In our series of Must Do Things Around Greater Houston, we take a look at Houston’s vast array of communities and neighborhoods to bring you five fun, tasty, and enticing reasons you should give each a visit. Originally published in 2016, we are now refreshing, updating, and adding to this series, including new neighborhoods and destinations.
Located 15 miles southwest of Houston in Fort Bend County, Richmond is plenty rich when it comes to history. In 1822, a group of 12 men set up camp near the present day city and were soon followed by Stephen F. Austin’s famed Old Three Hundred colonists. The area became known as “Fort Bend” or “Fort Settlement,” due to a fort built at the bend of the Brazos River that was the settlement’s epicenter.
In 1837, the city became one of the first 19 cities incorporated by the Republic of Texas; and it was given its current name after Richmond, England. Today, you’ll still find beautifully preserved historic homes, along with these 5 awesome things to do.
5 Must Do Things in Richmond
- Go nuts for doughnuts at The Grove Do-Nutz & Deli – Gourmet doughnuts are the name of the game at this neighborhood hotspot. And by gourmet, we mean crème brulee, red velvet cheesecake, chocolate tres leches, banana pudding, sriracha bacon, and cronut varieties that will knock your socks off. All you need to do is show up for them. Click here for directions.
- Step back in time at George Ranch Historical Park – Make your way way-back into time at this piece of living history, which preserves Fort Bend County’s past and showcases Texas’ heritage through educational and interactive programs. Wander through the gardens of the 1830s Jones Stock Farm, which was one of the earliest settlements in Northeast Mexico; take a journey through the 1830s and ’60s on the Heritage Trail, and get to know the George family by exploring the historic home and barns of the 1930s George Cattle Ranch Complex. The annual Texian Market Days, held in October, is one of the best times to visit, as families can get a taste of what pioneer life was like with hands-on activities, battle re-enactments, live entertainment and more. Click here for directions; and for more throwbacks, check out the Fort Bend Museum, where you’ll find an exhibit gallery and house tours of the 1883 John M. Moore Home and 1855 Long-Smith Cottage.
- Pig out on bbq at Harlem Road Texas BBQ – Over on the side of Harlem Road, pitmaster and global chef Ara Malekian brings the heat with killer, low and slow barbecue. Hit it to feast on everything from handmade sausage and St. Louis ribs to slow-smoked brisket and pork, cooked utilizing vintage, oak wine staves. Click here for directions.
- Unwind with some wine at Braman Winery Tasting Room – While the winery is building out a brand new tasting room and production facility in Richmond, the current tasting room and wine shop on FM 359 remains open for business. Stop in to cozy up with some reds, whites, and sparkles; or check for special events, including ladies nights, live bands, open mics, and wine bingo nights. Thursday 4pm to 9pm; Friday 3pm to 10pm; Saturday noon to 11pm; Sunday noon to 6pm. Click here for directions.
- Tap your toes to live jams – Housed in a building that has been a neighborhood stalwart for over 120 years (the bar burned down in 2008, but the new setup meets all the criteria to keep in on the historic society’s list), Lone Star Saloon is one of the best place around to pop a cold one and get a taste of the country. On Thursdays through Saturdays, the stage draws musicians from around the state that gets the crowd going with live country jams. Covers range from free to $10. Click here for directions. Lined by native Pecan trees and a huge, rustic patio, Richmond Staple The Old Trading Post will be opening as Scotty’s Saloon at OTP (follow along on Facebook for details). Click here for directions.
