Down the Road a Piece – Brenham Texas USA

This #shorthaul goal was to find a quiet and secluded location to celebrate the birthday for my “main event” aka “beau”.  My research project for this trip was something low key, a place neither of us has visited, somewhat secluded, and romantic, and oh yes, it has to be a total surprise for him.

Next stop, FM 332, the undiscovered golden nugget of the trip.  Scenic Hills Retreat offers a selection of secluded themed log cabins with various creature comfort amenities.

My choice for our #shorthaul getaway was the Scenic Hills, Spa Vista cabin.  The expansive main room is an 1850’s hand-hewn chestnut log cabin, amazingly crafted giving you an appreciation for the architecture and craftsmanship of the cabin.  Surrounded by tall trees, this was a very private oasis. The cabin and amenities were as described on their web site and nicely done. We chose to BBQ our first night’s dinner and quietly soak up the still of the night in the spa with NO TV or internet- totally unplugged.

I highly recommend checking out the Scenic Hills Retreat for a stay in this area.  They offer a variety of amenities and package selections.  The fridge was stocked with breakfast items, not just cookies but real fresh eggs, sausages, and baked torts.

Due east on hwy. 290, from Brenham and “down the road a piece”, as one would say in the local dialect, that means 15 min. ride you will discover Chappel Hill, TX.  Now if you are from this part of the land you know the name Chappel Hill is synonymous with Chappel Hill Sausage Company known for its delicious smoked link sausage, summer sausage, spiral honey glazed hams to name a few mouthwatering products.   They have a retail shop in town which we did not visit because a street banner advertising the Scarecrow Festival in Chappel Hill got our attention.

This being a beautiful autumn day, well why not check out the local festival.  As we took a leisurely walk through the festival we discovered the Scarecrow Festival offered something for everyone. Food and drink, music, and rides for the kids and arts and craft vendors selling their wares.  Fertile ground for me and the beau. He selected a craftsman offering exquisitely hand-carved cheese boards from exotic woods as his purchase. Well done my man, ebony maple board but the craftsman had boards of many shapes and sizes.

My heart was in the festive holiday mode and I engaged in Christmas purchases of handcrafted items for the great-nieces and nephews. Wow, all that fun, nice cold beer and Christmas shopping too!  Well done Scarecrow Festival, see ya next year, I hope.  With Chappel Hill a short hour drive from Houston, this also makes a great day trip for with family and friends and of course your beau!

The peacefulness slow pace of the land can be greatly appreciated when you are extracted from a huge city like Houston.  Allowing ourselves to be unplugged and intimate with the land and surroundings afforded us a first-rate #shorthaul getaway. BTW, Surprise, Happy Birthday to my “main event”. Glad we took this adventure together.

On this and all my postings, I would enjoy your comments.  How did you like the article? Did it give you enough information to whet your appetite to explore?