Artful eating and drinking: Literally a stone’s throw from Brenham’s pleasant main street, you will find some movers and groovers who are preserving art, the craft of brewing and the nostalgia of righteous food. Be sure to visit Home Sweet Farm Market and Biergarten, Brazos Valley Brewing Company and The BackLot Gallery. Oh, and Brenham’s farm-to-table restaurant 96 West.

Have no fear: Blue Bell, the national ice cream of Texas, is available once again! When in Brenham, do as the Brenhamites do, and pick up a pint. . . or a half-gallon.

Explore Texas’ history: On March 2, 1836, Texas declared its independence from Mexico. The Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, the precise location where 59 delegates gathered to embrace freedom and democracy, is located just off FM 105 on the outskirts of Brenham. Stop by and pay homage to the state’s republic era.

Stop and smell the roses: Antique Rose Emporium has been growing the most beautiful roses this side of the Mississippi for 30 years on their grounds near Brenham. Beautifully nestled on eight acres that includes a quaint chapel for weddings, this place is a must see. If you’ve ever seen an “Abraham Darby” you will know elegance. (Although, the spring and late summer are great time to visit, the fall is also a great time to explore.)

Almost everyone has a things to do list. While grocery shopping and picking up the laundry are undeniably necessary, they’re not nearly as fun as exploring the Roundtopolis. While the Round Top Antiques Shows are larger than life, they’re just the beginning of the discoveries waiting to be made in the region.

Use our suggestions to get going on your own personal adventure. Check out our ideas for Burton, Carmine, Fayetteville, Giddings, La Grange, and Round Top.

article by Dixie Ray Hamilton