Welcome to Chappell Hill, Texas, y’all! This little slice of heaven is nestled in the heart of Washington County, just a stone’s throw away from Brenham (if you can throw a stone 30 miles, that is). With a population of just few hundred, Chappell Hill is the epitome of small-town charm. Imagine strolling down Main Street, tipping your hat to the friendly locals and feeling like you’ve just stepped into a John Wayne movie. The historic homes and buildings are so well-preserved, you half expect to see a tumbleweed blowing by.
But don’t let the size fool you – Chappell Hill packs a punch when it comes to things to do. You’ve got museums that’ll take you on a trip through Texas history, wineries that’ll make you question why you ever settled for boxed wine, and landscapes so pretty, you’ll want to frame them and hang ’em on your wall.
A Brief History of Chappell Hill
Ah, Chappell Hill – where Texas history comes alive, and the ghosts of the past still roam the streets (just kidding, or am I?). It all started back in the early 1800s when Stephen F. Austin, the “Father of Texas,” started handing out land grants like they were candy on Halloween. One of the lucky recipients was Robert Wooding Chappell, who decided to open up a store and unknowingly created the foundation for this charming little town.
Fast forward a few decades, and Chappell Hill found itself smack dab in the middle of some legendary Texas events. Just down the road, at Washington-on-the-Brazos, a bunch of brave Texans got together in 1836 and said, “Adios, Mexico!” (Okay, maybe they were a bit more eloquent than that, but you get the picture). And let’s not forget about the stagecoach route from Houston to Austin. Imagine being a weary traveler, bouncing along in a wooden stagecoach, when suddenly, the town of Chappell Hill appears like a beautiful mirage. “Stop the coach!” you’d yell, “I need to stretch my legs and maybe buy a new hat from that mercantile store!”
Today, the historic buildings in Chappell Hill are so well-preserved, you might just feel like you’ve stepped into a time machine. Take a stroll down Main Street, and you’ll be surrounded by homes, churches, and shops that look like they’re straight out of a Wild West movie set. It’s no wonder the town is on the National Register of Historic Places – it’s like a living, breathing museum of Lone Star heritage!
Getting to Chappell Hill
All right, folks, let’s talk about how to get to this little slice of Texas heaven called Chappell Hill. If you’re coming from Houston, just hop on I-10 and head west like you’re trying to escape the city’s humidity. When you hit Sealy, take TX 237 North until you reach US 290, then hang a right and keep your eyes peeled for Chappell Hill. It’s like a treasure hunt, but instead of a chest full of gold, you’ll find a town full of charm (and maybe some delicious BBQ).
Now, if you’re coming from Austin or San Antonio, pack some snacks and get ready for a two-hour road trip on US 290 East. You might pass some fields of bluebonnets or a herd of longhorns on the way – just try not to get too distracted by the scenic views!
For you brave souls coming from Dallas/Ft. Worth or other parts of North Texas, you’re in for a bit of a longer haul. Take I-45 South like you’re heading to Houston, but don’t worry, you won’t have to deal with the traffic. Instead, you’ll veer off onto TX 105 East and meet up with US 290. From there, it’s just a hop, skip, and a jump (okay, maybe a few more miles) to Chappell Hill.
Getting Around Chappell Hill and Nearby Areas
While having your own vehicle is the easiest way to explore Chappell Hill and nearby attractions, there are some public transportation options available too:
Driving
Once in Chappell Hill, downtown sites and restaurants are within walking distance. A car allows flexibility for venturing to wineries, neighboring towns or area state parks at your own pace without relying on tour schedules. Being just a short 30 mile drive from Brenham or 90 minutes from Houston, having your own wheels makes day trips simple. Just avoid drinking and driving if wine tasting or bar hopping and utilize ride shares, taxi services or shuttle tours instead to get home safely.
Ride Share Services
Major ride sharing apps like Uber and Lyft do have limited availability in the area, primarily in Brenham and some outer lying locales. This can provide an option for accessing bars and restaurants in Chappell Hill or neighboring communities without driving yourself. However, don’t rely solely on ride shares given the remote rural location.
Shuttle Tours
For some attractions like Messina Hof Winery and Viking Hall Meadery, shuttle bus tours departing from Brenham, Chappell Hill or other cities are available to provide roundtrip transportation direct to the venues. This way you can sip wine and mead freely without driving back. Check tour company websites for reservation details.
Bicycling
While Chappell Hill itself is rather small for a lengthy bike ride, cycling along the rural farm roads surrounding town provides a pleasant way to soak up scenic landscapes peppered with wildflowers in season. Just be aware of traffic along the winding lanes and pack water. Washington on the Brazos State Park and other area parks also afford scenic biking opportunities.
Taxi Companies
Traditional taxi services provide another safe ride home option after having drinks with local restaurants and saloons. Though limited in availability out here, companies based in Brenham or Hempstead can dispatch vehicles to Chappell Hill. Be sure to call well ahead of time on busy nights.
Where to Stay in Chappell Hill
While Chappell Hill is small, there are a few charming lodging options for visitors:
The Nest Bed & Breakfast
Built in 1871, The Nest B&B occupies a restored Victorian home and barn in the heart of downtown Chappell Hill. This charming property has received honors for it’s historic renovation and provides a quaint, romantic retreat with just four suites offering king or queen beds, whirlpool tubs, fireplaces and private porches. Guests enjoy full Southern breakfasts daily.
The Bluebonnet Inn Bed & Breakfast
Constructed in 1884 as a boarding house for frontier preachers, doctors and traveling salesmen, the Bluebonnet Inn offers cozy, historic rooms filled with antiques and Southern charm. The B&B provides a full homemade breakfast daily, evening refreshments and outdoor seating areas to enjoy the fresh air.
Kerr Suites
These apartment-style suites provide extra space and amenities perfect for families or longer stays. Kerr Suites offers a two-bedroom layout complete with a full kitchen and living area, two baths and sleeping for up to six guests. It’s located downtown near restaurants and attractions.
Washington on the Brazos State Park Camping
For a scenic outdoor lodging option just two miles outside Chappell Hill, check out tent and RV camping sites at Washington on the Brazos State Park along the Brazos River. The park offers restroom and shower facilities, picnic areas, hiking trails, fishing spots and river access for a quintessential Texas camping getaway.
Iconic Cuisine in Chappell Hill
| Dish | Description | Average Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Fried Steak | Tenderized beef steak breaded and fried, topped with creamy gravy | $12 – $15 |
| Texas BBQ Brisket | Smoked beef brisket sliced and served with onions, pickles, bread | $12 – $18 per pound |
| Green Chile Hamburger | Beef patty topped with sliced hatch chiles and pepper jack cheese | $9 – $12 |
| Chicken & Dumplings | Fluffy dumpling dough floated in chicken-studded broth | $12 – $15 |
| Fried Catfish | Farm-raised catfish coated in cornmeal then fried golden brown | $12 – $16 |
| Chicken Fried Chicken | Boneless chicken breast breaded and fried into a crispy crust | $10 – $14 |
| Queso & Chips | Smooth melted cheese dip paired with crispy tortilla chips | $6 – $9 |
| Shrimp & Grits | Cheese grits topped with Gulf shrimp, tomatoes, green onions | $12 – $18 |
| Pecan Pie | Rich nut pie with gooey filling in flaky pie crust | $4 per slice |
| Tres Leches Cake | Sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk topped with whipped cream | $5 per slice |
Top Things to Do in Chappell Hill
Once settled into your lodging choice, Chappell Hill offers these top things to see and experience during your visit:
Walking Tour of Historic Downtown
The best way to explore Chappell Hill is on foot via a walking tour of the downtown Main Street area showcasing over 40 historic sites. Pick up a self-guided tour map at the museum and take in all the preserved architecture, charming stories and Lone Star history at your own pace.
Chappell Hill Museum & Visitor Center
Learn all about this historic town at the Chappell Hill Museum located in a restored mercantile store downtown. Inside you’ll find displays of artifacts, photographs, research materials and exhibits spotlighting everything from the founding families and famous residents to pioneer life showcasing blacksmithing, quilting, farming implements and more.
Schenk Hall
Built as a Swiss Alpine style home in 1871, historic Schenk Hall now operates as an event venue in the heart of downtown, hosting weddings, meetings and community functions. Tour this Texas Historic Landmark to admire the intricate woodwork, high ceilings and architectural details preserved from the 19th century.
Stagecoach Inn Saloon & Restaurant
Dine or grab a drink inside the restored Stagecoach Inn, which first opened it’s doors in 1859 as a stop for weary stagecoach travelers. Now home to a saloon and Tex-Mex eatery, this Texas Historic Landmark still retains the ambiance and romance of the Old West days with welcoming hospitality.
First Monday Trade Days
Shop for antiques, crafts, vintage goods and more at the First Monday Trade Days flea market held the weekend before the first Monday of each month. Taking over downtown, vendors line the streets with booths selling all kinds of unique treasures and handmade items at bargain prices.
Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site
Located just two miles outside Chappell Hill, this state historic site preserves over 300 acres of Texas independence history along the Brazos River. Visit Barrington Plantation to journey back into the 1840s, walk the 1 mile Independence Trail and explore the Star of the Republic Museum spotlighting Lone Star artifacts.
Bluebonnet Wine Trail Wineries
With several acclaimed wineries just minutes from downtown, Chappell Hill sits smack dab in the heart of the Bluebonnet Wine Trail. Sip award-winning Texas wines at Hometown Winery, Brenham Cellars and more while soaking up the laidback small town vibes.
Community Churches
Take time to visit Chappell Hill’s historic churches listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including Chappell Hill United Methodist built in 1852 and St. Stanislaus Catholic Church built by Polish immigrants in 1878, to stand in sanctuaries where frontier Texans once worshipped generations ago.
Home Tours
For a personal glimpse into Chappell Hill’s past, book a guided tour of two perfectly preserved historic homes: the Woodland Cottage built in 1859 featuring Civil War era furnishings and the 1895 Palmer-Thompson House spotlighting Victorian architecture and interior design.
Monument Hill / Kreische Brewery / Monument Hill State Historic Site
West of downtown, this state historic site pays tribute to German pioneers who settled the region in the 1800s. Hike trails to the onion domed brewery ruins that once supplied beer to the Lone Star State. At the base of Monument Hill, walk amidst the texas granite tombstones andiron crosses left behind by founders of this German farming community.
Southern Style Dining & Shopping
Recharge with a meal highlighting Southern comfort cuisine at the beloved Bird & Bear or savory Tex-Mex flavors at Pilar’s Restaurant in downtown Chappell Hill. Afterwards, browse home decor, antiques and gifts at Whimsy & Willow or snag locally made jams, jewelry and art at shops housed inside historic downtown buildings.
Key Events in Chappell Hill
In addition to it’s historic attractions, Chappell Hill hosts annual events throughout the year for visitors to experience:
- Spring Wildflower Trails: From March to April when vibrant bluebonnets and other wildflowers bloom across Texas, Chappell Hill holds expert-led wildflower hikes through breathtaking landscapes with flowers as far as the eye can see.
- Fourth of July Festival: On Independence Day weekend, downtown fills with festivities including a parade, car show, live music, kids activities, craft bazaar and fireworks extravaganza to honor patriotic pride in this All-American town.
- Christmas in Chappell Hill: From the Saturday after Thanksgiving through early January, get into the holiday spirit Texas style during Christmas in Chappell Hill showcasing live reenactments along Main Street, elegant home tours, caroling, cuisine and seasonal cheer across town.
- Homecoming Alumni Weekend: Every April, Chappell Hill holds a community homecoming event inviting home former residents. Historic building tours, live music, cookoffs, antique tractor shows, dining and reunions celebrate the town’s heritage when prodigal sons and daughters return.
Final Reasons to Visit Chappell Hill, Texas
Beyond the chance to journey back in time when visiting Chappell Hill’s exceptionally preserved historic sites, here are a few more things that make this small town a must-visit Texas destination:
Texas Friendliness
Expect warm welcoming Lone Star hospitality everywhere you go in Chappell Hill, from shop and restaurant owners eager to share local lore to fellow visitors happy to offer tips on their favorite finds around town.
Scenic Rural Landscapes
Venture just outside the downtown area to soak up the photogenic rural scenery blanketing Chappell Hill featuring rolling prairies, forests edged fields crossed by meandering creeks and distant views of the Brazos River valley offering a timeless window into Texas natural beauty.
Location as a Base Camp
Chappell Hill sits less than an hour’s drive from major Central Texas cities while providing a peaceful escape into the pace of historic small town living. Use it as a home base for exploring Brenham’s attractions or larger area highlights like Round Top Antiques Fair, outlet shopping in Cypress or Katy, touring College Station or spending a weekend in Austin or Houston.
Whether your interest lies in history, architecture, museums, shopping, dining, natural scenery or just relaxing into traditional Texas pastimes with good old Southern hospitality, visiting charming Chappell Hill is sure to delight. Plan your trip today to this Lone Star gem.
FAQs
The best spots for wildflower viewing are along the rural backroads around town, in fields off Highway 290 headed north to Independence and inside Washington on the Brazos State Historic Park. Peak season runs March-April depending on weather.
Yes, Chappell Hill hosts festive parades down Main Street for both Christmas and 4th of July complete with floats, bands, classic cars and tractors. Fireworks light up the sky above the high school football field during July 4th celebrations.
Most accommodations in Chappell Hill are quaint, historic bed and breakfast inns and small boutique hotels. For larger chain hotels, Brenham offers several options 20 minutes up Hwy 290 like Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Best Western and Comfort Suites.
Uber and Lyft operate on a very limited basis primarily between Brenham and Chappell Hill. Traditional taxi companies can provide ride services within Chappell Hill as needed. Having your own vehicle is best for flexibility exploring the area.
While scenic, Texas’ bluebonnet fields are on private property so visitors should not trespass or trample the wildflowers. View from roadsides and designated public lands like Washington on the Brazos State Park instead. Many landowners sustainably cultivate bluebonnet seeds to ensure future blooming.
Conclusion
This little town is like a time capsule of Texas heritage, where you can practically hear the echoes of the past whispering through the streets. Imagine strolling past historic churches and homes, each one with a story to tell. You might just find yourself transported back to the days of the Wild West, where pioneers roamed the land and life moved at a slower pace (minus the whole “no indoor plumbing” thing, of course).
But Chappell Hill isn’t just a pretty face stuck in the past. This town knows how to throw a party! Every Fourth of July, the streets come alive with red, white, and blue as locals and visitors alike celebrate America’s birthday Texas-style. And when spring rolls around, the fields surrounding Chappell Hill burst into a sea of bluebonnets, making it the perfect backdrop for your next Instagram photoshoot (or just a really good picnic spot).
And let’s not forget about the food. Chappell Hill’s culinary scene is like a delicious love letter to Texas tradition. We’re talking scratch-made dishes that’ll make your taste buds sing the “Yellow Rose of Texas.” So, come on down to Chappell Hill and experience a slice of authentic Texas heritage – and maybe a slice of homemade pie while you’re at it!
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