January is a great time to visit Texas’ beautiful countryside near Gates Ranch, an exclusive community of family farms. Here are also a few fun activities, all just over an hour away from Houston and a stone’s throw from Gates Ranch.

Fill Your Basket at Burton Farmers’ Market
January 5
The Burton Farmers’ and Artisans’ Market is held the first Saturday of each month at the Burton Train Depot in Downtown Burton. Shop for fresh, locally grown produce, breads and pastries baked by local restaurants, soaps and canned goods, plus art, crafts and handmade tools. Sponsored by the Burton Chamber of Commerce, the market is open from 9 a.m. until noon. And don’t forget to bring your own bag!

For more information, please visitwww.burtontexas.org/BurtonFarmersMarket, or call (979) 289-0007.

Wine Lovers Alert #1: Uptown Swirl in Brenham
January 19

Looking for a fun Saturday in the country? Head to downtown Brenham on January 19 and hang around for Uptown Swirl. Taste more than 20 different wines and take home a commemorative glass. The event is from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 if purchased before December 25 and $30 afterward.

Find Hidden Treasures at the Brenham Winter Antiques Show
January 13 & 14

Go on a treasure hunt at the Brenham Winter Antiques Show at the Knights of Columbus Hall where you’ll find time-honored furniture, collectibles and other vintage items. A Farmers Market on the grounds offers fresh produce, herbs, plants, shrubs and old garden furnishings that collectors love to find!

The show will be held on Saturday, January 13, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday, January 14, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The Knights of Columbus Hall is located on Blue Bell Road (FM 577). Admission is $5 per person. Meals and refreshments are available both days.

For more information, visit www.ruraltexasantiquesshows.com or call (979) 865-5618.

A Light in the Dark at the Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site
January 26 & 27

Have you ever wondered how people could see at night before electricity? What products could be used to create light in the darkness? Grease lamps, whale-oil lamps, and candles, made from a variety of different materials, were a few of the options that people would have had in 1850. Dipping candles was a seasonal chore that would have occupied family members in the winter time after butchering. Join us at the Barrington Living History Farm, home of Dr. Anson Jones, the last president of the Republic of Texas, and try your hand at making a small pair of tapers to take home. The program is free with paid admission to the park.

Ticket prices for the park are: Adult $5, Student $3, and FREE to children 6 and under. Standard hours of operation are 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. For directions and more information, visitwww.birthplaceoftexas.com.

Wine Lovers Alert #2: Raise Your Glass at Saddlehorn Winery

Enjoy a taste of Texas vino at the Saddlehorn Winery! Located on a 390-acre ranch near Burton, this landmark is a local favorite offering both great wine and beautiful views. A converted barn offers a unique and rustic feel to wine tasting. For more directions and more information, visit www.saddlehornwinery.com or call (979) 289-3858.

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.