WASHINGTON CO. TOURISM PARTNERS HONORED AT CEREMONY
Washington County businesses and organizations received recognition on Tuesday for their impact on local tourism.
The Visit Brenham/Washington County Destination Marketing Organization hosted an awards ceremony on Tuesday to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of local tourism partners.
Awards presented at the event include (award descriptions courtesy Visit Brenham):
Legacy Award - Charlie & Traci Pyle, Must Be Heaven
Almost 25 years ago, tourism in Brenham and Washington County gained an amazing new partner when this couple decided to purchase a business in Downtown Brenham and make this community their new home.
Not only did they buy a downtown business staple, but they also bought into the community with their commitment to serving in numerous ways.
Their planning and participation with downtown events ran a gamut of fun and hard work – from planning new promotions, to designing AMAZING scarecrows and eggs; from setting up the Hot Nights, Cool Tunes beer booth – in the dreadful heat of the summer; to portraying Pharmacist Carl Glissmann in a historic video; and from being a sponsor for every event, to serving on the Main Street Promotion Committee and Main Street Board for YEARS!
Their downtown restaurant is a go-to for locals and visitors alike, and when group tours make plans to come to Brenham, it’s at the top must-visit eateries while visiting.
Their community service didn’t begin and end in Downtown Brenham, they committed themselves to serving with local organizations, contributing to worthy causes, and even took on the commitment of running for political office and serving on City Council.
For their gift of commitment, passion, service – and great food! – we recognize Charlie and Traci Pyle of Must Be Heaven, as winners of the Legacy Award!
Newcomer Award - Nine Seven Nine
It’s always exciting to welcome a new business that brings something fresh and vibrant to our community! This year’s Newcomer of the Year started with a retail store, then quickly expanded by launching a smoothie shop, and soon after moved into a larger space to grow even more. With extended hours and a commitment to serving Brenham, they have quickly become a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. Congratulations to our 2024 Newcomer of the Year, Nine Seven Nine!
Family Friendly - Antique Rose Emporium
This family run business offers natural beauty, inspiration, and educational opportunities for visitors and locals of all ages. They have a year-round calendar of events that includes everything from in-depth gardening seminars for serious gardeners, to art classes and movies in the garden for kids. By inviting the entire family to enjoy this destination business, they are ensuring future generations of gardeners will continue to bring their families to Washington County for years to come. Congratulations to our Family Friendly Award winner, the Antique Rose Emporium!
Local Love - Carrina Ramirez Dabdub, The Carrina Show
This individual is a champion of businesses in Washington County. From hosting mixers with marketing tips, to highlighting various businesses and events on social media and in the news, she shows up to support, and she always does it with passion and a friendly smile. When she’s not out promoting other local businesses, you might find her in Downtown Brenham hosting Loteria or showing off a beautifully restored vintage vehicle at her family’s business. Congratulations to Carrina Ramirez Dabdub of The Carrina Show for the Local Love Award!
Shining Star - Thomas Craft Confections
What a fun business to be a part of! One where hard work and exceptional skill combine to create wonderful goodies that reflect this couple’s “around-the-world” life experiences. Imagine pulling up to this small business where delicious aromas waft from the building. You’d be stopping for a world-class treat from selections that are shipped around the world.
It's the business that’s drawing the world to Brenham. Thomas Craft Confections is our Shining Star in the tourism market of Washington County.
Visionary Award - Brossa's Cibo e Vino
Vision isn’t just about seeing the future—it’s about shaping it. In 2024, this year’s recipient demonstrated an unwavering commitment to elevating Brenham’s dining scene. By extending their hours and offering Sunday brunch, they provided locals and visitors with an exceptional culinary experience. Their dedication didn’t stop there—securing a liquor license to serve handcrafted cocktails, making fresh pasta daily, and sourcing the finest ingredients set a new standard for excellence.
Beyond the kitchen, their passion for hospitality shines through, with the owner himself pursuing sommelier certification to further refine the dining experience. His drive and innovation have not only enriched our local food scene but have also set a visionary example for what’s possible in Brenham.
Congratulations to Brossa’s Cibo e Vino, our 2024 Visionary of the Year!
Picture Perfect - Milk & Honey
Located deep in the rolling hills of Washington County is a unique Texas resort that offers a long list of amenities and things to do. Guests are greeted with a gorgeous setting and options that range from lavish spa treatments to cuddling with miniature cows. They can jet ski and fish, or they can lounge by the luxurious pool. Whatever they choose to do, it will be fun and it will be photo-worthy, as no detail has been overlooked in the design of this lodging experience. Congratulations to Milk & Honey for creating a Picture Perfect place to stay in Washington County!
Collaboration Award
A journey to a particular destination is much more fun with friends, and the journey to Brenham’s hosting of the Smithsonian’s Crossroads: Change in Rural America traveling exhibit, December 7 – January 19, was filled with partnerships and collaborative efforts that created an experience with a long-term impact on tourism in Washington County.
While the collaborations were varied, they all took commitment, vision, patience and a lot of hard work!
The work that was accomplished sets a standard for community participation and creativity, as the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street program returns to communities across the state in the years to come.
In recognition of numerous partnerships forged to accomplish the goals of this 18-month long project, we want to recognize the following tourism partners with the 2024 Collaboration Award!
- Blue Bell Creameries
- Brenham Banner Press
- Brenham Heritage Museum
- Burton Heritage Society
- Chappell Hill Historical Society
- Dr. Tina Henderson – Texas Ten Historical Explorers
- Heritage Society of Washington County
- Independence Historical Society
- James Pharaon Creative
- KWHI/KTEX
- Olson Design Works
- Sharon and Barry Brass
- Washington County Historical Commission
- Washington County Chamber of Commerce
- Washington on the Brazos
Partner of the Year - Keith & Suzy Hankins, Ant Street Inn & Main Street House
This award is for a couple that completely uprooted their lives when they moved back to Texas. Since 2011, they have impacted tourism in Brenham in numerous ways. Whether in local lodging industry meetings, running two busy lodging properties, or hosting weddings and groups, our Partners of the Year have focused their passion for the community in a variety of ways. Just take a look at their table full of local brochures that’s in the entryway of their hotel!
They are active in the community by supporting local organizations like Unity Theatre, constantly making appearances at ribbon cuttings and other local business meetups, and recently becoming agreeing to serve on the Tourism Advisory Board. With Visit Brenham, they hold a shared positive vision for tourism in Brenham and Washington County. We are delighted to announce that our Partners of the Year are Keith and Suzy Hankins with Ant Street Inn and Main Street House!
Lifetime Achievement - Connie Wilder
This individual was trained in soft lines and hard lines in Austin, Texas Joske’s of Texas & Frost Bros. stores. A move to hometown Brenham in the summer of 1978 led to the opening of her first business in September of that year. What started as a gourmet housewares shop with gourmet foods & whole-bean coffee expanded twice to include a full line of tabletop items by major suppliers for a bridal registry.
She also opened the first coffee bar in Brenham in 1985. It later moved to the front of the store and was rechristened, the first to offer free internet as there were no Starbucks in Brenham at the time.
To top it off, this businesswoman then opened a café in the back of the store in 2001, serving mostly-from-scratch eclectic foods in a colorful setting. The café was closed in 2021, as she says, “I went out at the top of my game; it was time to move on to something less strenuous.” While the original store continued with an expanded housewares offering, cooking classes were added.
With all this long-term business development/expansion, she also made time to support the tourism efforts in Downtown Brenham in a number of ways. This individual also worked with local charities, including the Boys’ & Girls’ Club, Camp for All, Brenham State School, public and private schools, Brenham Main Street Program, Brenham Heritage Museum and Unity Theatre.
When we mention The Pomegranate, Funky Art Café, Wired ‘n Inspired and Adams 205 catering, you‘ll know it is owner Connie Wilder who has earned our Lifetime Achievement Award.
