By: Lauren Niebes Photography: Photo courtesy of Washington County Chamber of Commerce Date Posted: 4/30/2008 Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend

It’s time to plan a getaway with a few of your closest mommy friends. And you don’t have to travel far. Just a four-hour jaunt, Brenham, Texas delivers with shopping galore and the best breakfast you’ll ever savor and delight in.

Before you go, be sure and book your rooms at the Ingleside Bed & Breakfast on Main Street — only steps away from the town square (aka shopping central). The restored 1923 home boasts six rooms decorated in a different theme that are each lovely and very livable. The owner of this B&B grew up in the house as a little girl and lives behind it in the “guesthouse.” Her love for the home is evident. Besides the cozy and clean rooms, as well as proximity to downtown, the breakfast may be the best reason to stay a few nights here. Who could turn down a feast of apple-stuffed pancakes with caramel sauce, homemade apple muffins, fresh kiwi and pecan sausage?

After you sufficiently stuff yourself with a spectacular breakfast (really, it is), walk off the extra calories on your stroll to and through Brenham’s square. Your first shopping stop should be at Beadboard Upcountry, a shabby, but more European-chic, boutique filled with furnishings and accessories for your home. If you’re experiencing a bit of a food coma, stroll across the square to Nellie’s, a dress shop brimming with an impressive and plentiful selection of Texas-inspired jewelry.

Another shop that’s a must is Leftovers, Inc. (3900 Hwy 290 West, Brenham. (979) 830-8496. www.leftoversantiques.com). Although it’s outside the main square, and down the highway, it’s not to be missed with its unique collection of antiques and rare finds, such as a collection of purple glass.

So you’ve shopped ‘til you dropped, now where to go for lunch or dinner? Ernie’s, also in the main square, is an American bistro casual enough for Brenham, but chic enough to satisfy the “city slickers.” With the freshest ingredients available, Ernie’s never seems to disappoint with its menu. Another restaurant to try is Volare’s, only a short walk from the Ingleside B&B. The Italian restaurant is one of the best in the city and will surely whet your appetite for more trips to the quiet country town. Plus, the kids will love Barrington Farm, where a working, historical farm comes to life.

For more ideas, visit the Getaways section of our website.