Posts Tagged ‘Washington County’

Antique Rose Emporium: Annual Fall Festival of Roses

September 15th, 2011 by Pamela Murski

Roses

The Antique Rose Emporium (ARE)  hosts  its annual Fall Festival of Roses in November  with three days of free garden-related seminars presented by nationally and internationally known speakers and gardening tours.  The ranch is located just a short drive down a beautiful country road from this amazing nursery & garden center.

Antique Rose Emporium, with its 8 acres of landscaped grounds, is located at 10000 FM 50 in Independence, Texas. For more information about the annual Fall Festival of Roses, call 979-836-5548.

Gardens Near Brenham Texas Bed and Breakfast

October 19th, 2010 by Pamela Murski

On a recent to trip to Blackwood, an educational land institute within a 30 minute beautiful drive from  BrenhamTexas, I was delighted to see the way that the land has been preserved through gardens and nature through sustainable practices.  A formerly neglected tract of land has been turned into a living learning environment at Blackwood, including the construction of an amazing straw bale home.   It inspires me with my gardens

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Washington County Fair Brenham TX

September 26th, 2010 by Pamela Murski

The Fair has officially come and gone and wow, was it lot’s of fun…rodeo, dancing, live bands, carnival, cattle judging & auctions, bull riding, BBQ cookoff and of course, “exotic fair food”!   Our guests this year turned us on to the  “deep fried pickles, twinkies and other funky fried foods”.  We did try some so be sure to ask me what my tastebuds had to say about them when you come for a visit!  Only a mile down the road from the B&B,

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Fall Antiques Fairs Rooms Available

September 23rd, 2010 by Pamela Murski

Get your comfy walking shoes, hat and the truck ready. It’s time for the fall Antiques season! Washington County and neighboring Fayette County
transform into an antiques mecca twice a year (last part of March to
early April and last part of September to early October)  I took these photos 2 days ago and you can see the tents are up for mile after mile. … The B&B has a few nights still open. Call now 877-690-0676 to get your room or book online!   Don’t miss all the great fun and treasures to be found!

Texas Independence Day Celebration Near Texas Bed and Breakfast

September 7th, 2010 by Pamela Murski

Longhorns

 Washington On The Brazos located near Brenham, Texas celebrates Texas Independence Day in grand fashion.  Murski Homestead Bed and Breakfast, an original Texas homestead ranch B&B, located just down Hwy 105 is the perfect place to stay while enjoying Texas history and touring the area.  We recently stepped back in time  to experience some Texas history following suit by our guests after fueling up for the day with a hearty breakfast at the  ranch.   The following article gives a enticing glimpse about experiencing Texas history:  Washington On The Brazos Independence Day Celebration

Early Summer Gardens Texas Ranch Bed and Breakfast

August 26th, 2010 by Pamela Murski

The summer brought on the grasshoppers and leaf cutters but the gardens  transitioned beautifully from Spring to Summer producing zinnias, gladiolus, sweet peas, roses, flowering basils, incredible cardoon blossoms, and so much  more.  Our  vegetable gardens at the B&B were chock  full of cucumbers, squash, thyme, fennel, colorful swiss chard, bell peppers, basil, yellow and red tomatoes.  We spied this fun cucumber that we had missed that was now firmly entrenched in the landscaping timbers!  What were your gardens like this summer?

Antiques, Bed and Breakfast, Brenham Texas

August 5th, 2010 by Pamela Murski

Brenham Texas is known for its’ history, architecture, wineries, Blue Bell ice cream, shopping, restaurants and famous Fall and Spring antiques fairs.  True antique hunters also know we also have  several  antique shows throughout the year here locally.  At the most recent Summer show, held at the KC Hall just a couple miles from the Bed and Breakfast, I procured a new treasure that has already found a home on my pine harvest table.  This English Copper Warming Tray has a beautiful patina from years of service.  It will be put back in service during many of our Foodie events and cooking class adventures.

Antique English Copper Warming Tray

Texas B&B Antique Roses, Herbs & Spring Gardens

July 24th, 2010 by Pamela Murski

Our gardens at the ranch are worked year round so that we and our guests can enjoy being outside and the wild birds have plenty of food, water, hiding places and nesting material!  We had a great flush  this past Spring after the hard freezes of the winter helped put nature back in balance with growth patterns, weeds and bugs.  We use of a lot of the flowers, herbs and fruits in our cooking classes and food preparation.  There is nothing better than “farm fresh”.  We encourage all our guests and cooking class participants to use anything they can find locally and fresh from the farmers markets and meat markets…..Some great photos of some of  our flowers and herbs:

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Brenham Texas B&B Owner Loves the Food and Small Town Support

July 20th, 2010 by Pamela Murski

One of the best things of living on our family’s homestead ranch is the town that we are associated with and its citizens.   Brenham Texas is a town founded on family values and the fundamental core value of taking care of your neighbor and each other.  Most every weekend, you will find a fundraiser of some sort supporting everything from local youth, local churches to those in financial need.  I recently went

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Brenham TX B&B Wedding

July 5th, 2010 by Pamela Murski

Bernardette and Bob, thank you for allowing us to share your joy as you were united in marriage here at the ranch on Independence Day!  You were an absolutely stunning bride and putting together all the wedding and reception details for you on this special day brought us great joy.  The fireworks

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Honey Bees Texas Ranch

May 17th, 2010 by Pamela Murski

It is that time of year when honey bees start their job pollinating garden vegetables, flowers and making more honey. A  new swarm was discovered recently at the ranch and a local beekeeper came to collect them for a new honey box. It was all very interesting…. We use lots of local honey at the B&B in our cooking,  classes and in our own home. Not only is it a natural sweetener but it is also highly antibacterial and medicinal….being used in early pioneer times to heal cuts and wounds to the body among other things!

Brenham TX Washington County

May 9th, 2010 by Pamela Murski

If you are looking for a reason to come visit the ranch and Washington County….look no further!  Check out this cool youtube video!       Washington County

Birding, Texas B&B, Washington County

May 7th, 2010 by Pamela Murski

Our local bird expert conducted another successful guide in the are recently at Camp Allen.  The ranch has a very diverse birding habitat and home to various species year round.  You can book a private guided tour with  our expert when staying at the  B&B.  Just let us know your dates ahead of time so we can secure his services!  You won’t be disappointed.   

Nesting Baby Bluebirds

 Some of the sightings on this latest tour were:

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Texas B&B Rosemary Peach Martini

May 4th, 2010 by Pamela Murski

Do you have  Rosemary growing in your garden?  Are you a Martini fan?  If you answered yes to those questions,  you will want to try this recipe, one of Murski Homestead B&B’s signature drinks! Cooking class participants at the ranch oohed and aawed over this cocktail (any leftover Rosemary syrup can be used over pound cake, in iced tea, over fresh fruit, to make a sorbet or ice cream…..so don’t throw away a single drop!)

Rosemary-Peach Martini

Martini Time!

2 oz. vodka
1/2 oz. peach syrup
1/2 oz. rosemary simple syrup***
1/2 fresh squeezed lemon
ice
Put all ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice and shake.  Strain into Martini stem, garnish with fresh lemon slice and serve immediately.
***Rosemary Simple Syrup:  heat 2 cups of water, 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 6 (4 inch) sprigs fresh rosemary.  Bring to boil, cover, turn off heat and let steep 20 minutes.  Strain syrup and store in refrigerator in clean sterilized bottle.

Wildflowers, Painting, Scenic Views Washington County

April 21st, 2010 by Pamela Murski

Washington County, home to our ranch and bed and breakfast, is incredible year round but is particularly known for its’ spring wildflowers and breathtaking views. We recently spied these painters on the side of the road enjoying the views and painting opportunities provide by our fabulous spring displays. Benjamin Knox has a gallery in College Station and Cowboyhas a gallery in Somerville. Their trusty black lab was along for the adventure!

Local CSA Near Texas BB Provides Farm Fresh Goodies For Foodie Class

April 16th, 2010 by Pamela Murski

The monthly market day of our local CSA held at Home Sweet Farmsin Brenham TX produced some amazing tidbits to enhance our Foodie Cooking Class at the B&B.   Some if the procured items included pastured duck, fresh raw yogurt, wild honey and fresh Brussels sprouts!  Eat fresh, raw and local any time you can!

Cooking Class at Texas Bed and Breakfast

April 16th, 2010 by Pamela Murski

Another great cooking class recently with journalist and friends in the area was held at the ranch. The class got off to a fun start with house made Rosemary Peach Martinis and finished up with Tiramisu. Dinner was enjoyed on the century old front porch in the cool of an evening shower. The wildflowers were starting their show in the surrounding hills and fields.

Birding Near Brenham TX B&B

April 15th, 2010 by Pamela Murski

Our local birding expert and tour guide, Darrell Vollert, conducted another successful bird banding workshop recently where a variety of birds including a female Cedar Waxwing and an immature Sharp-shinned Hawk were caught and banded.  The hawk was chasing a waxwing when it was netted in the woods. Workshop participant Phil held the hawk while we took pictures of the bird.  Another bird banding workshop will be held in early June. Mist nets will be set up in the Navasota River bottom and the focus will be on nesting flycatchers, vireos, warblers, and buntings.  Be sure to book your  lodging now so as not to miss this event.  You do not  have to be experienced to attend.  Darrell is a wonderful instructor and guide. 

                                  

Brenham TX B&B and Wine Trail

April 12th, 2010 by Pamela Murski

Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail -Spring Bluebonnet TrailIncredible wines and tastings with unbelievable scenery are found in Washington County and the surrounding area!  At Murski Homestead we feature local fare and local wine which are used in our cooking classes, Vintner dinners and special Foodie Weekends.  One of the most recent additions to the scene it the Bluebonnet Wine Trail, wine fun that is not  to be missed!  The wineries along the trail will offer a pairing of two cheeses from local artisans with two wines.  As an added bonus, receive a packet of Texas wildflower seeds at each winery you visit (while supplies last).

Roses at the Ranch

March 16th, 2010 by Pamela Murski

OLD GARDEN ROSES:  Mike Shoup, owner of the Antique Rose Emporiumin Brenham is one of the original “rose rustlers” who brought heirloom roses back into trade.  Most of the roses here at the B&B on the ranch are of the antique variety and can be found at Antique Rose Emporium which is only a few miles north of the B&B.  It is one of those day trips

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New Longhorn Calf at the Ranch

March 2nd, 2010 by Pamela Murski

New Longhorn Calf

Latest addition to the herd....Longhorn Calf

Another beautiful addition to our herd here at the ranch is our latest new born Longhorn bull calf! He is striking in his patterned coat that Longhorns are noted for and the guests love watching him romp and play over the hills as they enjoy their drinks on the porches.

Snow At Bed & Breakfast Brenham Texas Ranch

February 28th, 2010 by Pamela Murski

Unbelievable fat white flurries descended from the sky making everything frosty white and giving us a sense of being up North experiencing a real winter wonderland! Snow blanketed the gardens at the ranch and caused even the Cardinals to see cover amongst the branches and thorns of some of our antique rose bushes. The Geese

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Windy Winery Chili Cook-off Near Brenham TX B&B

February 25th, 2010 by Pamela Murski

Another Texas tradition, a chili cook-off, was paired with Texas wines at Windy Winery last Saturday just down the  road from Murski Homestead B&B, here in Brenham TX. There were 4 chili teams for the first annual event hosted by Auggie and Linda Meitzen of Windy Winery.   John Beland, famed guitarist, was also on hand providing live music while we  tasted and drank!  The event, held outdoors, was fun, fun, fun and delicious to boot!  Be sure to put it  on  your calendar for next year and stay at the ranch just a few miles down  the road!

The Big Freeze of 2010 at Brenham, Texas B&B Ranch

February 12th, 2010 by Pamela Murski

The ponds froze up this year during the big freeze of January 2010!  We haven’t seen this in  years.  The gardens took the brute force of the below freezing temperatures that lasted for several days, looking worse for wear (even though we covered and clamped down and lit up with lights to help keep them warm!).  Those that have not survived the big chill will be replaced with a new and different specimen.  This is  our opportunity to  venture out with something new and experiment.  The freeze is a definite bonus for us with bugs in that it depletes the numbers and knocks them back to a more manageable level for  us.  When the ranch goes years without a major freeze, it allows the bugs to multiply and winter over creating more work for us with each succeeding year!….especially for those of us who are mostly organic gardeners!  Looking forward to Spring, the wildflowers at the B&B and excited to see what comes back in  our gardens!

Travel Article about Brenham, Texas Bed and Breakfast

December 30th, 2009 by Pamela Murski

We were thrilled to find out that a travelling journalist posted this online article about Murski Homestead B&B!  The writer included our recipe for Basil Cranberry Jelly.  The article begins….

Bluebonnets and CowsDeep in the heart of bluebonnet country, tucked into the beautiful foothills of the Texas Hill Country, you’ll find the lovely Murski Homestead B & B……  read more and see our recipe here

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