CHAPPELL HILL - (20 minutes, 18.5 miles)

Bluebonnet Festival (April) - This annual festival on the second weekend in April boasts more than 250 juried exhibitors (home décor, gardening, artists, craftsmen, jewelry, clothing, etc.), delicious country-style food, live entertainment and music, and tours of the historic community. Declared the "Official Bluebonnet Festival of Texas" by the Texas Legislature, it was voted #7 as "Most Popular Festival in Texas" by Texas Highways magazine.

Chappell Hill Lavender Farm - An aromatic lavender farm with quaint surroundings and a scenic hillside view. The farm is about 8 miles north of the historic town of Chappell Hill, just off of the Texas Independence Trail. Nestled in the heart of bluebonnet country the farm is a delightful day excursion from most anywhere in South Central Texas with many other attractions close by.

Panoramic views frame the landscape with rolling acres to a gazebo and pond- a peaceful setting for picnics or just relaxing with a cool glass of lavender lemonade.

During the cutting season which occurs twice a year, you can casually stroll the fragrant rows and cut your own fresh lavender. There is no admission charge to visit the farm.

Lavender & Wine Fest (August) - Enjoy a quaint countryside festival nestled in the heart of beautiful Washington County. On the second Saturday in August each year Chappell Hill Lavender Farm partners with Windy Winery to host this unique event. Activities are ongoing at both locations. Begin your day at the Lavender Farm where you will find local vendors, live music, demonstrations, lavender cuisine, and plants for sale and cutting (if blooming). Then head over to Windy Winery for grape stomping, live music and wine tastings. 

Scarecrow Festival (October) - Enjoy Chappell Hill’s magic land of scarecrows the second weekend of the month! The Festival boasts more than 250 juried exhibitors (home décor, gardening, artists, craftsmen, jewelry, clothing, etc.), delicious country-style food, live entertainment and music, and tours of the National Register Chappell Hill community. A special Children’s Activity Corner provides pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, barrel train, and more.

Texas Star Winery - Texas Star Winery was created near the birthplace of the Texas flag, and moved, to the birthplace of Texas itself. Our new winery in Washington County continues the tradition of exceptional handmade wines. Come and enjoy our wines at our brand new tasting room in Chappell Hill.

BRENHAM - (34 minutes, 32 miles)

Antique Rose Emporium - Eight acres of award-winning display gardens, where inspiration starts, and can be achieved. From tried-and-true perennials, to tiny succulents, drought-tolerant offerings, bulbs, garden supplies, and a gift shop, there's so much to see and buy.

Blue Bell Creamery - Visit us in our hometown of Brenham, Texas! Stop by for a scoop of ice cream at the Ice Cream Parlor, shop in the Country Store and learn more about us in our Visitor Center.

Brazos Valley Brewery - We’re just a group of family and friends who love good beer, good music, and the people that they bring together. Following this simple passion, we’ve created a family business — an independent craft brewery located on seven beautiful acres just West of historic downtown Brenham, Texas across the railroad tracks. We brew what we love, name it after the songs that we love, and we’re confident that you’ll love it too! 

Fall Festival of Roses (November) - Eight acres of award-winning display gardens at the renowned Antique Rose Emporium provide the lush setting for this annual festival the first weekend of the month. The weekend of learning features two days of lectures from rose and plant experts, as well as a day of tours. Along with the learning, there is so much to see and buy – heirloom roses, of course – then tried-and-true perennials, tiny succulents and drought-tolerant offerings, bulbs, garden supplies, and more.

Home Sweet Farm Market & Biergarten - This farmers' market–biergarten hybrid hits hard in the nostalgia department. Even if you've never lived in a small town, Home Sweet Farm immediately grabs your heartstrings and reminds you of simpler times. The atmosphere is carefree and the ambience is authentically Texas; you'll even find transplants clutching craft beer and pledging their allegiance to the Lone Star State. Home Sweet Farm proudly claims to have the largest selection of Texas craft beer in the county.

Maifest (May) -A very colorful scene unfolds the first weekend in May with Maifest, a celebration highlighting Brenham’s proud German heritage and showcasing the youth of the community. Except for several years during World Wars I and II, this event has been held annually since 1881. Each year, hundreds of volunteers work countless hours to produce a colorful parade, and Junior and Senior coronations. A fun-filled festival features authentic German food, music and drink, and quality musicians from around the state perform on the main stage in historic Fireman’s Park.

Pleasant Hill Winery - Pleasant Hill Winery just celebrated its 23rd Anniversary as the oldest winery in Washington County. About a dozen award-winning wines are produced from only Texas grapes. There is a wine to please every palate from dry reds and whites to sweet wines and ports. Grapes come from the Brenham vineyard, the Lubbock area and from vineyards all over the great state of Texas. You can visit the Winery on weekends year-round for a tour and tasting. Regular hours are Saturday 11:00 – 6:00 and Sunday noon – 5:00. Browse the well-stocked gift shop.

Pleasant Hill Winery is proud to be a part of the Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail. Join them for the Wine and Chocolate Trail in February, the Bluebonnet Trail in March/April (come and take your pictures in their spectacular wildflower fields), the Harvest Trail in July, and the Wine and Sausage Trail in October.

“Crush for Fun”, with four consecutive weekends in July and August, has become their biggest event. You get to pick and stomp “Lucy-style” and put your footprints on a T-shirt. Bring the kids, and don’t forget your camera for this annual event.

Texas Arts & Music Festival (October) - To present a wide range of Texas arts and music by simultaneously showcasing Texas artists and musicians at various forums throughout the City of Brenham, TX. Profits from TAMF will be directed to educational resources that support arts and music in Washington County Texas.

Trade Days Christmas Market (December)  

Texas Independence Day - This annual celebration on the weekend closest to March 2 features live music, food, traditional crafts, living history presentations, firing demonstrations, historical encampments and commemorative programs. Guests will experience life in 1836 Texas visiting with reenactors; witnessing firing demonstrations in the Texas Army camps; watching cooking, weaving and period craft demonstrations; and walking the same trail as Texas’ forefathers and pioneer families. Texas musicians and actors provide musical and theatrical entertainment. A Kid Zone allows children to dress up in historical costumes. Sign a large-scale copy of the Texas Declaration of Independence and take photos near the Declaration.

Washington County Fair (September) - Welcome to the Washington County Fair, the Oldest Fair in Texas! The Washington County Fair is an annual event held each September by the Washington County Fair Association. It offers several days of exciting events such as a rodeo, carnival, live music & concerts, food, a variety of livestock shows, arts and crafts, special attractions, contests, commercial exhibits and more...

Windy Winery - Windy Winery has developed high quality wines that range from robust to fruity and some are wonderfully subtle. August and Linda Meitzen are true to the region’s history and are owner operators with ancestral heritage that dates back to the Country of Texas in 1837.

BELLVILLE - (28 minutes, 24 miles)

Newman's Castle - Experience the old-world charm of Newman’s Castle, a one-of-a-kind custom creation hidden just outside of Bellville in the rolling countryside. The castle features a moat (watch out for gators!), a massive working 3,000 lb. drawbridge with an accompanying portcullis, a chapel, five round corner turrets, a courtyard, and a central keep with a dramatic view of the surrounding lands. A perimeter wall encompasses the castle, ensuring you are safe from oncoming marauders during your visit.

BURTON - (39 minutes, 40 miles)

Burton Cotton Gin and Museum - Designated on June 19, 2009 as the Official Cotton Gin Museum of Texas, this historic cotton gin has been visited annually by thousands of visitors who have also enjoyed exhibits at the Texas Cotton Gin Museum. Burton, a small rural German community of 300 is conveniently located halfway between Houston and Austin on Hwy 290.

Cotton Gin Festival (April) - Saturday - April 17-FREE ADMISSION Starts off with Main Street Parade and includes the Children's Bicycle Parade... Family activities and contests (bubble gum blowing, pie eating, seed pulling), Food Booths, Craft Booths, Children's Barnyard , Tractor Show, Farming demonstrations and equipment, Tours around the historic 1914 Burton Farmers Gin with live streaming coverage from sinde, Tours of Wehring Shoe Shop and Cotton Warehouse, Folk Life Demonstrations, and Antique Engine Exhibits!

Peeka Ranch Alpaca Farm - Tucked away in the rolling hills of Burton Texas, we are appx 65 miles west of Houston Texas Our Ranch is home to more than 100 Alpacas. We would love to have you visit.

Saddlehorn Winery - Nestled in the heart of Washington County, the Birthplace of Texas, our 390 acre ranch in Burton, is conveniently located halfway between Houston and Austin, one mile off of highway 290 and just minutes from tourist attractions in Brenham and Round Top. Take in the picturesque views of the rolling hills and vineyard, where we grow our estate Blanc du Bois and Black Spanish, all while sipping on one of our award winning hand-crafted wines..

ROUND TOP - (49 minutes, 50.1 miles)

Antiques and Galleries

Antiques Fair  - The Original Round Top Antiques Fair invites you to join us in celebrating our 51st year in Round Top, a history earned through our consistent reputation for unsurpassed quality and unusual, one-of-a-kind antiques. We offer three shows each year: the world renowned Spring and Fall Antiques Fairs, in our venues, and the newer Winter Antiques Show, in the Big Red Barn. When you step through the door in the Big Red Barn, or the Continental Tent, you will experience one of the Best Antique Shows in the nation.