I've always dreamed of twirling around a purple-hue paradise amidst wondrous lavender scent filling the atmosphere. Ah! When I learned there's a lavender farm near us, we then scheduled our weekend for a short drive to Brenham. Will reality (real lavender farm) meet expectations (dream lavender farm)?
Brenham, TX is a country in between Austin and Houston on Hwy 290. From Austin, the drive took more than an hour to get there.
Where to Eat
- Chappell Hill Bakery and Deli - This is our first stop from Austin for lunch. Don't be fooled, while the sign outside says 'Bakery & Deli' they actually serve meat! As of writing, Chappell Hill Bakery and Deli's brisket is our new best. It's a must-try.
- Chappell Hill Sausage Company - We haven't been here but according to my research, this restaurant serves oh-so-heavenly-sausages.
- Must be Heaven - If you're into light meals like soups, salads, and sandwiches then this restaurant is for you. This is located at Brenham Downtown Historic District. Gideon (my husband) and I stopped by to order Blue Bell ice cream. Yummy! I love the quirky interiors too.
- Volare Italian Restaurant - This is another restaurant I wanted to check out. They serve authentic Italian food. Regrettably, we haven't dined here so I don't have a firsthand account on the menu they serve. But according to my research, this restaurant has a nice ambiance with a large window overlooking the garden and patio outside. Sounds romantic, isn't it?
What To Do
- Blue Bell Creameries - Blue Bell is surprisingly Texan! I didn't know about this until recently. It was founded in Brenham, Texas in 1907. Gideon and I love Blue Bell. Sadly, we weren't able to visit the creamery because it is closed on weekends. Also, they no longer offer tours because of the food poisoning issue. I heard the ice cream cone sold at the creamery is at $1 USD.
- Chappell Hill Lavender Farm - Because we're located 5,000+ miles to Provence, France we had to improvised. We visited Chappell Hill Lavender Farm because let's be real, it's close, an hour+ drive away from Austin. The best time to visit would be during the lavender cutting season when the lavenders are in full bloom. Don't forget to check out their gift shop too, this is where all the delightful smelling products are sold.
- Brenham Downtown Historic "Main Street" District - Don't you just love visiting old towns? I'm glad the people of Brenham took good care of their downtown district. Brenham's quaint historic town reminds me of our trip to Route 66 last fall. I heard you can take a tour of the Heritage Homes in Brenham. It is fully furnished with the original antiques. Ah, I would have loved to see a beautiful 19th century home. Nope, we haven't check it out. Well, there's always the next time.
- Antique Rose Emporium - If you're into romantic antique roses, native plants, old fashioned perennials, herbs, and wildflowers, visiting the Antique Rose Emporium wouldn't disappoint.
- Wineries - How about visiting wineries while enjoying the countryside views?
Expectation Vs Reality
Allow the photo below to explain it.
Though we didn't get to see the purple-hued paradise in my dreams, we did have a fun time at Brenham, TX. I actually like the souvenirs I got from the lavender farm; the downtown Historic District is charming, the antique shops are eye-catching.
It's one of those places I'd come back to for a quick road trip outside my normal everyday experience. You know, it's nice to get out of the rut once in a while. :) Have a wonderful day then.