The video above is a rainy-day tour through Hempstead, Texas, a small Waller County town about 50 miles northwest of Houston. It's one of those places you might blow right past on your way to Bryan or Brenham, but it's worth slowing down for a bit. With a population just above 6,000, Hempstead has a quiet, honest small-town feel — the kind of place where a walk around the historic downtown square and a plate of good Mexican food can make for a solid afternoon stop.
A Small Town With Deep Roots and a Watermelon Legacy
Hempstead dates back to the mid-1800s and carries some Civil War history along with it. But the thing the town is most proud of is its watermelons. Up until the 1940s, Hempstead was the top shipper of watermelons in the entire United States, and that history hasn't been forgotten. Every July, the town hosts a Watermelon Festival to keep that tradition alive. Walking around the small downtown, you'll find furniture shops, law offices, insurance agencies, cleaners — practical small-town stuff. There are also a few abandoned storefronts and spaces up for lease, which gives the area that real, unvarnished character you don't get in more polished places. Neighboring towns like Bellville, Brenham, and Navasota are all within easy reach, making this part of the state a good region to explore on a day trip or a longer road trip out of Houston.
What Is There to Eat in Hempstead, Texas?
If you're passing through and need lunch, head to Ayala's Mex Mexican Cafe, located right near the downtown square. The food there is really good and it's the kind of local spot that makes a stop in a small town feel worthwhile. It's not fancy — just solid, satisfying Mexican food from a place that clearly has regulars.
Live Music Near Hempstead
Hempstead itself isn't a live music destination, but it sits right along the route between Houston and Bryan-College Station, which makes it a natural rest stop if you're heading to a show. In the video, David Bridwell was on his way to play a set in Bryan, and Hempstead was the perfect place to break up the drive. Here are a couple of spots in the area worth knowing about:
- Blackwater Draw Brewing Company (Bryan) — A craft brewery in Bryan where David performed live music. It's a laid-back spot with a good crowd and a welcoming atmosphere for touring and local musicians alike.
- Ayala's Mex Mexican Cafe (Hempstead) — Not a music venue, but a worthwhile lunch stop right on the square if you're driving through Waller County.
Hempstead is part of the greater Houston-Woodlands-Sugar Land metro area, and its population has been ticking upward thanks to that proximity. It's still very much a small town, though — calm, a little sparse, and genuinely itself. If you're road-tripping through this stretch of Texas, it's a good place to stop, stretch your legs, and grab a meal before heading on to wherever the music is.