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LIFESTYLE Plenty to see, do, buy, and try,
Continued from page 27 So stay and play for a while:
WASHINGTON-ON-THE- freshmade soups, sand- pastimes on the 1,800-acre ranch that fea-
BRAZOS STATE HISTORIC SITE, wiches and pie straight tures one of the largest covered horse arenas
WASHINGTON, BIRTHPLACE from the pastry gods. in the state. Six organic gardens supply the
Photography courtesy of Brenham/Washington Ranch Interiors (ranchin- kitchen with fresh produce. A nice down-
County Chamber and Convention & Visitors teriorstx.com) specializes home touch is the “meet the horses” section
Bureau in custom ranch, modern, on their website, with notes from the ranch
Western and transitional hands, pictures of the nursery, the moms and
On March 2, 1836, a group of Texas del- design. And no visit to horses in training.
egates met at a hall by the Brazos River, de- Brenham is complete
clared independence from Mexico and a without a trip to the en- THE INN AT DOS BRISAS,
republic was born. The aptly-named Wash- chanting Antique Rose WASHINGTON
ington-on-the-Brazos is a significant and Emporium (antiqueroseemporium.com), DOSBRISAS.COM
popular spot that draws nature lovers, bird- where “Rose Rustler” and owner Mike Shoup Photography courtesy of The Inn at Dos Brisas
watchers, picnickers and anybody interested will regale with tales of “rescued” roses from
in standing at the spot where the Texas Dec- days gone by. Luxury to the max. There’s no other way
laration of Independence was signed. Expert to describe what began as a ranch retreat and
and knowledgeable guides make history TEXAS RANCH LIFE grew into the ultimate indulgent (and ultra-
come alive as they take visitors through what CHAPPELL HILL romantic) stay. The only Forbes five-star
led up to that historic event. The award-win- TEXASRANCHLIFE.COM restaurant in the state is here, with a 7,000-
ning Star of the Republic Museum showcases bottle wine cellar that earned “Wine Spec-
a fascinating collection of cultural artifacts No drugstore cowboys here — this is the tator” magazine’s Best of Award of
from 1836 to 1846. real deal. Warm and welcoming owners John Excellence. An eight-course grand tasting
and Taunia Elick have preserved a working menu is served on custom Bernardaud china
Don’t leave without driving over to Bar- ranch and opened it to visitors looking for in an elegant but relaxed dining room in the
rington Living History Farm where the orig- an authentic ranch experience. Nine historic main building. The inn touts its 42 acres
inal restored home of Anson Jones — the last Texas homes from the 1800s were saved (out of 300 total) of organic farms that pro-
president of the Republic of Texas — features from demolition, carefully moved to the duce vegetables, herbs and fruit that turn up
costumed interpreters of life on a 19th cen- ranch, and restored and decorated with an- on both your plate and in creative cocktails.
tury farm. Admission fee: Combo tickets are tiques, rugs and unique Texas furnishings to Accommodations are off-thechart gorgeous
available for Independence Hall, Star of the serve as well-appointed residences for — nine individual haciendas and casitas fea-
Republic Museum and Barrington Farm. overnight guests (the largest sleep up to 10 ture overstuffed leather chairs, stone fire-
or 13). Activities are extra and include day places, steam
BRENHAM fishing, mountain biking, skeet shooting and showers, luxe
VISITBRENHAMTEXAS.COM open range horseback riding for all skill lev- linens, pri-
Antique Rose Emporium photo by Mike Shoup els, undoubtedly one of the most popular vate patios
and golf carts
The county seat of Washington County, should you
Brenham makes an ideal base from which need to get
to explore the nearby sights. The charming to the infinity
Ant Street Inn (antstreetinn.com) is a long- pool, tennis
time favorite in the heart of downtown. Stop courts or to
at Must Be Heaven (mustbeheaven.com) for take a cook-
ing or wine
class. Golf
privileges are
available at
nearby clubs. Better yet, stay “home” and
have an in-room massage.
For more info,
Visitbrenhamtexas.com.
28 San Antonio Medicine • May 2015
