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