Fall is just around the corner, a great time to explore Texas’ beautiful countryside around Gates Ranch, an exclusive community of family farms. Here are a few fun activities, all just over an hour away from Houston, and a stone’s throw from Gates Ranch.
Go to the Oldest County Fair in Texas!
Mark your calendar and start counting off the days for the Washington County Fair, the oldest county fair in the Lone Star State, being held September 14th through the 22nd! An event for all ages, the Washington County Fair will have activities that include concerts, rodeos, livestock shows, arts and craft shows, special attractions, a carnival, commercial exhibits and more. There’s something there for everyone!
The fairgrounds are located on FM 577 (Blue Bell Rd.) between Texas Highway 36 and 105, and provide ample parking for all visitors.
While in Washington County, enjoy a county filled with history, tradition and beauty. After all, Washington County is the “Birthplace of the Texas Republic” – and Gates Ranch.
For more information about the Washington County Fair, visitwww.washingtoncofair.com.
Shop ‘til You Drop at the Round Top Antique Festival and Marburger Farm Fall Antique Shop
Search for a rare collectible or find the perfect piece to decorate your home at Gates Ranch one of the largest antique events in Texas. From October 2-6, antique shopping heaven will be located along a 12-mile stretch between U.S. Highway 290 south to Warrenton, Texas. Headliner locations you don’t want to miss are:
45th Annual Round Top Antique Festival, one of the largest antique events in Texas, is coming October 2-6. If you like antique shopping, this is one event you do not want to miss! The festival’s best-of-the-best exhibitors search all over the country and worldwide to find those perfect items to show their repeating and new clientele. Please visit www.roundtoptexasantiques.com for more information.
The Marburger Farm Fall Antique Show, a fan favorite for antique shoppers, is also slated for October 2-6 and kicks off with Early Buying Tuesday. Located on 43 sprawling acres, more than 350 dealers fill 10 large tents and 12 historical buildings to present an extraordinary range of antiques including architectural, English, Continental, Asian, industrial, garden, Americana, painted furniture, fine art, early Texas, mid-century modern, French, silver, jewelry, textiles, paintings and prints. Go here for more information:www.roundtop-marburger.com.
Celebrate Fall in Historic Chappell Hill at the Scarecrow Festival
Escape the city for a weekend get-away to historical Chappell Hill for the 36th Annual Chappell Hill Scarecrow Festival on Saturday and Sunday, October 13-14.
Along with the sights of festive scarecrows and pumpkins adorning Chappell Hill’s historic homes, the Scarecrow Festival features more than 250 exhibitors showcasing home décor, holiday items, gardening, jewelry, clothing and much more. Stroll the streets of Chappell Hill and sample delicious country-style food, listen to live entertainment and take a tour of the historic community. A special children’s activity corner provides pony rides, petting zoo, face painting, barrel train and more.
The Scarecrow Festival is open on Saturday, October 13, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, October 14, from noon to 5 p.m. The festival is hosted by the Chappell Hill Historical Society, a non-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation of the community’s history and historic buildings. For more information, visitwww.chappellhillmuseum.org.
While you’re in Washington County, we invite you to take a private tour of Gates Ranch to experience the natural beauty and serenity first hand. For more information about Gates Ranch or to schedule your personal tour, please call 713-626-8050 or visitwww.gatesranchtx.com.
