Thursday, October 31, 2013

Fall Frolic 2013

On Tuesday, October 29, 2013, we had our first Fall Frolic - Ladies Night Out event. It was a really fun time and we feel like overall it was a success. We're still putting all the numbers together, but hopefully it was successful enough that we can do it again next year!

Design II catered the food for the night - veggies, three different types of pasta salad, mini meatballs and chicken skewers. Oh, and don't forget the chocolate! We also had several different mini desserts. A cash bar of beer and wine available - we gave advance ticket purchasers two drinks to start the night with.

There were over 50 vendors set up to sell their wares - from candy to candles to clothing, books, trees and toys - there was quite a variety of shopping available. There were also businesses representing like Brenham Clinic and Best Western PLUS Inn of Brenham. And also non-profit groups like New Beginnings Pregnancy Center.

Lete Phillips, owner of Lete Phillips Exercise Program in Brenham, led us all in a Samba dance lesson. Not all of us picked up the steps quickly, but it was fun trying!

We also showed off great fashions from area boutiques like Tres Chic and Branded Boutique.

The ladies also had 21 chances to win fabulous prizes like gift baskets, certificates and VISA gift cards! One lucky lady one two tickets to an A&M game and another won a $500 gift card!!!

There was even a skit by a couple of invited male guests. They were well-liked before the event, but we're not sure how they fare today! LOL

Overall we had a great time. Here's a video recap of the event to show some of our fun. We hope to be able to do this again and that you'll join us next year!


5 on FRIDAY: Nov 1-3, 2013

There is a LOT going on this weekend... you better plan to stay a while! :-)

1) Fall Festival of Roses at Antique Rose Emporium. This is the 25th annual festival - a full weekend of programs, activities, and shopping opportunities. Come see all the roses and learn more about gardening!

2) Grand Art Trail & Sale - a number of locations from Caldwell to Bellville along Hwy 36 will be open Sat & Sun with artists displaying their beautiful works for show and sale! Washington County artists will be visible at a special show at St. Peter's Episcopal Church Fri 5-8pm and Sat 10-3. Other locations within Washington County include Brenham Art Gallery and Bluebonnet Pottery. See website for complete list.

3) Night at the Museum is always a fun way to learn about Texas history! Bring your flashlight and tour the Star of the Republic Museum in the dark as watch history come to life!

4) The 6th Annual Wine Festival in Round Top is Saturday from 1-5pm. The fun starts at The Stone Cellar where you pick up your glass and map and start your wine tasting adventure. Shop, taste, relax, listen to music, and have FUN!

5) Live music at various locations Fri & Sat. And live theatre, too! This is the last weekend to see "First Night" at Unity Theatre in downtown Brenham. This romantic comedy about a nun re-entering the secular world in search of an old flame will surely entertain you!

Don't forget - this is NOT an exhaustive list of all that's going on in Washington County this weekend! Make sure to check our website for more fun things this weekend and for future dates.

See you soon!

P.S. Move your clocks back one hour Saturday night - we don't want you to be late for Sunday's fun!

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

American Man Cave

Posted: Friday, October 18, 2013
BRENHAM -- Bruce Margolis isn't just the "Caveman" -- he's a man-tiquing pioneer.
 
The creator and owner of American Man Cave, a retail shop in downtown Brenham, Margolis knows exactly what it takes to outfit the ultimate man cave.


"It has to be something that's personal; it touches you, especially in relationships," he said. "It's some place in the house or apartment that's just your place."

Everything in his shop -- sports memorabilia, vintage tap handles for kegs, beer steins, jukeboxes, collectible toys, motorcycle gear, old movie posters and so much more than the eye can see -- is for sale. It's a man-child's shopping paradise.

The store is so impressive that it's been nominated as one of this year's "Best Downtown Businesses" by the Texas Downtown Association. Voting for the contest -- through Facebook and email -- ends today. Want an old, custom-made Aggie belt buckle? He's got one. Looking for an autographed rookie photo of Pete Rose? He's got one. And if you need to pick something up for a special lady, he's got something for that, too.

Indeed, the shop is a cave away from home. But the man cave isn't just for men.

The shop, which includes a humidor and smoking lounge for gentlemen, also features "The Woman Cave," a room toward the back with all manner of decor and accessories. Margolis' wife, Michelle, makes 90 percent of the jewelry, dubbed The Margolis Collection.

"Earrings and cigars are competing to be the top-sellers each month," he said.




Evolution of a caveman
Originally from Michigan, Margolis is a retired engineering design manager who worked in the automotive industry and for the government. His mechanical skills have been put to use at the shop, building custom motorcycles and assembling engines for motorized bicycles.

He used to be a certified firefighter and emergency medical technician. He also survived three bouts with cancer. Two years ago, he was working for an oil-and-gas company in the Houston area when doctors discovered a congenital heart defect that had him homebound.

In January 2012, his doctor gave him two options: Go back to work or go on permanent disability. "I was too young to take disability," he said.

Margolis, who is 54 now, had a better idea, and it only took him a day to put his plan together. After a lifetime of collecting everything from toys to movie props to neon bar signs, Margolis decided to sell off his "mantiques" in his very own shop. But not just any shop. The ultimate male-shopping experience -- American Man Cave -- was born.

Margolis came up with every detail, from serving complementary beverages to illustrating the wild-eyed caveman.

The funny-looking little man, which bears a striking resemblance to Margolis, appears on T-shirts, coffee mugs and official Caveman coffee, jerky and cigars. Margolis said the Cavegirl T-shirts are more popular than the Caveman tees.

The first American Man Cave shop opened in Bellville in March 2012. About six months later, Margolis found a store in Brenham that was triple the size of the Bellville location. He picked the downtown building because the area is always busy when there's a festival or big events in Brenham, he said.

On Nov. 23, American Man Cave opened in its new location with the Woman Cave and cigar lounge additions.

The Caveman experience
Margolis is intent on offering his customers a different kind of shopping experience, he said.

His years of collecting, which he learned from his father and grandfather, have given him a keen ability to find rare objects, such as original car-concept drawings from the Ford factory in Detroit or a 1950s model Fender amp. He loves to see someone's face light up when they've found that special treat.

If a customer can't find what they're looking for in the shop, Margolis has a contact sheet that he refers to whenever he comes across a unique item. He said the American-made neon signs for Texas beers are the hardest to keep in stock.

Not everything in the store is an antique or collectible. There are several Texas-shaped signs that are made with pieces of old metal signs and Texas license plates. There are hand-milled tables made by local woodworkers. His latest products are ashtrays, business card- and pen-holders, and other small desktop
items made from Harley Davidson exhaust pipes.

Expanding the Man Cave
Customers love American Man Cave so much that a few have purchased franchising rights.

One shop has already opened in Charlevoix, Mich., and he has three more under contract in the Great Lakes state. He's currently entertaining offers from groups in Nashville, Phoenix, Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

The nomination for "Best Downtown Business" is just the latest jewel for his caveman collection. Margolis said he isn't worried about winning.

"I think it's a cool honor," he said, adding that he's "afraid to get too excited."

Margolis said he's more interested in branching out in Texas. He's looking at reopening a shop in Bellville, and shopping out the idea of franchises in College Station and Austin.

In addition to helping set up shop, Margolis teaches franchisers how to look for and find collectible items.
"I'm kind of like American Pickers, Pawn Stars and American Restoration combined," he said.

He's also focusing on more ways to diversify the Caveman branding.

"Everybody loves that little caveman," he said.

Friday, October 25, 2013

5 on FRIDAY: Oct 25-27, 2013


This weekend is full of fun just waiting for you to join in. Live music, theatre, history, a flea market and so much more!

Here are our TOP 5 suggestions. Be sure to check the calendar for details and other events!

1) Live music at The Kenney Store, Buffalo Creek, Nathan's BBQ, The Stone Cellar - FRI & SAT

2) Treasure diving at the Brenham Flea - FRI & SAT; Downtown Brenham shopping - there are several stores featuring great sales and discounts; The Garden Market & Bakery - at least 25% off nearly everything in the store... and we DARE you to ignore the delicious goodness in the bakery case. ;-)

3) It's "Fright Night" in Burton! Enjoy a haunted history tour of Burton, hosted by the Burton Heritage Society. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for kids, and can be purchased on location. Food and fun begins at 6pm at the Burton Railroad Depot on FRI night.

4) Fanthorp Inn in Anderson is hosting Music Makes a Celebration - "Music for Henry's Wake" - on SAT.

5) Barrington Living History Farm at Washington-on-the-Brazos hosts "Trades in Early Texas" and "Washday Woes" on SAT & SUN.


UPCOMING EVENTS:
Our area has a few things coming up that you don't want miss out on.

>> Brenham's first ever Fall Frolic - Ladies Night Out. Coming up October 29 at Silver Wings Ballroom in Brenham. This will be a fun night for the girls of food, drinks, entertainment, fashion shows, shopping, and pampering. Tickets at the door are $10 and includes entrance and entertainment. Cash bar will be available. There will also be plenty of chances to win great prizes, so come prepared to buy raffle tickets!

The Citadel
>> 50 Miles to Harvest - a culinary experience like none other. Sit under the pecan trees just outside the 1920s former country club of Brenham. The Citadel is a beautiful venue built originally as a place of entertainment for Brenham's elite. November 1 will be a private dinner just for you. Tickets are $200 per person and includes a delicious dinner prepared by renowned Chef Jesse Griffiths of Austin. Food will be provided by farmers within 50 miles, fresh and home grown. Wine & beer will be served by local wineries and breweries. And of course there will be music! This is a special night in which you get to eat with the farmers and chef while you overlook rolling hills and the setting sun. It will be a beautifully fun evening that foodies won't want to miss. Sales for this event close Oct 27.

>> Victorian Tea & Flower Show, November 22. From 11-4 you get to enjoy a special menu catered by Design II at the historic Ross-Carroll-Bennett House on Main Street in Brenham. Floral creations will be on display at three other historic homes in Brenham including the Giddings Stone Mansion. Tours of the homes will also be offered, as well as shopping at the Trunk Show at the Giddings Stone Mansion. Tickets are $20 each, must be reserved by Nov 8, and can be purchased by any Bluebonnet Garden Club member and the Brenham/Washington County Visitor Center & Chamber of Commerce.

>> Holiday Home Tour & Trunk Show, November 23-24. Enjoy unique shopping at the Giddings Stone Mansion Trunk Show and docent-led tours of historic homes in Brenham. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the mansion on the day of.


Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Dream.... Plan.... Get Married.

You've dreamed of your wedding day since you were a little girl. You have ideas for the location, the flowers, the cake, and the honeymoon. And now you're engaged and you finally get to plan it all, making those dreams a beautiful reality.

The first decision is critical - location. Not only do you have to decide a venue for your special day, but more importantly you have to decide the location of that venue for your special day.

Your wedding should be perfect. It should be you.

Your wedding in Washington County will be perfectly you...




Washington County is also a great place to elope, renew your vows, celebrate your anniversary, or escape on your honeymoon.

The Brenham/Washington County Chamber-CVB provides:
  • A complete guide for planning your wedding
  • Lodging assistance
  • Welcome Bags for your overnight guests
  • Helpful suggestions and advice
Call today to receive superior help in planning your rehearsal, wedding and reception.

Washington County, Texas - the perfect setting for a perfect day.

Friday, October 18, 2013

5 on FRIDAY: Oct. 18-20, 2013

Okay, folks, it's time for fun! Here are five things to do this weekend in Brenham & Washington County, TX...

1) Live music Friday and Saturday nights at Nathan's BBQ, The Kenney Store and Buffalo Creek. Details

2) Learn a little history about our early settlers at Washington-on-the-Brazos. Saturday will be all about the early taverns and inns; Sunday you'll hear revolutionary ghost stories. Details

3) Washington County's Demolition Derby is Saturday night starting at 5pm. It always proves to be a Smashing Good Time! :-)  Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for kids, and can be purchased at the gate. Details

4) GET LOST! Grab the family and conquer the 6-acre corn maze and enjoy fun activities for the whole family at Brazos Valley MAiZE.

5) Brenham will have it's first ever Heritage Festival hosted by the Washington County Arts Council. Saturday from 9-1 at Fireman's Park in Brenham, kids and adults will enjoy carousel rides, an antique car show, historical games and more. Free to attend!

To help with your planning, the forecast for the weekend is predicted as "mostly wonderful!"

Feel free to stop by and see us any time - we have maps, Visitor Guides, postcards and more.

The Visitor Center in Downtown Brenham is open Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-3, Sun 1-4 (Oct/Nov).

See you soon!

THE TEAM

Brenham/Washington County Chamber-CVB

Thursday, October 10, 2013

5 on FRIDAY: Oct. 11-13, 2013

Hang on to your hats, there's a lot of fun things happening this weekend! We usually send this on Friday, but there's so much fun ahead you need this info a day early. You CAN do it all, but you'll need a good plan of action. Thankfully, we're here to help!

Here's the TOP 5, and as an added bonus we've included a suggested itinerary to get the most bang for your buck. Ready? GO!

1) 291 Ice House Grand Opening on Friday night in Chappell Hill with wine & cheese pairings - home to one of the largest selections of beer & wine in Washington County.

2) Live music, theatre and ballet - What more could you want?! Nathan's BBQ and The Kenney Store will be rocking the music scene - just show up and enjoy! Attend "You Never Can Tell" at Unity Theatre in Brenham for the final performances of this comedic play. Round Top Festival Hill is hosting "Invitation to the Dance" this Saturday - a beautiful ballet.

3) FESTIVALS! Scarecrow Festival in Chappell Hill on Saturday 9-6 & Sunday 9-5. With 300+ vendors, food, music and scarecrows, you're sure to have a great time! Plus, it's free to attend! On the other side of the county you'll find Oktoberfest in Burton on Saturday from 3pm till midnight or later. Lots of activities are planned like stein and wiener dog races, live music and plenty of authentic German food. This is their first annual Oktoberfest and is FREE for all! Also that day in Burton is the Farmers & Artisans Market from 9am-noon.

4) Wine & Sausage Trail - enjoy 2 wine tastings at 9 wineries both Saturday & Sunday. Tickets are $30 per person or $50 for a couple and include wine tastings and a sausage treat, commemorative wine glass, wine tote and bottle opener. Tickets much be purchased online ahead of time. Three of the nine wineries on the Bluebonnet Wine Trail are in Washington County!

5) Fanthorp Inn is hosting "Texian Days." What makes Texas so special? Come find out! Fanthorp Inn is an authentic stagecoach inn and offers tours of the inn and rides on the stagecoach on the weekends. Grounds are open Sat & Sun from 9-3:30, but rides & program will be held Saturday only from 11-3.

Okay, now that you have the TOP 5, there are a few other fun things we didn't want to leave out, so here's our suggestion for making a full and fun weekend getaway to Brenham & Washington County...

 
THURSDAY:
  • Make a reservation. We have plenty of lodging options - hotels, B&B, camping, you name it.
  • Call Unity Theatre to get seats for the play on Sunday at 4pm. 979-830-8358
  • Buy tickets online for "Invitation to the Dance" at Festival Institute.
  • Buy tickets online for the "Wine & Sausage Trail"
  • Call your spouse, friends, kids, whomever, and tell them to get ready for a fun weekend getaway!
FRIDAY:
  • Leave work early, or better yet, take the day off!
  • Pack up the car with an overnight bag and your family or friends and make your way to Brenham. 
  • Check-in to your cozy room.
  • Eat dinner and enjoy great music at Nathan's BBQ or The Kenney Store.
  • Cruise out to Chappell Hill and kick back at the 291 Ice House grand opening where you will be treated to a large assortment of beer, wine, and cheese from 7pm till ... who knows! (And don't forget to predetermine your Designated Driver.)
  • Return to your cozy room and get a good night's sleep.
SATURDAY:
  • After breakfast, make your way out to the Scarecrow Festival in Chappell Hill. If you like to shop, this could be your entire day. But if you only like to shop a little, get there early, buy your treasures, and maybe leave after lunch.
  • It's time for wine and sausage treats at one, two, or all three of our wineries. Sit back, enjoy the beautiful weather and let those grapes rest upon your taste buds. If you're short on time, you can also enjoy this Sunday.
  • If you bought tickets to the ballet it's time to get dressed and drive to Round Top!
  • Got kids with you? No problem! "GET LOST!" at Brazos Valley Corn MAiZE. A 6-acre corn maze awaits you, plus a cow train, corn cannon, hayrides, pumpkin patch/carving station and more! You could even enjoy a campfire complete with s'mores and stargazing if you go later in the evening.
  • Relive the 1800s at Fanthorp Inn. This is an interesting site for adults and kids on the weekends, but this particular day is all about the pride of Texas.
  • Anytime after 3pm you can enjoy German festivities, food, music and drinks at Oktoberfest in Burton.
  • Rest your fun-filled head - you've had a full day!
SUNDAY:
  • Sleep in - a little. :-)  It's probably time to check out, but you could also ask to stay one more night.
  • Enjoy breakfast/brunch at one of our many restaurants.
  • After a leisurely brunch go check out one of the wineries you didn't see yesterday. "Wine & Sausage" is still going on, as well as regular tastings at all three wineries.
  • If you didn't make it to Fanthorp Inn on Saturday, but still want to experience an authentic Stagecoach Inn, go today and check it out. Open 9-3:30 for tours of the Inn.
  • Don't forget, you have tickets to the theatre at 4pm. This is the last chance you get to enjoy "You Never Can Tell," a highly recommended comedic play at Unity Theatre.
  • OH, but before sitting down at the Theatre, stop by Home Sweet Farm and pick out some fresh, local produce. The Market is located in downtown Brenham on Baylor Street by the railroad tracks, about one block east of the Theatre. Open Sunday 11-4.
  • Grab some dinner before heading home. Peruse our dining guide for some suggestions.
  • Relive the memories of a fun weekend getaway with your friends and loved ones for years to come.....

Now, please realize, there is much more than what's above to do in our little area of Texas, BUT ... we just thought it might be helpful to give you a few suggestions. Take a little, leave the rest, make your own plan - whatever you want, that's fine with us - we just want you to have a great time and come back for more!

If you need any more help planning your weekend, stop by and see us! The Visitor Center in downtown Brenham is open Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-3 and Sun 1-4. We can also be reached via phone at 888-BRENHAM. And our website is a very good resource for those of you who like to do your research online.

Have a FUN weekend!

~ The Brenham/Washington County Chamber-CVB Staff
Jenny, Judy, Lu, Debby, Darlene & Jeanine

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Scarecrow Contest in Downtown Brenham

Simon Crow is a well prepared tourist at the
Brenham/Washington County Visitor Center

When you think of Fall, what comes to mind? Pumpkins, perhaps? The colors orange, yellow and brown? Probably leaves changing. And cooler weather, of course! But do you think of scarecrows? Well, we do! Every year we welcome Fall to Washington County with the Chappell Hill Scarecrow Festival (Oct 12 & 13) and we have a scarecrow decorating contest in Downtown Brenham! (Here are pictures of the fun scarecrows throughout Chappell Hill that will welcome you to the festival.)

As you stroll our streets you'll find scarecrows on nearly every corner. There are quite a variety of themes this year with 28 entries, and you get to the be the judge!

G.I. Joe is protecting Independence Coffee

Voting forms can be picked up at any one of these locations.Choose your favorite crows and return the form to one of the same shops! Voting continues through October 13 and winners are announced on the 14th.
  • Bar-B Boutique
  • KWHI
  • Must Be Heaven
  • Sweet Repeats
  • Dona Lynn's
  • The Book Nook

Come vote for your favorite scarecrow as you do a little shopping, eat lunch, or gather information about what to do next! We look forward to seeing you soon - and remember, the visitor center is open Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-3 and Sun 1-4!

Friday, October 4, 2013

5 on FRIDAY: Oct 4-6, 2013

Happy Friday! There's a lot going on this weekend, including the big antiques shopping in Round Top, Carmine and Warrenton. This weekend is your last chance to join the fun!

1) Go shopping in Round Top! There are two super big shows a year - and I mean BIG. Thousands of people, hundreds of vendors, and a ton of antiques take over the little communities of Round Top, Carmine, and Warrenton. If you like to shop and have never gone out there for any of the antique shows, you should put this at the top of your list to do this weekend.

2) Attend a play at Unity Theatre in downtown Brenham. George Bernard Shaw's "You Never Can Tell" is a fun comedy of errors set in the 1890's in a seaside town in England.

3) Enjoy live music at the The Stone Cellar, Buffalo Creek, The Kenney Store and Nathan's BBQ. Details

4) The Bluebonnet Wine Trail is featuring "Wine & Sausage Trail" this weekend and next weekend. For only $50 per couple you can enjoy 2 tastings at 9 wineries paired with a special sausage dish. You'll also get a commemorative wine glass at the first winery and a special tote at the sixth. Get Tickets!

5) The rain got in the way a little bit last weekend for the corn maze, but we're not complaining - we need that rain! If it's not raining this weekend, make your way out to Brazos Valley MAiZE and "GET LOST!" The farm consists of a 6-acre corn maze, pumpkin patch and carving station, cow train, corn cannon, bouncy horses, hay rides and campfires. General public is welcome Sat 10-9 and Sun 1-7. Groups are welcome on Fridays with reservation.

We are NOW OPEN ON SUNDAYS! During the months of October and November the Visitor Center on Main Street in Downtown Brenham is open Saturdays 10-3 and Sundays 1-4. If you need help, stop by and see us! We'd be happy to help you plan your afternoon. :-)

See you soon!

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

FAQs: "Did y'all move???"


"Did y'all move? You used to be over by the train depot!" Our staff hear this question/statement a lot at the Visitor Center inside the Simon Theater, and we thought it was about time to clarify the situation for you. Here’s the scoop…

The Washington County Chamber of Commerce is located on Austin Street, just one block south of Downtown Brenham, next to the old train depot and across the street from Van Dyke Rankin and Schleiders Furniture. The Chamber has been in this location for over half a century and it is still our headquarters where Chamber Member services are handled along with economic development, real estate, rental listings, relocation info and more. The staff are there Monday through Friday providing answers to myriad questions about area businesses and events.

Washington County Chamber &
Economic Development Foundation


Additionally, the Chamber has a department called the Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB). Up until a couple years ago, the Chamber building housed the CVB, but at the end of 2010 the CVB staff moved into the first floor of the renovated Simon Theater (phase one only - the rest of the building still has a ways to go!) on Main Street in Downtown Brenham.


Brenham/Washington County Visitor Center
located at 115 West Main St in downtown Brenham

When you stroll down Main Street you should spot the Simon Theater marquee. On the corner is Independence Coffee and next door is the Brenham/Washington County Visitor Center with the restored Simon Theater lobby in between. The Visitor Center invites people from all over to come in for area information, visitor guides, maps, and brochures on other areas of Texas. We also have postcards, magnets and other fun little gifts for sale. The Visitor Center is home to three full-time staff members handling the operations of the Visitor Center, the CVB website, advertising, public relations, and group contact for promoting Brenham & Washington County as a tourist destination. 

Anyone still confused? The best way to think of it is this: the Chamber headquarters on Austin Street handles the business side of Washington County. The CVB, a department of the Chamber, is now on Main Street where we handle the entertainment side of Washington County. 

Make sense? We hope so! But if it's still confusing and you end up at the Visitor Center looking for a relocation packet, that's okay! We typically have enough information about the area at both locations to help residents and visitors.  In case you are needing something more specific, we will happily point you in the right direction for the rest. :-)

See you soon!




Jenny Mills
Visitor Center & Website Manager
Brenham/Washington County Chamber-CVB