Happy New Year!

There are several festivities happening around Washington County for New Year's Eve. If you happen to find yourself in this area with no plans, consider one of these!

New Year's Eve Bash

8pm-1am

Ant Street Inn, 107 West Commerce in Downtown Brenham

Celebrate the old year and the new at Ant Street Inn's New Year's Eve Bash! Music by The Argyles, food provided by Design II

BYOB with set ups included in ticket price. Complimentary Champagne Toast at midnight! $100+tax per person for open seating or $900+tax for a reserved table of 8. Call Ant Street Inn (979-836-7393) to purchase your ticket today!

$100+tax
979-836-7393
www.AntStreetInn.com

 

 

New Year's Eve Gala

7:30pm

Round Top Festival Institute, 248 Jaster Rd.@ HWY 237, Round Top, TX

The party begins at 7:30pm with delectable appetizers, sparkling beverages and festive company in the Menke House Parlors, followed by a scrumptious dinner at 8pm. After dinner, dance away 2013 on the Festival Concert Hall stage with The Jackie Myers Band, whose original compositions are influenced by jazz, blues, funk and pop music.

Welcome in 2014 with a complimentary glass of champagne, sparklers, ringing bells, fireworks (conditions permitting) and an invigorating sing-along of Auld Lang Syne. A cash bar will be serving fine wine and beer.

Don’t feel like driving home after the party? Rest easy in one of our cozy rooms for an additional fee, which includes New Year’s morning coffee, juice and yummy pastries in the Menke House Dining Hall.

$60 or $125
979-249-3129
www.festivalhill.org/calendar/details.php?id=112

 

 

NYE Dinner & Music

6-10pm

R-Place, Washington-on-the-Brazos, FM 1155, Washington

Join us New Year’s Eve for a great dinner and live music! We have tables still available. To make a reservation call us at 281-744-4195. Dinner and music begins at 6pm. Reservations can be made for dinner any time between 6-10pm. Hope to see you here!

www.rplacetexas.com

 

 

Robbie Wooten Band

NYE Dance

8pm

The Kenney Store, 811 Loop 497 South, Kenney, TX

Enjoy Country Boys Sausage and black eyed peas as the Robbie Wooten Band plays great music. Dance the night away and ring in the new year!

$20
www.TheKenneyStore.com

 

 

NYE Dinner at Ernie's

5-9pm

Ernie's American Bistro in Downtown Brenham, 103 South Baylor Street

Come enjoy dinner at Ernie's on New Year's Eve featuring the guitar stylings of John Beland. We will be open from 5-9pm. Call to reserve your seat!

979-836-7545

5 on FRIDAY: Dec 27-29, 2013

Happy Friday, y'all!

Things are quieting down a bit now that Christmas is over, but there is still plenty to enjoy in the area. Here are some suggestions for this weekend...

1) Enjoy after-Christmas sales in Downtown Brenham and other retail stores throughout Washington County.

2) Live music at The Kenney Store on Fri & Sat nights.

3) Geocache the Birthplace of Texas GeoTour (or spend a few minutes learning about it!) AND...

4) Relax and smell the roses - literally & figuratively! Enjoy a stroll through the Antique Rose Emporium, swing on the tire swing at Old Baylor, enjoy a picnic under the big trees, take a leisurely drive through the country, etc.

5) Treat yourself to a delicious Saturday night out: R-Place makes up a yummy Saturday night dinner, this week being peppered beef stroganoff - yumm!


We have a number of New Year's Eve celebrations happening, too, but you'll need a reservation. If you want more info, check out the calender of events for Dec 31.

5 on FRIDAY: Dec 20-22, 2013

With Christmas only a few days away, you might be needing to do last minute shopping. But if your shopping and decorating and baking is done until the day of, maybe you'd like to go out this weekend and have a little fun!

Here are our TOP 5 suggestions for things to do this weekend around Washington County...

1) Make a reservation to eat dinner at R-Place on Saturday night. Click on the picture for details  ~>

2) See "Nuncrackers" at Unity Theatre - this is the last weekend to see this delightfully funny show. Call the box office to see if any tickets are left for Fri or Sat at 8 or Sun at 4.

3) Live music at the Kenney Store on Fri & Sat.

4) Historical presentations at Washington-on-the-Brazos this weekend feature "Bundled Against the Cold" on Saturday and "Sod & Thatch: Prairie Home Construction" on Sunday. Presentations are at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.

5) Enjoy hot chocolate and tasty treats in Independence as you enjoy a candlelit stroll through eight live nativity scenes created by area churches. Enjoy the festivities Sun & Mon from 6-8pm. "Bethlehem in Independence" is brought to the public free of charge. (Donations are welcome.)

A fun activity you can enjoy during the day is geocaching! There are many caches hidden around Washington County, including 26 specific ones that make up the Birthplace of Texas GeoTour. Geocaching is practically a free activity that the whole family can enjoy and it will take you to many fun and historical places that Washington County has to offer so you can enjoy the sites and geocache at the same time!

Learn more about geocaching at VisitBrenhamTexas.com. If you are already a geocacher, learn about our GeoTour on Geocaching.com.

Have a fun and safe weekend!

GeoTour is Live!

Birthplace of Texas GeoTour

Get your boots on, grab your GPS, print your Passport and start searching... the first official GeoTour in Texas is now live! Our tour is a 26-cache trail around Washington County and incorporates a lot of fun and historical places along the way.

Whether you're a die hard retiree who lives to be the First to Find on all new area caches, or a weekend cacher with your family of five, this tour will please you all! There is no time limit so you can do a few here and there and finish the tour within months or you can bound right through them all in one long day - whatever fits!


The trail includes four existing caches (yes, you have to visit them again!), 21 new traditionals and one new multi. You need a Passport if you plan to claim any prizes. You can download and print it at home or you can pick one up in the Visitor Center or Chamber of Commerce in Brenham.

Inside each cache container is a code letter - that's the letter you record in your Passport to prove you found the cache. You can earn points by caching, eating, sleeping and shopping. Just show copies of your receipts to earn points. Once you find at least 10 caches or earn 25 or more points you will get a prize!

Whatever speed you like to cache in, we encourage you to enjoy the journey. Geocaching in Washington County will take you over miles of rolling hills, past farms and ranches and bluebonnets, to ice cream factories and wineries, and to the actual birthplace of Texas - the very spot Texas declared her independence from Mexico in 1836. There is much to see, enjoy and learn - happy caching & enjoy exploring!

If you have no idea what geocaching is, please visit our website to learn more or Geocaching.com. You may have just found your next hobby! :-)

5 on FRIDAY: Dec 13-15, 2013

We've highlighted a lot of Christmassy activities on our website, and this weekend includes a lot of those! Here are our TOP 5 suggestions for fun in Washington County this weekend...

1) Live music will help you unwind from a full week of work and Christmas parties. Nathan's, Kenney Store and Buffalo Creek all have offerings Fri and/or Sat. Details

2) Christmas Country Homes Tour in Chappell Hill - Sat 10-4, Sun noon-5; Tour historic homes, churches, and sites. On the schedule is the lovely 1845 Myrtle Providence House, 1901 Chappell Hill United Methodist Church, and more. Call 979-836-6033 for more info. Tickets are $15 in advance or $18 at the door.

3) Christmas on the Brazos, Barrington's Candlelit Christmas are going on all day Saturday.

Christmas at Winedale is Saturday noon-4pm only.

Both events take you back in time to the 19th century and show you traditions and customs unique to that time. A truly festive & fun time for all!

4) Unity Theatre presents "Nuncrackers: A Nunsense Christmas Musical" - a fun show to put you in the Christmas spirit! :-)  Performances are Thurs-Sun through Dec 22.

5) Wine & Crystal Trail - tour all the wineries along the Bluebonnet Wine Trail, tasting delicious wines and appetizers along the way. Tickets are $30 for one or $50 for two and are good for both Sat & Sun at all eight wineries.

You can also enjoy tours & tastings at Brazos Valley Brewery located at 201 West First Street in Brenham. The patio will be open Sat 1-8pm with tours at 2, 4 & 6pm and Sun noon-5 with tours at 1 and 3pm!

However you spend the weekend, have fun and be safe!

See you soon,

Brenham/Washington County Chamber-CVB Staff

Christmas Starts Early in Washington County...

If you're like the rest of us, your Christmas tree is up, an inflatable snowman is in your front yard and there may even be presents already stashed in closets or under the bed.

In all the hustle and bustle of planning your Christmas events, we're here to remind you to slow down and enjoy it all. There are lots of opportunities in the coming weeks to gather as a family and enjoy the little things like caroling, sipping cider while strolling the streets of small towns, driving around town to see lights and finding that perfect little gift for someone you love.

1) Enjoy a performance of "Nuncrackers" at Unity Theatre - a musical that will surely put you in the spirit! Performances are Thurs at 7:30, Friday and Saturday at 8 and Sunday at 4, December 5-22.

2) Downtown Brenham's Christmas Stroll, Lighted Parade, Pet Parade, Scavenger Hunt, Pearl Harbor Remembrance, Live Music, pictures with Santa, ice skating and so much more! The fun starts Friday at 6pm and continues through the weekend. 

The Jingle Bell Market is at Ant Street Inn this year. Free admission and lots of vendors to help you find gifts for those "hard to shop for" people on your list. Free gift wrapping will also be available from 4-7 at Ant Street Inn.

3) Tour the Wine & Crystal Trail on Dec 7-8 and 14-15. Your trail ticket allows you to enjoy two EIGHT wineries on the trail. Get Tickets
specially-selected wine tastings, paired with a terrific holiday appetizer sample at

4) Christmas Fayre in Chappell Hill is Saturday from noon to 7pm. A fun, and FREE, event for the whole family! Downtown Chappell Hill comes alive with various activities like shopping, wine tasting, live music, train rides, teddy bear parade, live reindeer, and fun & games for the kids. Santa will pay a visit, too!

5) Christmas at the Depot & Home Tour in Burton is Sunday from 11-5. More Info

As an added bonus to our downtown Brenham festivities, the Brazos Valley Brewing Co. on First Street is hosting an open house Friday 4-10 and Saturday 3-10. This new local brewery welcomes you to come tour the brewery, learn about the process and taste their beer!

Turkey Day is Nearly Here!

 

Thanksgiving in Washington County is just like Thanksgiving anywhere in America - a celebration of family, friends, giving thanks, and eating turkey! :-)

Whether you're visiting, passing through or just don't want to cook, here are some great options for you...

• Ernie's in Downtown Brenham is serving Thanksgiving lunch from 11-3 on Thursday. Reservations are recommended - please call 979-836-7545 to reserve your table!
• The Cannery Kitchen is just east of the downtown Brenham square on Alamo Street. They will be open for lunch and serving a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Reservations are not needed. The meal is actually served free of charge, but donations are welcome.
• Denny's is open 24/7/365 and will more than likely have turkey & dressing in addition to their regular menu. Located in front of La Quinta on Hwy 36 South.
• Applebee's is open this year from 10:30am till 2am - that's right, all day! You can stop by there for lunch, dinner, or a late night snack and choose anything from their regular menu. Located at the exit off of Hwy 290 East & 36 South.

 

After dinner you can enjoy a movie at Westwood Cinema 6, located on Hwy 290 West.

Friday is usually a shopping day, but around here you can also enjoy special attractions like playing arcade games or laser tag at Horseshoe Junction, "GET LOST!" in the corn maze at Brazos Valley Maize, learn a little history at Washington-on-the-Brazos.

And in case you just have to go shopping, a lot of our downtown shops will be open and even having sales!

If you want to plan a Thanksgiving Getaway, we have many lodging options to choose from - hotels/motels, bed and breakfasts, cabins, resorts and even RV camping. Several B&Bs are even offering special deals!

Whatever you do this Thanksgiving, we hope you have a safe and fun holiday!

5 on FRIDAY: Nov 22-24, 2013

It's nearly Thanksgiving, can you believe it?! The trees are changing more yellow, orange and red every day and the weather is hot one day and cold the next, but all of that just makes it more fun. And speaking of fun, there is a TON of it waiting for you this weekend. Let's get to it!

Holiday Home Tour

1) Holiday Home Tour & Trunk Show. If you've ever wanted to see the Giddings Stone Mansion, now is your chance! For $15 you can shop at the Trunk Show inside the Mansion on Saturday & Sunday from 10-5 and tour the mansion and several other historic homes in Brenham both days from 1-4. Tickets are available at the Mansion.

2) Civil War Weekend at Liendo Plantation - Once a year history comes to life at this historic site. Come out to the Plantation in Hempstead for Civil War reenactments, demonstrations, food, and more! DETAILS

3) Live music is happening at various locations FRIDAY & SATURDAY.

Civil War Weekend

4) Corn Maze - only 4 days left to enjoy the corn maze, pumpkin patch, cow train and more. Open Sat 10-9, Sun 1-7. The last two days of the season will be Nov 29 and 30.

5) There's a Shopping Soiree happening in Downtown Brenham. Hermann Furniture and The Pomegranate is hosting a special holiday shopping experience for you with munchies, drinks, music and great items for everyone on your list! Hurry over, there's only 33 days left till Christmas!

Oh, and as an added bonus, Branded Boutique is having their grand opening in Downtown Brenham on Saturday! On Main Street, right after the Visitor Center, you'll find all kinds of unique clothing and accessories, giveaways, food and more from 10-7.

Have a great time and we'll see you soon!

NOTE: Carnival at the Dog Park has been cancelled due to weather. Hearth Cooking School has also been cancelled due to instructor illness. Both events will be rescheduled, so stay tuned!

5 on FRIDAY: Nov 15-17, 2013

Bluebonnet Pottery works of art - wine goblets & chili bowls

1) Wine & Pottery Celebration! This Saturday make your way to Bluebonnet Pottery to choose your very own handmade wine goblet. After admiring the pottery and buying your goblet ($15 and up), drive through the countryside to Windy Winery where you will fill up your goblet with delicious wines made especially for this occasion. Enjoy sipping your wine on the deck as you relax. Chili will also be available if you want some yummy lunch. The Celebration is Saturday from 10-5 and handmade goblets are only available at Bluebonnet Pottery.

2) Republic of Texas Militia Muster - A living history encampment. Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 10-1 at Washington-on-the-Brazos

LIVE and FREE handbell holiday concert in Brenham

3) Live Music - Fri & Sat night you can find bands playing at Nathan's BBQ, The Stone Cellar, Buffalo Creek and The Kenney Store. Check our website for details on the night you want to go out.

This weekend there will also be a live handbell choir concert, "Ringing in the Seasons." This annual concert is offered free to the public by community handbell choirs. All choirs play together and individually, bringing you holiday songs to welcome Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years.

4) Corn Maze! Only three weeks left of the maze this year. Grab the family and make an afternoon or evening of it. Open Sat 10am-9pm and Sun 1-7pm. www.Brazos Valley Maize.com

5) 19th Century Superstitions & Old Wives' Tales. This program will be at Washington-on-the-Brazos this Sunday. Presentations will be at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm

Community events going on this weekend:

6th Annual Texas Recycles Day in Brenham - Friday from 8-5 at the Brenham Recycling Center on Market Street. Grab your paper, plastics, aluminum and more and take it to the recycling center. The first 500 recyclers will receive a FREE 14-gallon recycling bin.

Bluebonnet Reseeding Project at Giddings Stone Mansion in Brenham Saturday morning. Washington County Chamber staff and Board members as well as Keep Washington County Beautiful partners will be spreading seeds in the field in front of the Mansion starting around 9am.

Camptown Cemetery Cleanup - Saturday. Locals, historians, veterans and community minded folks will be gathering behind Alton Elementary School to help clean up our historic Camptown Cemetery. Members of the Rolling Thunder motorcycle club will be coming from Houston chapters to help as well.

FUN Beyond Brenham:

Formula 1 racing in Austin is a full weekend rush! Tickets are still available for as low as $89 and some change. Brenham has affordable lodging available for those who wish to attend a race, but don't want to drive all the way home! Get race tickets and Reserve a room now!

Remember, this is just a sampling of all the things going on in the area. Besides the events, Brenham and Washington County boasts a lot of historical sites, fun attractions, unique shopping, delicious dining and more! Visit our website for more information.

We'll see you soon!

~ Brenham/Washington County Chamber-CVB Staff

5 on FRIDAY: Nov 8-10, 2013

1)  LIVE MUSIC - FREE - FUN! Nathan's, Buffalo Creek and The Kenney Store all have offerings for you Friday night. End your week on a high note!

2) Shakespeare at Winedale brings you "Othello" this Saturday night. Tickets are $20 and are available online or by calling (512) 471-4726.

3) Get Lost at Brazos Valley Maize. The fall season is nearing it's end, so if you haven't made it out to the 6-acre corn maze yet, you need to! It's a lot of fun, even if the rain has made it a little muddy at times. :-)

4) LIVE MUSIC - still FREE and always FUN! :-)  Saturday night entertainment can be found at The Kenney Store and maybe The Stone Cellar (call 'em: 979.249.3390)

5) Try a new restaurant! Jernetta's Soul Food at Smitty's just opened this week and is eager to show you what real soul food is all about. Located at 1600 North Park Street in Brenham. Find her on FB to see what the menu is for the day.

Have a great weekend and we'll see you soon!
~ Brenham/Washington County Chamber-CVB Staff

FAQs: "You have lavender farms here?!"

Yes, we DO have lavender farms here. In fact, we have TWO lavender farms in Washington County. :-)

North of Chappell Hill along FM 1155 you'll find Chappell Hill Lavender Farm, a beautiful little farm with rows of lavender growing in the field in front of a quaint gift shop. Inside you'll find many crafty and delicious things that can be made with or from lavender. Grab some clippers and a basket at the door and meander through the field cutting your own lavender to take home with you.

Chappell Hill Lavender Farm is open weekends March-November and is located at 2250 Dillard Road, Brenham. Online shopping for all things lavender is also available through their website.

Travel south of Chappell Hill along FM 1371 you'll find Lavande Farm (pronounced la-vond). Located at 9665 Loop Road, Bellville, Lavande Farm is not just about lavender, but also olives! Owner and former photographer, "Farmer Craig," was in France when he discovered his love for lavender and returned home to start his farming journey.

 Lavande is open April-October at the Bellville farm, sells their products at many farmers markets and retail stores in the Houston & Austin area, and just recently opened a storefront in downtown Chappell Hill. The store is now open Mon-Sat 10-4. Online shopping is also available through their website.

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!

American Man Cave

Posted: Friday, October 18, 2013

By Jordan Overturf 
jordan.overturf@theeagle.com

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.

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.

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.

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

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