Attractions in Grimes County, Texas

For the most part Grimes County, Texas consists of small towns and agriculture. What, you may ask, is there to do in this quiet little county? While there are not as many attractions as next door's Brazos County you can rest assured there are a few treasures that will make for an interesting weekend if you desire to visit this unassuming county.

One of the most prominent structures citizens think of in relation to Grimes County is without a doubt the Grimes County Courthouse. Built in 1891 in Anderson, Texas it's charms are hard to ignore. The second floor which houses the actual courtroom has a pressed tin ceiling that is quite impressive. It gives you something to look at while waiting for jury duty selection to end. The whole feel of the courthouse is historical from its stone facade to its creaky wooden interiors and walls lined with pictures of long since past judges. The courthouse even played a role in Goldie Hawn's made for t.v. movie, "Hope", in 1997. Those are just a few of the attractions of this Victorian style courthouse.

In my opinion one of the largest attractions to Grimes County is the Renaissance Festival held every year through October and November. The festival boasts its 34th year this year and has scores of activities to entertain each member of the family. From games, rides, and shows, to feasting on the food and wine, to the music, demonstrations, and beautiful gardens one will find it hard to be bored. You can even have your wedding here if you so desire! For more information on this exciting event see www.texrenfest.com.

Another unique attraction in Grimes County is King's Orchard. Admission into the Orchard is free and you only pay for what you pick. No eating while you pick though! This makes for a delightful day trip for children of all ages and also something fun and out of the ordinary for parents to enjoy. With extremely reasonable prices on the fruit, vegetables, or flowers you choose to pick you won't walk away disappointed. The orchard is open to large groups and field trips, but be sure to reserve a spot so they know you're coming! You can check out their website for more information and to see what is in season, www.kingsorchard.com. Happy picking!

The beautiful Fanthorp Inn is located in Anderson, Texas (you can make a stop here AND the courthouse) and has been opened to the public now for twenty-one years. Texas Parks and Wildlife acquired the Inn from descendants of the family and restored it to its old uses as a family home and an inn. The house was built by an English immigrant named Henry Fanthorp when Texas was still a part of Mexico. The Inn, like most of the other attractions listed is family friendly. You may head over to the Inn Saturday or Sunday for public tours and Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday for group tours (reservation only). Again, for a reasonable price you can ride the stagecoach on Stagecoach Days which are scheduled the second Saturday of each month. Of course you may always call the park for more information, 1-800-792-1112.

An annual event for the music lovers out there is the Navasota Bluesfest. Held in honor of Navasotan and bluesman himself, Mance Lipscomb, this event becomes more and more popular every year. The festival gathers together local and regional musicians each year to play some good ol' blues music. From the money that is raised several scholarships are given out each year to high school seniors. And for those of you with children, this too, is a great event in which to take the kids. Admission is seventeen dollars for adults, but children under twelve can enjoy the Fest for free. Although the Bluesfest has already come and gone for 2008, there is always room to start planning for next year. For information on the Navasota Bluesfest you can visit www.navasotabluesfest.org.

Last, but not least, for the gardeners out there there is the ever popular Martha's Bloomers. This quaint home and garden store was actually recognized in "Southern Living Magazine" as their number five shopping spot in their fifty top shops in the South. With that kind of recommendation who couldn't help but go check it out? Martha's Bloomers offers a vast array of home and garden items and activities, from searching for that perfect plant for your garden, to seminars you can attend to become a better gardener. They offer a beautiful tea room for lunch as a break from all of your shopping. Then you can wind through their beautiful gardens for inspiration. Be sure though if you find yourself at Martha's Bloomers not to forget your wallet because most likely you won't want to walk away empty handed!

Hopefully if you are ever down in this neck of the woods I have given you a few ideas to make your visit to Grimes County a pleasant experience. Grimes County, although known for its wide open spaces has little treasures to visit that can be fun for the entire family.