state champs seven times. Though the team didn’t manage a hit against Nolan Ryan in 1965 when he was a high school pitcher! Regardless, pop in for a game and enjoy America’s pastime.
Taste Texas BBQ
Nearby Fireman’s Park is LJ’s BBQ. I suppose I probably should have suggested lunch before dessert at Blue Bell Creameries, but I had to make sure you weren’t too full after savoring The Big Dog sandwich at LJ’s BBQ. The family run restaurant is ranked as a top 50 BBQ joint in Texas. Get there early because it sells out!
Visit the Antique Rose Emporium
Need to walk off all the southern comfort food? Visit the Antique Rose Emporium just 15 minutes north of Brenham. The nursery doubles as a wedding venue with a chapel, historic buildings, decorative paths and a gift shop. I loved the decorative arch ways, the pumpkin making bar, and just tranquil vibe as I strolled through the venue. What a good way to sell roses!!
Go for a Hike
Another place for walking, or better yet, hiking and spotting lots of deer is at Lake Somerville State Park. During my weekend visit to Brenham, I took several hikes in the Birch Creek Unit on the northeast side of the lake.
Wilderness Run was the best trail. My dog Annie and I came across a buck and a herd of four doe as we followed the four-mile out and back trail through the trees and across the prairie with intermittent views of the lake. In November, the Texas landscape isn’t anything to write home about, but getting out in nature is always relaxing. I’ll be back in the area in the spring, so hopefully the wildflowers will be blooming.
Take a Side Trip
If not the wildflowers, then maybe Chappell Hill Lavender Farm, just a 15-minute drive from Brenham, will have some lavender growing next season. In summary, this charming Texas town affords visitors many things to do for a weekend getaway, so be sure to visit Brenham! ETB
Like It? Pin It!
Brenham is my favorite local country destination. We often take a day trip there – it is as hot as hades in the summer! Lovely images!
When we drive through, we just go to Blue Bell! But I have never heard of a freedom colony… Now I know what to drag these homeschool kids over for some history lessons! Thanks for sharing.
I know. I first learned of them at 54 years old!! Your kiddos will know so much more!
This looks like a very quaint place to visit. I like the BBQ place and this is such a great country destination. It is really nice to explore and see new places and see how people live and work.