Things To Do In Brenham

The resident chefs at Sengelmann Hall infuse their European-inspired offerings with tastes and techniques channeled from Texan culinary traditions. European-inspired entrees include german ribs and sauerkraut ($15), which piles repurposed Wagner records with slow-cooked pork ribs and tangy sauerkraut. Schnitzer's chicken schnitzel ($16) sets deep-fried chicken breast afloat on a sea of lemon-butter sauce next to potatoes and vegetables. American fare stakes its own claim to table space, helping diners oil rusty jaw hinges with meal-prefacing portions of house-made queso or salsa cradled in hand-cut tortilla chips ($3.50) or bite into the Two Brothers burger’s six-ounce angus beef patty brushed with house mayonnaise and mustard ($8.50).

Unity Theatre has always maintained a close connection to downtown Brenham's history, even as it reinvents its present. Nowhere is that more evident than the company's choice of venues. The Brenham National Bank lobby served as Unity's first stage back in 1995 (a former freight depot served as its box office) until the company renovated a former warehouse into a professional theatrical venue. With it came enough space to produce four Main Stage productions, two studio productions, a summer family musical, and two concerts each season. That output has attracted actors, directors, designers and technicians from throughout the country, treating the region to the most rewarding theatrical experience possible. Unity Theatre cultivates homegrown talent, however, with workshops and classes.

Nearly equidistant from Austin, Houston, and San Antonio, Christian retreat center Camp Tejas welcomes guests who gather to make new friends and explore different facets of their faith. Bunkhouses and private rooms accommodate overnight guests, while conference rooms and recreational facilities offer a chance to work, play, sing, study, and celebrate. Then there's the green, flower-dotted expanse of land that's home to these buildings. Trees, grass, and lakes abound, offering plenty of opportunities to kayak, climb, and appreciate nature. In November and December, this refreshing slice of the outdoors becomes even brighter, as the annual Lights of Tejas show organizes Christmas-light displays and family activities right along the water's edge.

Pecan Lakes' par 72 course, designed by Houston golf architect Jay Riviere, challenges and delights cart-equipped golfers with over 200 scenic acres speckled with trees, waterways, and more than 50 strategically placed bunkers. Linksters will bandy through a tall grove of pecan, elm, and water oaks on the front nine before sending dimpled orbs off into the formidable, 560-yard abyss of the 11th hole with a yodeled "fore." Athletes also face-off against the elements at multiple holes where water, wind, and ball-thieving carbon molecules can come into play. Golfers can conclude an afternoon on the green by navigating the dog-leg left turn and water-flanked right side of the 18th hole.

At Palettes and Pairings, owner/artist Amanda Eaves teaches visitors how to create colorful masterpieces over glasses of wine and conversation with friends. Birthday party guests and people enjoying relaxing nights out practice their new artistic skills by creating beautiful paintings worthy of gifting or hanging in the home.