The video above takes you on a full tour of Bellville, TX — a small town of just over 4,000 people located about 70 miles northwest of Houston in Austin County. It's roughly an hour's drive from the city, and once you get out there, you'll notice the landscape shifts into rolling hills and open countryside. When the wildflowers are in season, the drive alone is worth the trip. Bellville has a quiet, unhurried feel to it, but there's more going on here than you might expect, from a historic downtown square to some genuinely interesting local landmarks.
What to See and Do in Bellville
Bellville's historic downtown square wraps around the Austin County Courthouse, and it's a nice area to walk around on foot. You'll find boutiques, wine shops, gift stores, and a few spots to grab food. Just off the square sits the historic Austin County Jail Museum, which is worth a quick stop. The town also has a couple of standout landmarks — Newman's Bakery and Newman's Castle, both tied to a local guy named Mike Newman who built the bakery and then went ahead and constructed his own castle in town. The Bellville Meat Market is another popular stop for quality meats and related goods. Community events like Bellville Market Day and the Austin County Fair bring people together throughout the year and give the town a real sense of local pride.
Is There Live Music Near Bellville, TX?
Bellville itself doesn't have a packed live music calendar, but you don't have to go far to find great shows. The nearby town of Kenney is home to a well-known venue that draws solid Texas artists on a regular basis. And just up the road in Brenham, you'll find places hosting live performances throughout the week.
- The Kenney Store — A small-town venue in nearby Kenney known for booking popular Texas acts and delivering an authentic, laid-back live music experience
- Southern Folly (Brenham) — A spot in Brenham where David Bridwell played a gig the same night he filmed this tour of Bellville, performing original songs for the crowd
- Bellville Turnverein — A historic dance hall and event venue dating back to the late 1800s, one of the oldest gathering places in Austin County
A Good Stop on the Way to Brenham
If you're heading out toward Brenham or just exploring Austin County, Bellville makes for a solid stop along the way. Grab lunch on the square — the Gathery is right there and an easy choice — then walk around, check out the courthouse area, and take in the small-town atmosphere. It's not trying to be something it's not, and that's exactly what makes it a good place to spend a couple of hours.