Washington County is a rural region in the southeastern part of the state of Texas. The farmland that covers the region is the source for much of the tourist interest in the area, which is also home to some significant moments in Texas history.
Tourism is not the major feature of Washington County, but once people make it to this part of Texas, there is plenty to keep them there. Visitors can stay in a rustic bed and breakfast or a hotel. They also have the option to head out to Lake Somerville Marina and Campground or one of the other camping venues in the area. While there, they can tour the home of Blue Bell ice cream, one of the most popular dairy brands in the south. Farms and flowers offer other many other tourist options during a visit to Washington County.
In addition to a visit to Blue Bell Creameries in the county seat, the city of Brenham, the Antique Rose Emporium offers 8 acres of theme gardens set on a the site of an early settler's homestead. Lavande-Lavender Farm, Chappell Hill Lavender Farm and Ellison's Greenhouse also showcase the flowers that adorn this region. The Jersey Barnyard is the home of Belle, the cow from the Blue Bell Creamery television commercials. The Washington County Wine Trail and the Monastery of St. Clare, where nuns support themselves by raising miniature horses are other attractions of the county.
Brenham is the place where the Texas state Declaration of Independence was signed on March 2, 1836. Guests come to town to visit the historic park that is built on that site. History buffs also come to see the antique carousel, the Burton Cotton Gin and Museum and the area's oldest home, the Giddings-Wilkin House, that was built in 1843.
