Bathed in bluebonnets, spring is the perfect time for a family weekend in beautiful Washington County, only one hour away from Houston and just a stone’s throw from Gates Ranch, an exclusive community of private farm estates. While you’re here, there are plenty of fun activities including a few we’ve selected for your consideration. April is an especially active month in Washington County, so come prepared to stay busy!
Marburger Farm Antiques Show in Round Top
March 29-April 2, 2016
Held twice a year, the Marburger Farm Antique Show has been a favorite source for antiques for more than a dozen years and features more than 350 dealers, set up on 43 acres, from across the United States and the world.
Here are five more good reasons you want to go to one of the greatest antique shows in Texas:
- There are more than 20 other venues spread throughout Round Top, Warrenton, Giddings, Carmine, Fayetteville and Burton.
- Where else can you go shopping with a herd of longhorns behind you and a sheriff riding around on horseback?
- You can indulge in a slice of Bud’s chocolate chip pie from Royer’s Pie Haven to recharge your shopping batteries.
- Celebrate your one-of-a-kind finds with Marburitas at the Blacksmith Bar.
- Watch a helicopter land to deposit shoppers at Marburger and wonder if a celebrity is among the passengers.
The Marburger Farm Antique Show is held at 2248 State Highway 237, just south of Round Top. For more information, visit www.roundtop-marburger.org, visit Marburger Farm Antique Show on Facebook or call 1-800-947-5799.
Girls Night Out in Brenham
April 1, 2016
It’s Girls Night Out in Downtown Brenham! Join friendly store merchants for food, fun, great deals, special offerings and the opportunity to win prizes, including Downtown Dollars to spend at your favorite participating shop. And as a special treat, watch “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” in the beautifully restored Simon Theater!
The free event is from 5 to 9 p.m., Friday, April 1st. For more information, please visit
Texas Bluebonnet Wine and Cheese Trail
April 2-3, 9-10, & 16-17, 2016
Celebrate Texas wild flowers and wine with your local winery! The Texas Bluebonnet Wine & Cheese Trail offers three weekends in April. Guests enjoy a select pairing of two wines and a specially crafted cheese appetizer at each stop. At their first winery, guests receive a 12 oz. commemorative Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail wine glass to use and keep for all of the tastings. Ticket holders who visit all seven wineries receive a specially selected Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail gift at their final stop.
Guests can start at the winery of their choice. Trail tickets are valid for one visit to each of the wineries over two weekends of the trail, regardless of when tickets are purchased, so ticket holders have four days over two weekends to visit all member wineries. The official hours for this event are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays for each trail weekend.
Tickets are $35 for one person and $56 for two persons. To learn about participating wineries and purchase tickets, please visit www.texasbluebonnetwinetrail.com.
12th Annual Head for the Hills Bike Ride – Starts in Chappell Hill
April 2, 2016
Whether you’re training for the MS150 or just enjoy cycling in the fresh country air, the 12th Annual Head for the Hills Bike Ride takes you through beautiful Washington County and its challenging rolling hills. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Washington County, the ride is scheduled for Saturday, April 2. There are three course selections: Short – 26 miles, 1,375 ft. elevation change; Moderate – 43 miles, 2,365 ft. elevation change; or Long – 62 miles, 3,385 ft. elevation change. The ride is fully supported with refreshments, rest stops, and mechanics. For more information, please visit www.wcrotaryclub.org/h4h.
Unity Theatre in Brenham presents “Jerry Finnegan’s Sister”
April 7-17, 2016
Brian Dowd has spent the last 10 years of his life wrestling with an unrequited “something” for his best friend’s sister, who happens to live next door. But each and every time he’s spoken with Beth Finnegan for more than 30 seconds, he’s ended up with his foot planted firmly in his mouth. Now, Beth is about to get married and Brian’s time is running out. In a series of fast-moving, hysterically funny scenes, two actors play Brian and Beth from ages seven and six, through their adolescent and teen years, to the present. Created by Jack Leary, this delightful comedy is directed by James Monaghan.
The Unity Theatre is located at 300 Church Street in Brenham. For show times and to purchase tickets, please visit www.UnityBrenham.org or call 979-830-8358.
52nd Annual Bluebonnet Festival in Chappell Hill
April 9-10, 2016
The Official State of Texas Bluebonnet Festival, as declared by the Texas Legislature, will be held in downtown Chappell Hill on Saturday, April 9th, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday, April 10th, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Voted number 7 as “Most Popular Festival in Texas” by Texas Highways magazines, the Chappell Hill Historical Society’s annual fair features more than 250 juried exhibitors and artists selling home decor, gardening, artwork, crafts, jewelry, clothing, and more.
Enjoy delicious country-style food, live entertainment and music and tours of the historic community. A special Children’s Activity Corner will offer pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, barrel train and more. A special Wildflower Photo exhibit will be on display at the Chappell Hill Museum Exhibit Gallery. For more information, please visit www.chappellhillhistoricalsociety.com.
2016 Blue Bell Fun Run in Brenham
April 9, 2016
Started in 1978, this race benefits the Brenham High School Athletic program through an organization called Run for the Youth of Washington County. Brenham High School athletes serve as volunteers for the race to benefit numerous winning athletic programs, including baseball, track, cross country, golf, volleyball, football, softball, tennis and more.
The course starts and finishes at Brenham High School on FM 2935 off of Loop 577 on the north side of town in scenic and historic Washington County. The Trestle Trail guides runners down paved, winding roads taking you through Brenham’s beautiful countryside – rolling hills covered in bluebonnets.
It’s fun for kids and adults alike with individual and team events in the 5K and 10K as well as the Kids’ 1-Mile Run. For more information and registration: www.bluebellfunrun.com.
Where to Find the Best Wildflowers in Washington County
The hills of Washington County are bathed in beautiful bluebonnets and other wildflowers during springtime. Our friends at the Brenham/Washington County Convention & Visitors Bureau receive a lot of calls and emails asking, “When’s the best time for bluebonnets?” or “Where’s the best spot to take photographs?” – and they’ve got the answers for Washington County!
The bureau provides updates on wildflower locations, activity and more on their website, www.visitbrenhamtexas.com/wildflower-watch.
While you’re in Washington County, we invite you to join us at Gates Ranch, a 1,500-acre community of exclusive, private ranch estates. Over 87% of the farms in phases one and two have been acquired by Houstonians for their own family retreats. We are now opening the last section – Section Three – which offers nine farms ranging from 50 to 133 acres in size. For more information or to schedule your personal tour of Gates Ranch, please called Cyndee Smith with Oldham Goodwin Group at (713)816-3407 or visit www.gatesranchtx.com.
