General -
This county seat is situated in the
east central part of Washington County on a part of the
league of land granted to a settler under colonization
laws of Coahuila and Texas. It's pronounced German
population began settling here in the 1860's. Home of
Blinn College, Texas' first county- wide junior college,
founded 1883.
An antique carrousel, only one of
12 in Texas, is the only example of a C. W. Parker
Carousel with Hershell-Spillman horses; manufactured
prior to 1910; in Firemen's Park. Visitors can view the
beautiful carnival ride at any time. Group tours, which
includes a ride on the carousel, may be arranged by
calling (409)836-7911.
Brenham lies on Texas 36, a segment
of the Ports to Plains Highway connecting the state's
heartland to coastal ports. It lies along the Texas
Pioneer Trail covering four-county area. For additional
information and map, contact local chamber of commerce.
Bed and Breakfast Registry-
For information and reservations:
(409)836-7911.
Blue Bell Creameries-
 "The
little creamery in Brenham," founded in 1907 as
Brenham Creamery Co.; name changed to Blue Bell in 1930
for wild flower that grows in area. With ice cream
production of two gallons a day in 1911, popular creamery
is home of what many believe is the ultimate ice
cream in the United States. In1981,
"Time" magazine devoted a major article to the
best premium ice creams their enthusiastic researchers
could find. After seven pages of waxing eloquent about
luscious, delectable varieties, the feature concluded:
"Forget all this, and resolve the next time you are
in Texas to obtain the best ice cream in the world, which
is made by Blue Bell Creameries in Washington
County...." Judge for yourself, for a fee, on tours at the
plant that now produces 20 million gallons per year.
Tours are year round Mon.-Fri. usually at 10a.m. and
1p.m.; groups of 15 or more need reservations. (All tours
by reservation only in March and April.) Blue Bell
Country Store open Mon.-Fri. 8a.m.-5p.m., Sat.
9a.m.-3p.m. Closed major holidays. 1-800- 327-8135. Two
miles southeast of downtown on S. Horton St. (F.M. 577). Admission
charge required.
Brenham Heritage Museum-
Housed in renovated 1915 Federal
Building. Exhibits help to preserve area history and to
keep it intact for future generations. Travelling
exhibits throughout the year. Open Wed. 1-4p.m.; Thurs.,
Fri., Sat. 10a.m.-4p.m. 105 S. Market St. For information
call (409)830-8445. Donations requested.
Burton Farmers Gin-
National historic landmark built in
1914 and powered by 1925 Bessemer twin type IV oil
engine. Rare working reminder os era when cotton reigned
supreme in Brazos Valley. Guided tours; 12 miles west of
Brenham on U. S. 290. (409)289-3418 or 289-3402.
Ellison's Greenhouses-
Only commercial wholesale
greenhouse operation in the state that allows public to
tour it's working operations. Five acres of greenhouses
produce year-round crops of foliage, mums, gloxinias,
African violets. Seasonally, half-acre greenhouses are
filled with poinsettias, tulips, Easter lilies, and
hydrangeas. Poinsettia Celebration on Thanksgiving
weekend. Gift shop and tourism center at 1808 S. Horton;
open Mon.-Sat. 9:30a.m.-5:00p.m.; (409)836-0084.
Greenhouse entrance at 2107 E. Stone St.; (409)836-6011.
Tours Mon.-Sat. 9:30a.m.-2:30p.m. Admission.
Monastery of St. Clare
Miniature Horse Farm-
Home to group of Franciscan Poor
Clare Nuns who support themselves by raising miniature
horses and by selling handmade ceramics and other crafts
in The Art Barn gift shop. Open daily, 2-4p.m., except
Holy Week and Christmas; nine miles northeast on Texas
105. (409)836-9652. |
