Leonard Botello, owner of Truth BBQ in Brenham, Texas, boxes up a brisket sandwich. Brenham is about halfway between Houston and Austin in Washington County.
Ilana Panich-Linsman for CNN
Smoked meat aficionados often line up early at Truth BBQ, which is open from Thursday to Sunday from 11 a.m. until it sells out.
Ilana Panich-Linsman for CNN
Washington County was home to many of the "Old 300" (the first families of Anglo Texas) and the seat of revolt against Santa Anna's Mexican government, earning the area its "birthplace of Texas" moniker.
Ilana Panich-Linsman for CNN
Livestock graze along the county's back roads. In the spring, the fields are riotous with wildflowers -- most notably red and yellow Indian blanket and Indian paintbrush and the violet-tinged bluebonnet.
Ilana Panich-Linsman for CNN
Artisan cheeses, locally produced beef and poultry and craft beer are among the offerings at Home Sweet Farm Market & Biergarten in downtown Brenham.
Ilana Panich-Linsman for CNN
Julia Hatfield performs at Home Sweet Farm Market & Biergarten on a Friday night. The venue hosts live acts every weekend.
Ilana Panich-Linsman for CNN
At Park Street Bakery, kolaches and klobasniky hint at the legacy of the area's Czech immigrant farmers, who flocked to the Brenham area starting in the mid-19th century.
Ilana Panich-Linsman for CNN
The historic Simon Theatre has taken on new life as part of The Barnhill Center, a meeting and event space in downtown Brenham.
Ilana Panich-Linsman for CNN
About 11 miles northeast of Brenham, the Inn at Dos Brisas provides rustic luxury to overnight guests. The resort is home to an impressive equestrian facility.
Ilana Panich-Linsman for CNN
Brenham's revitalized, Frank Capra-esque downtown defies the trend toward Walmart-based, chain-dominated edge cities.
Ilana Panich-Linsman for CNN
Night falls on the Corner Liquor Store, which has been serving Brenham since the 1940s.
