In the beautiful countryside of Washington County, springtime is show time when bluebonnets and other wildflowers are celebrated at numerous unique weekend activities. The beauty, lifestyle and fun are all just an hour away from Houston and a stone’s throw from Gates Ranch, an exclusive community of family farms. All events are in date order. Come see for yourself – and for more information on Gates Ranch and Washington County, please visit us at www.gatesranchtx.com.
46th Annual Original Round Top Antiques Fair
April 2-5 – Round Top
The Original Round Top Antiques Fair is celebrating their 46th year, a history earned through their consistent reputation for unsurpassed quality and unusual, one-of-a-kind antiques. When you step through the door of the Big Red Barn, you will experience one of the Best Antique Shows in the nation, and a great place to enjoy award-winning BBQ for lunch.
With porters available to carry items to the car, shippers on site to handle large items, air-conditioned buildings, and free parking, shoppers can enjoy a memorable experience while finding exactly the right treasures to enhance their homes for years to come.
The show is the centerpiece of an antique community with hundreds of dealers that extends more than 10 miles from Carmine to US 290, through Round Top, and out to the open fields and tents of Warrenton on FM 237.
For more information, log on to www.roundtoptexasantiques.com.
35th Annual Blue Bell Fun Run in Brenham
April 12
In 1907, Blue Bell Creameries opened its doors in Brenham, Texas, making deliveries to its neighbors by horses and wagons. As part of Washington County’s history, Blue Bell has remained committed to giving back. Since 1978, Blue Bell has sponsored this run that benefits the Brenham High School Athletic Program.
Runners and walkers from all around Texas are invited to come out and enjoy a beautiful day in the country. The race course starts at Brenham High and takes you through Washington County’s rolling countryside, abloom with Texas wildflowers. Best of all, at the end of the race, all participants are rewarded with all you can eat Blue Bell ice cream. Races available: 5K Individual & 5K Team, 10K Individual and 10K Team, and Kids’ 1-Mile. For more information and registration, log on to www.bluebellfunrun.com.
Burton Cotton Gin Festival
April 25-26
Step back in time when cotton was king. The historic 1914 Burton Farmers Gin is nestled in the heart of Burton, Texas – located on the same site where it was built almost 100 years ago!
The cotton era comes alive at the 24th Burton Cotton Gin Festival. This long-running festival pays homage to a Texas staple crop. On Friday, April 25, the festival kicks-off with an all-you-can-eat shrimp boil for $30 per person, limited to 300 persons. To purchase tickets, call the Texas Cotton Gin Musuem at 979-289-3378 or email burtoncottongin@earthlink.net.
On Saturday, April 26, admission is free for a full day of fun that begins at 10 a.m. with the Main Street Parade and family activities that include contests (bubble gum blowing, pie eating, seed pulling), Food Booths, Craft Booths, a Children’s Barnyard, Antique Tractor Show and Pull, tours of the historic 1914 Burton Farmers Gin, the Wehring Shoe Shop and Cotton Warehouse, Folk Life Demonstrations, and Antique Engine Exhibits.
The festival is held at the Museum, located at 307 N. Main St. in Burton. For more information, visit www.cottonginmuseum.org.
Independence Hall Historic Site
Washington, TX
Revered as one of Texas’ most significant historic places, it was here in 1836 that representatives of the Texas settlements met to make a formal declaration of independence from Mexico. A replica of Independence Hall Signers at Independence Hall marks the place where the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed and the government of the Republic of Texas was created.
Walk in the footsteps of Davy Crockett as you continue past Independence Hall and make your way down historic Ferry Street. At the end of your walk, enjoy the beautiful view of the Brazos and Navasota Rivers at our scenic overlook. Tours of Independence Hall are offered daily and provide a great opportunity to discover the unique history of Texas. Check at the Visitor Center for times and required tickets. For more information, visit www.birthplaceoftexas.com or call 936-878-2214.
Where to Find the Best Bluebonnets 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/plan/wildflower-watch.html, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/brenham.texas and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/visitbrenham.
While you’re in Washington County, we invite you to take a private tour of Gates Ranch. At Gates Ranch, you can escape the bustle of the city and be at your exclusive ranch home – surrounded in natural beauty and serenity – in just over an hour. For more information about Gates Ranch or to schedule your personal tour, please call Cyndee Smith at (979) 268-2000 or visit www.gatesranchtx.com.
