When Ailsa, author of Where’s My Backpack?, posted her Friday photo challenge, Travel theme: Square, we were headed on a Saturday to Brenham, Texas, with high hopes: tour the Blue Bell Creamery factory to see how they make that creamy goodness and then patronize the Country Store and Ice Cream Parlor near the Visitor Center.
What we came for: Seeing how Blue Bell is made! (OK. This is not square. We know.)
But that didn’t happen. Open times are Monday through Friday, 8 to 5 only. So, we headed to the square in downtown Brenham. And for those of you not familiar with southern small town squares, it’s where shops, cafes, law offices, and drugs-and-sundries shops all face the four sides of county court house.
Searching for squares became a cause, thanks to Ailsa and her Friday word. And here are a few squares found in downtown Brenham, Texas.
A shot of the square from Park St. Bakery where we ate our first Klobasniky. (Sorry these are oval, not square. But they’re sooooo good. Just had to snap a trayful (Is that a word?) to share with you.
Downtown square in Brenham, Texas.
Want a klobasniky? It’s a Czech delight: soft pastry filled with cheese and link sausage. Mmmm.
A walk down a side street revealed more squares honoring those who donated to the revitalization as a Friend of Downtown.
Honoring donors as Friends of Downtown Brenham, Texas, with sidewalk squares.
Ducking into Bluebird off the Square, an antiques and accessories shop, we found square wreaths and square pillows.
Ana at the Book Nook, bargain books — new and used — stood upright in square cubbies in a set of old lockers painted green.
Old lockers painted green hold new and used books at the Book Nook, Brenham, TX.
Our last stop at Must Be Heaven, an old-fashioned ice cream shoppe complete with soda fountain and black-and-white-square-tile flooring, brought us full circle, if you will. Because it was there that we found what we came to find in the first place: a bowl full of luscious butter pecan Blue Bell ice cream!
An old-fashioned soda fountain at Must Be Heaven still sells scoops, floats, and shakes all made with Blue Bell Ice Cream!
Nothin’ square about shopping in Brenham!
For more squares, check out Travel theme: Square at Where’s My Backpack?
anotherday2paradise
Great photos for the challenge. Now my mouth is watering for a klobasniky. 🙂
Oh, the Places We See
Good choice on that klobasniky. It has a little link sausage and some cheese inside — so good!
anotherday2paradise
Yes, I read all about the tasty inside. 🙂
Curt Mekemson
I’ll be heading through small town Texas soon as I retrace my 6 month North American Bike trek. (This time by van. :)) Even though it was in 1989, I still remember the town squares. I’ll have to hunt up some Bluebell Ice Cream. I am sure I scarfed down a bunch. –Curt
Oh, the Places We See
If you’re lucky, you’ll not only find Blue Bell and town squares, but you’ll spot some old men sitting on benches whittling sticks or maybe even a small town parade movin’ ’round the square! Your bike trek/ van trek sounds fun!
Curt Mekemson
Love those little parades… 🙂
susan@marsha'sbungalow
I remember bluebell ice cream from my days in Texas. What a treat.
Oh, the Places We See
My dad lived in Texas for years while I was making my permanent home in Tennessee. He would brag about Blue Bell to the point of making me jealous of his ice cream availability. But now, we Tennesseans have access to the creamy goodness. Oh, my. How times have changed!
Judy @ NewEnglandGardenAndThread
What a fun day. I love the photo of the klobasniky. My husband’s family made something that looked like this only is had ground beef and cabbage in it with white sauce. Yum. 🙂
Oh, the Places We See
I’m just now seeing your comment, Judy, but even as I read it, my mouth is watering for a klobasniky. I think I could write a sequel to a book we bought years ago . . . Eat Your Way Across the USA! Thanks for commenting.
tappjeanne
So sorry you didn’t get to see inside Blue Bell – my very favorite ice cream. Love the soda fountain counter and the ‘square’ wreath!
Oh, the Places We See
We love touring factories and seeing how things work. Wish we could have gone, too. Not sure I’ll get a second chance. Oh, well. There’s always Mayfield’s in Athens!!
lingeringvisions by Dawn
Looks like you had a great day after all.
Oh, the Places We See
We can always find something fun to do even with a cancellation! I love small towns, and Bert has grown to tolerate, if not downright enjoy, shopping with me. So, wandering around a new place is a boost to us both. Finding food on these excursions is icing on the cake! Thanks for commenting.
Encore Voyage
Ooh, I want one of those kloba-thingies for my breakfast! I just love discovering quaint little places like this! Thanks for sharing!
Oh, the Places We See
We, too, love quaint little towns especially if there are interesting shops and restaurants. I’m truly drawn to them, especially if there is a regional flavor to the clothing, food, etc. Thanks for checking out this post!