Lodging

Antique Rose Emporium

Located on an early settler's homestead in historic Independence, the nationally renowned 8-acre retail display garden center is beautifully landscaped featuring romantic old garden roses, native plants, old-fashioned cottage garden perennials, herbs, and a wildflower meadow. Several unique restored buildings include an 1855 stone kitchen original to the site, an 1840's log corncrib, an 1850's saltbox house, and an early 1900's Victorian home. Reservations are requested for groups or tour buses. Newsletter and mail order catalogues available. For Wedding information call (800)441-0002. Mon-Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 11am-5:30pm. Admission is FREE. Closed on major holidays. Call (979)836-5548 or write 9300 Lueckemeyer Rd, Brenham 77833. Visit www.weAREroses.com

Texas Baptist Historical Center & Museum

This is an integral part of one of Texas' most historic sites organized in 1839. The original site of Baylor University for men and women was founded through the church in 1845. Sam Houston was converted and baptized in this church in 1854. These are only a few historic facts and sites that you can explore when you visit. (See the five lighted churches in Independence at night.) Stroll the new Baylor Park on Windmill Hill. Admission is FREE. Open Tue-Sat 9am-4pm. Call (979)836-5117 or write to 10405 FM 50, Brenham 77833.

John P. Coles Home Tours in Independence
Independence Historical Society offers tours of two of the earliest homes of Washington County and a rural one-room schoolhouse. John P. Coles House provides an opportunity to experience Colonial Texas life. A dogtrot log cabin portrays the hardiness of former owners. During the Texas Republic it housed a San Jacinto veteran, the first Presbyterian minister and a prominent lawyer. The early 1900 schoolhouse takes visitors back to days of readin', writin', and 'rithmatic! Tours on selected March & April weekends; other times by appointment. Admission fee. For information call Lanella Gray at (979)830-0230.

Seward Plantation
John Seward began building his plantation home in 1850. It consists of an antebellum, double-galleried, seven-bedroom house surrounded by live oak trees and a white picket fence. Seward came to Texas in 1832 with his father, who was one of Austin¹s first colonists. The site includes log barns, out-buildings and slave quarters. Seward descendents have continuously occupied the plantation since its construction. Only open to groups tours of 10 or more and shown by appointment only. Located at 10005 FM 390, Independence. Tour fee. Call (979)830-5388 or Email: hward@alpha1.net

Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site

The 293-acre park is located on the original town site of Washington, which served as the capital of the Republic of Texas. The complex features a state-of-the-art Visitors Center with hands-on interactive exhibits, which walk visitors through the birth of a new nation Texas. The Washington Emporium, located in the Visitors Center, is a premiere Texas gift shop. The Complex includes a Conference Center, Education Center, and Pavilions that are available to rent for special occasions. Open year-round, the Park offers hiking trails, picnic areas with tables, grills, shelters, all free of charge from 8am until dark. Guided tours and programs are available year round. Call for dates and admission fees. Stroll the Park trails where Texas was born. This historic site showcases Independence Hall where the Texas Declaration of Independence was drafted and signed on March 2, 1836. Open daily for tours.

Star of the Republic Museum

Experience the saga of the Republic of Texas, which from 1836 to 1846, existed as a separate and independent nation. Through interactive exhibits, audiovisual presentations and educational programs, the Museum presents the experiences of ordinary Texans and extraordinary events. All new, award-winning exhibits provide a comprehensive and unparalleled look at the people and places that shaped the character of this unique nation. Administered by Blinn College. Open daily 10am-5pm. www.starmuseum.org

Barrington Living History Farm

Explore the home of Anson Jones, the last president of the Republic of Texas. Experience sights, sounds, and smells of this southern cotton plantation with historic breeds and heirloom crops. Daily life on this working 1850¹s farm comes alive as interpreters in period clothing demonstrate daily chores and skills. Open Wednesday through Saturday 10am5pm and Sunday 11am-5pm.

Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site is located between Brenham and Navasota off Hwy. 105 on FM 1155. Combination tickets and family discounts for the featured sites in the Park make this a family friendly destination. Special programs can be arranged for groups of 20 or more. For dates and admission fees, call 936-878-2214 Visit: www.birthplaceoftexas.com.

Blue Bell Creameries

Blue Bell is open for plant tours year-round, weekdays only. Winter schedule may vary. There is a nominal charge for the 45-minute tour that includes a short film and ends with a dip of your favorite ice cream flavor. Tour reservations required for groups (15+). During Spring Break, reservations required for all visitors. Call in advance for tour days and times. Closed most holidays. The Blue Bell Country Store, specializing in Blue Bell logo items and country-style gifts is open Monday Friday; and Saturday, March December. Tours are available Monday-Friday at 10am, 11am, 1pm, 1:30pm, 2pm, & 2:30pm and are conducted on a first come first served basis. Call for seasonal hours, reservations for groups, & current prices. Call 1-800-327-8135, or write P.O. Box 1807, Brenham 77834.Visit: www.bluebell.com

Brenham Heritage Museum

The Brenham Heritage Museum is housed in Brenham's former U.S. Post Office. The Classical Revival structure, located in downtown Brenham, was built in 1915 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum features exhibits that interpret the proud history of Brenham and Washington County. A special exhibit is Elenor Cox's Lamp Collection, dates 1787-1940's. Please stop by and experience the history of the county where Texas was born! Group tours are welcome. Admission is $1.00. Open Wed. 1pm-4pm; Thur.-Sat. 10am-4pm. Call (979)830-8445. Located at 105 S. Market St., Brenham. Visit: www.texasbirthplace.org

Burton Cotton Gin & Museum

Built in 1914, the Burton Farmers Gin stands as a monument to King Cotton. Guided by the Smithsonian and the National Trust for Historic Preservation and other advisors, dedicated volunteers restored the 1925 Bessemer twin-type IV oil engine that still powers the gin. Other historic buildings in the museum include a Shoe Shop, Warehouse, and Auto Shop. A Texas Historic Landmark, a Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark, and listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Visitor Center open Mon.-Sat., call ahead for seasonal hours. Tours available Fri. & Sat. and by appointment Mon.-Thur. Call (979)289-3378. Located at 307 N. Main, Burton. Write to P.O. Box 98, Burton, Tx 77835. Email burtoncottongin@earthlink.net Visit www.cottonginmuseum.org

Chappell Hill Historic District

Chappell Hill, the "Gateway to Washington County." This lovely country setting offers a Visitor's Center in the restored Providence Baptist Church Parsonage, the Museum displaying historical exhibits and the Swearingen folk art collection, the Rock Store, century old churches, Masonic Cemetery, and the oldest continually operating bank in America. Guided tours of museum and other properties available by appointment. Museum located at 9220 Poplar St. Hours: Wed-Sat 10am-4pm. Sun 1pm-4pm. Free Admission. Call (979)836-6033. Visit: www.chappellhillmuseum.org

Monastery of St. Clare Miniature Horse Ranch

The Monastery is home to a group of Franciscan Poor Clare Nuns who support themselves by raising miniature horses and by selling their handmade ceramic items in the "Art Barn" gift shop. Visitors are welcome to pet the horses, browse in the gift shop, and spend a few quiet moments in the Chapel. Adults $3, Children under 12 $1. Open Tue-Sat 1:30pm-4pm. During Jan, Feb & Sept open only Fri & Sat. Closed the week preceding Easter and Christmas. Guided group tours for adults $5 per person, min. $75. Located at 9300 Hwy 105, Brenham. Call (979)836-9652. Visit www.monasteryminiaturehorses.com

Pleasant Hill Winery

Tours begin and end in a carefully constructed barn at the top of the hill. The tour will take you through the path of the grape as it transforms from vine to wine. In the cellar, you will experience the sights and smells of the winemaking process. In the tasting room, you will be able to sample the results of our "wine-growing". Taste the wine traditions of the Zaffiro and Macedonio families. Great gift shop with wines and souvenirs. FREE admission. Hours: Sat. 11am - 6pm; Sun. 12pm - 5pm. Located at 1441Salem Road, Brenham. Call (979) 830-VINE.Visit: www.PleasantHillWinery.com

Unity Theatre
Unity Theatre is a non-profit, professional theatre located in historic downtown Brenham. This 125-seat theatre, set in a restored warehouse, offers an intimate theatre experience within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and fine bed & breakfast establishments. The company produces a variety of plays and musicals throughout the year. Tickets are $18-$20 and reservations are recommended. For a free brochure call (979)830-8358, email info@unitybrenham.org Located at 300 Church St., Brenham. Visit www.UnityBrenham.org

LAKE SOMERVILLE
Enjoy this 11,400-acre lake with 85 miles of shoreline just 14 miles north of Brenham. Many species of birds and other wildlife may be observed from several park areas. Great fishing for bass and catfish. A 21-mile trailway connects Birch Creek and Nails Creek State Parks where you can hike or ride horses. For reservations call (512) 389-8900. Also offering electrical and non-electrical campsites are three Corps of Engineers Parks and Big Creek Marina & Campground. The City of Somerville operates Welch Park with a pavilion available for rent. For more information on the different parks call the Corps of Engineers at (979) 596-1622 or to make reservations call toll-free 877-444-6777 or visit www.reserveamerica.com