Shakespeare at Winedale
Summer performances of Shakespeare in a historic hay barn — a beloved University of Texas tradition since 1970.
Blue Bell Creameries
"The best ice cream in the country," at the source.
35 min from the ranch1101 S Blue Bell Rd, Brenham, TX
About 35 minutes away in Brenham sits the home of Blue Bell — the little creamery that became a Texas institution. Visit the observation deck to watch ice cream being made, walk through 100+ years of history in the museum, and (the important part) get a generous scoop at the parlor for next to nothing.
It's a guaranteed kid-pleaser and a nostalgic treat for grown-ups — an easy, happy half-day trip that pairs well with the Antique Rose Emporium and a wander around historic Brenham.
Don't miss
- Watch ice cream made from the observation deck
- 100+ years of history in the museum
- Big scoops at the parlor for a song
- Country store full of Blue Bell gear
From the Ranch
The observation deck only runs weekday mornings (and production varies) — go early on a weekday for the full show. Make a Brenham loop with the Antique Rose Emporium.
Perfect for
Families & kidsA nostalgic treatRainy-day backup
More family activities
Texas Quilt Museum
Rotating exhibits of extraordinary quilt art in two restored 1890s buildings in nearby La Grange.
Antique Rose Emporium
Eight acres of beautifully landscaped display gardens near Brenham — heritage roses, native plants, and a wildflower meadow. Free to wander, and a peaceful contrast to the show crowds.
Make the ranch your home base
Everything in our guide is minutes from your porch. Stay close to it all — and far from everything else.
Cabin
Rudolph Cabin
$450 / nightThe crown jewel — a secluded waterfront cabin on ~12 private acres with a 55-foot covered porch over the pond.
Sleeps 4· 1 King, 1 Queen· 1 bath
Secluded ~12 private acres behind a gated ranch entranceWaterfront with private pond views55-ft covered porch with rockers
Cabin
Cupid Cabin
$325 / nightRomance meets adventure — a dramatic garage-style wall opens the living space onto a screened outdoor retreat.
Sleeps 2· 1 King· 1 bath
30' × 30' screened patio porch with garage doorIndoor-outdoor living on Golden PondFishing on Golden Pond