Success Blooms From Opportunity – The Brookwood Community

While Al was home focusing on his domestic chores (i.e. cleaning out the garage), I decided it was time for a girls day out and I had the perfect destination in mind. There are some places in Texas that deserve all the attention they get. If good food, unique shopping, beautiful flowers, a relaxing atmosphere and helping others is what you are searching for as you travel Texas, then a visit to the Brookwood Community in Brookshire, Texas should be high on your bucket list. Located a short distance outside of Houston off Interstate 10 and FM 1489, the Brookwood Community is an oasis  in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the nearby Houston metropolis. 

As I arrived with my dear friend Pat in tow, I was struck by the peaceful, relaxed atmosphere we found. Everyone we encountered was more than just friendly, they seemed deeply contented. The pace was leisurely and it was clear that a trip to Brookwood is a time to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

We were a bit early for our lunch reservations so we had time to start our tour of the facilities in the on-site gift store. The front section is devoted primarily to home décor items. Yard art, vases, pillows, candles, urns, comfort bowls and much more were displayed artfully with something for just about any color palette.

As Pat and I moved into the art gallery area in the center of the gift shop, we were greeted by an enthusiastic young man who told us more about the Brookwood Community. Brookwood is a residential facility that services and trains adults with disabilities to become productive citizens with pride in their work. These citizens create the pottery for the gift shop; work in the green houses or in the café. The proceeds from these businesses all go toward supporting the Community. The art in the gallery is donated by well-known artists and the proceeds from the art sales are specifically designated to the Brookwood scholarship fund, to cover the living expenses of individuals who are no longer able to work, but want to stay at Brookwood.

We had only finished browsing half of the large gift shop when it was time for lunch. The elegant and graceful dining room had the same tranquil atmosphere as the rest of the facility. The menu was quite diverse and the food was fresh and flavorful. With a clear view of the beautiful gardens on one side and a cozy fire place on the other, it was easy to see why the café is a popular spot for celebrations and gatherings.

After a leisurely lunch, Pat and I ventured outside to tour the vibrant, fragrant gardens. Colorful flowers greeted us in grandeur as we walked around the water features and explored the extensive garden store. The greenhouse held more exotic plants as well as urns and other outdoor décor items that beckoned us to view their beauty and tempted us to take them home. All of these plants are grown on-site by the citizens.

Returning to our first stop, the gift shop, we explored the wide range of gourmet food items, bath products, scarves and accessories. Brookwood citizens make two different patterns of dishes, including my favorite bluebonnet pattern, which is now carried by local HEB stores. 

In a day filled with pleasant surprises, the last find of the day was the most unexpected. The back section of the gift shop houses the Shudde Brother’s Hatters. In business since 1901, this famous maker of cowboy hats has served Roy Roger’s, Tom Mix, John Wayne, Gene Autry, Dr. “Red” Duke and many other cowboys.  

It felt great to spend the afternoon in a relaxing environment with great food and an opportunity to support a wonderful cause. Whether you are looking for a venue for a wedding, a social event, or just a great afternoon out with a friend, you shouldn’t pass up a fantastic opportunity to help others as you travel Texas Thru My Back Door. Hmm... I wonder if Al has finished that garage.

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