WASHINGTON CO. BUSINESSES RECOGNIZED AT ANNUAL TOURISM AWARDS

  

Businesses around Washington County were honored Wednesday evening at the 2021 Tourism Awards.

A reception was held at The Barnhill Center for Visit Brenham tourism partners, recognizing their efforts over the past year to promote Brenham and Washington County.

Awards presented include (award descriptions courtesy Visit Brenham):

Visionary Award: 1844 Liquor Mart

There are people who dream big, but it’s a rarity to find people who dream big and do big. To have a dream AND the courage to take big risks to make those visions come true is a gift. This partner started with a beautifully curated little shop, had great success and then opened another completely different store with even more success. Congratulations to Kathleen and Jared Anderson for your success with 1844 Liquor Market.

Visionary Award: Puppy Dawgs & Cat Tails

Opening a specialty store in a town the size of Brenham can be challenging, even more so when you lose your store space. With this expression, ‘What doesn’t kill you, can make you stronger’, this person rose to the challenge with Herculean strength. That was years ago and today this store is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. It has expanded and grown, starting with pet food and related items and growing into a beautiful space filled with clothing, gifts, jewelry, furniture and even event rental. Congratulations to Lisa and Conner Wix of Puppy Dawgs & Cat Tails.

Local Love Award: Brunmiller Organic Soap & Lotions

When this retailer joined the Brenham business scene, she embraced the community in every way. Along with growing her own business, she collaborated with other local businesses and craftspeople to help them rise, too. From hosting pop-ups to incorporating other local artisans into workshops and special events, Leanna Brun of Brunmillers Organic Soap & Lotions is always offering something more to do in Brenham.

Local Love Award: Coco’s Cottage and Bella’s Bungalow

From the moment this couple purchased their first property in Brenham, they started sharing on their social media what they loved about Washington County. From posting their favorite restaurants and things they liked to do around the county, to featuring local businesses in their welcome baskets for their guests, they always give their audience more reasons to visit and love Brenham. We recognize our friends Anna & Brett Noack at Coco’s Cottage and Bella’s Bungalow.

Family-Friendly Award: Brazos Valley Brewing Company

The Brenham area is known for good old-fashioned fun for the whole family. It’s always great to find a place where the kids can have as much fun as the adults. This partner is a favorite place for the young and young at heart where adults can hang out and refresh themselves with an adult beverage while the kids run and play. Congratulations to our 2021 Family-Friendly Award recipient Josh Jalomo of Brazos Valley Brewing Company.

Newcomer Award: Brown Water Cigar Bar

It didn’t take long for this new business to become one of the most popular in our area. Their ‘sweet smell of success’ often wafts through the downtown area. From the new upscale front entrance to the comfortable interior, visitors know they are in for a treat once they walk through the door. Our Newcomer of the Year Award recognizes Randy and Suzanne Bayer of Brown Water Cigar Bar.

Shining Star Award: LJ’s BBQ

We are so proud of this tourism partner. Their work ethic is second to their friendliness … which is nothing when compared to their award-winning delicious food that has been highlighted year after year in Texas Monthly’s Best BBQ Joints in Texas feature. Foodies across the state, the country and internationally travel here for a taste of your cooking. Thank you, Leah and Corey Cook and Matt Lowery of LJ’s BBQ, for putting Brenham on the BBQ map of Texas.

Picture Perfect Award: Deep In the Heart Farm

There is a new phrase used lately, ’Next Level’, that can be applied to this tourism partner. Wedding tourism is big in our county, and they’ve taken what has been considered standard and completely redefined the entire experience to the ‘Next Level’. From their gorgeous hilltop location to the impeccable details of their space, to the constant 5-star reviews from some of the pickiest of customers … Deep In The Heart Farm’s wedding venue hosts dream weddings for countless couples each year. Congratulations to Austin and Morgan Anderson.

Partner of the Year Award: Dale Dugas and the Chappell Hill Chamber of Commerce

Whoever was the first to say, "Big things come in small packages,” must have known about our recipient of this year’s Partner of the Year Award. We are very proud of all their accomplishments and applaud them in creating wonderful events that attract thousands of tourists to our area, especially with two hugely popular annual festivals. Pulling together events of this magnitude requires leaders with boundless energy and positivity to guide and keep things on a steady course. Congratulations to Chamber representatives Kim Gibson and Dale Dugas.

Legacy Award: Blue Bell Creameries

As our number one tourist attraction, they greet tens of thousands of people who walk through their doors with a smile and warm welcome. Their name is synonymous with that of Brenham, a name we take great pride in. They have a jingle that we can all sing as we enjoy scoop after scoop of their delicious product. Thank you, Joe Robertson, Matt Danesi and Lauren Lewis of Blue Bell Creameries, for all you do for tourism.

Visit Brenham says it is “excited to recognize these outstanding tourism partners who stepped up and found creative ways for their businesses – and our communities – to thrive.”