Located near Houston and Austin in Washington County, Texas, the Inn at Dos Brisas is at the heart of some of the finest attractions and activities in the state. Close to the ranch, the city of Brenham attracts visitors with its antique carousel, Heritage Museum, Antique Rose Emporium, and tours of the Bluebell Creamery and local wineries. Other nearby things to do include the campus of Texas A&M University and the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library, historical plantations, lavender farms, museums, golf, and shopping. Houston and all of its big city attractions is just an hour away, or drive two hours to Austin, home of the University of Texas, to sample this college town's music and culture.
Here are a few favorite attractions and activities in the area. Ask at the service desk for a more extensive list:
Antique Carousel – Brenham Built before 1910 and only one of eight in Texas, it is the only example of a C.W. Parker carousel with Herschell-Spillman horses. 979-337-7350
Brenham Heritage Museum Tour – Brenham Permanent exhibits illustrate the diverse history of Brenham and Washington County and special exhibits are presented throughout the year. 979-830-8445
Burton Cotton Gin & Museum - Burton History is alive at one of the last cotton gins operating in America, powered by a1925 Bessemer engine. Recognized by the Smithsonian Institution, National Trust for Historic Preservation, National Register of Historic Places. Complex includes 1914 gin, cobbler shop, garage, warehouse, and video of cotton processing from wagon to finished bale. 979-289-3378
The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum – College Station The museum encompasses more than fifty years of U.S. history from World War II to the end of the Persian Gulf War. Displays include an actual TBM Avenger bomber, 1947 Studebaker automobile, replicas of the President's Camp David and Air Force One offices and a section of the Berlin Wall. 979-691-4000
Barrington Living History Farm - Washington on the Brazos State Historical Park Experience the home of Anson Jones, last president of the Republic of Texas. Sights, sounds and smells of this Texas cotton farm include historic animal breeds and heirloom crops. Interpreters in period clothing demonstrate chores and skills on this 1850's farm. 936-878-2214
Antique Rose Emporium - Brenham Beautiful rose gardens, much to see and purchase. 979-836-5548
Chappell Hill Lavender Farm – Chappell Hill Aromatic lavender farm, quaint surroundings, lush plants, ponds. 979-251-8114
The Monastery of St. Clare Miniature Horse Ranch – Brenham Self-guided tours of the horses, Art Barn, and Monastery Chapel year-round for families, individuals, and other small groups. 979-836-9652
Bluebell Creameries – Brenham Tours include a scoop of Bluebell ice cream. 800-327-8135
Pleasant Hill Winery Tour – Brenham $3 per person or $5 for 2 people including a wine tasting of 4 wines. Vineyard and gift shop. 979-830-8463
Windy Hill Winery - Brenham Tour this small family-built winery and vineyard, sample the wine and visit the gift shop. 979-836-7010 or 979-836-3252
Antiquing - Brenham The Brenham area is home to some of the finest antiques shops in Texas. Ask the concierge for a map to our favorite spots.
Events
September 2009 September 5 – November 26 – Texas A & M Football - tickets available.www.aggieathletics.com
9/12 – 19– Washington County Fair: First county fair in Texas! Washington County Fairgrounds Adults $12 (after 7p.m. $15), kids 6 – 12 $3. 5 & under free. www.washingtoncofair.com
9/27 – 10/4 – La Bahia Antiques Show: La Bahia Hall, Burton
October 2009 9/27 – 10/4 – La Bahia Antiques Show: La Bahia Hall, Burton
10/1 – 10/4 – The Original Round Top Antiques Fair, Round Top
April 10 & 11, 2010 – Official Bluebonnet Festival of Texas – Ranked 7 Most Popular Festival in Texas Highway Magazine. Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday Noon – 5 p.m. Free Admission, Parking Fees. www.chappellhillmuseum.org
April 10 & 11, 2010 – Burton Cotton Gin Festival – Folk life demonstrations, Tractor Pull, Carnival, Gin Tours. Friday, 6 p.m. to Midnight, Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m., Sunday, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Admission at Gate. www.cottonginmuseum.org
May 2010 May – Mother's Day Weekend – 120th Maifest Celebration. Parade downtown @ 10:30 a.m. on Friday & Saturday morning. Festivities at Fireman's Park start at 5:30 p.m. on Friday and 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. Free admission. Tickets required for Junior & Senior Coronations & Children's Carnival rides. www.maifest.org
May (exact dates TBD) – Fayetteville Chamber Music Festival, Round Top Texas. www.fayettevillemusic.org
May (exact dates TBD) – OTC- Offshore Trade Convention
