Ronin Farm & Restaurant
Less than two-hours from Houston, Ronin Farm & Restaurant is an excellent place to slow down and enjoy a bountiful harvest with great wine. Situated in downtown Bryan in an Ice House built in 1912, Amanda and Brian Light transformed the century-old building into a bustling restaurant. The Lights' commitment to a genuine farm-to-table experience is evident, as most of the ingredients on the menu are sourced just 15 minutes down the road at the couple’s farm. What they cannot grow on their own land is obtained locally, upholding relationships with nearby farmers, ranchers, and fishermen.
One of the biggest draws at Ronin Farm & Restaurant are the Full Moon Dinners. During the fall and spring months, guests come from all over to enjoy a nine-course meal inspired by the month’s harvest. Dinner is served in the forest at Ronin Farm, and afterwards guests can take a candlelit stroll into the herb garden for dessert.
For those wanting an overnight stay, the Ronin Farm Guesthouse is a beautifully appointed house located adjacent to the farm. Nestled on 15 acres, it offers the perfect, tranquil getaway with an idyllic wrap-around porch, swings and enough room to spread out. ronintx.com
EAT
Seasonal Farm Favorites: The menus at Ronin Farm & Restaurant are packed with fresh seasonal fare.
DRINK
Wine Pairings: Ronin expertly pairs each dish at their restaurant with wine. At their Full Moon Dinners, guests are encouraged to bring what suits them or pre-purchase pairing for the evening.
STAY
Ronin Farm Guest House: Originally owned by Don Ganter of College Station's Dixie Chicken fame, the guesthouse is an excellent choice for friends on a wine weekend or couples looking for a romantic getaway.
Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House
Pier 6 Seafood and Oyster House, a 2022 James Beard Award Semifinalist, is located in San Leon between Houston and Galveston. With executive chef Joe Cervantez at the helm, the waterside restaurant features fresh Gulf seafood and delicious cocktails. Guests can enjoy an ample two story patio with fire pits, swings and coastal views. Pier 6 recently added a marina, making it one of the few dock and dine restaurants along Galveston Bay.
For those looking to extend their seaside festivities, the Bungalows at Pier 6 offer luxurious accommodations. The bungalows are located just minutes from many of the area’s most popular attractions, including Kemah Boardwalk, Haak Vineyards & Winery, Railean Distillery, Space Center Houston and Galveston Island.
To celebrate their two year anniversary and Halloween, the restaurant will be hosting a spook-tacular seaside weekend with a different theme each night from Friday to Sunday. Partygoers will enjoy food and drink specials, music, live entertainment and photo opportunities. pier6seafood.com
EAT
The menus at Pier 6 showcase delicious options for lunch, dinner, and brunch with weekend specials. Executive chef Joe Cervantez showcases the best and freshest Gulf Coast oysters and seafood. Diners can enjoy tasty seafood from the raw bar, order classics like shrimp cocktail and crab cakes, or try menu favorites including Piri Piri Grilled Shrimp and Seafood Pasta.
DRINK
Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House welcomes visitors to a seaside happy hour Tuesday through Friday from 4 to 6:30 pm. Guests will enjoy specials including frozen drinks, margaritas, and signature cocktails. The restaurant also features wine by the glass and bottle, a fun list of cocktails, and an extensive selection of draft and bottled beer.
STAY
The Bungalows at Pier 6, the restaurant’s luxury condominiums. The bungalows feature large rooms, tasteful decor, and gorgeous sunset views – they are the perfect destination for a quick weekend getaway. Just like the restaurant, The Bungalows at Pier 6 are located right on the water offering guests beautiful views and a unique luxury experience.
Spread Oaks Ranch
Located less than two hours from Houston and situated northwest of Bay City, Texas, Spread Oaks Ranch spans over 5,500 historic acres along the picturesque Colorado River. Its storied past encompasses a thriving 500-head Brangus cow-and-calf enterprise, cultivation of organic and conventional crops, and its distinction as a sought-after lodge for waterfowl enthusiasts during fall and winter.
Exclusivity remains a hallmark, with the ranch dedicating its focus to one group at a time. Spread Oaks Ranch is perfect for tailored experiences, including corporate retreats, intimate gatherings, immersive culinary journeys, instructive workshops, and bespoke adventures.
Guests can revel in lavish accommodations, relish chef-crafted field-to-table gastronomy, unwind by the five-acre stocked bass lake, partake in skeet shooting, and rejuvenate in the extensive swim spa that boasts an infinity-edge pool. spreadoaksranch.com
EAT
Guests will enjoy three meals per day sourced directly from the ranch itself. Chef Ric Rosser and the Spread Oaks Ranch culinary team uses organic fruit, vegetables, game and protein, farm-fresh eggs, house-cured meats and handcrafted jams and jellies. The ranch is known for their ranch-cured charcuterie boards which are perfectly paired with a Texas-style cocktail.
PLAY
In addition to hunting and fishing, Spread Oaks Ranch offers birding and conservation tours, photography safaris and more. There is also a game room with a pool table and card table for indoor fun.
STAY
Spread Oaks Ranch features an expansive 15,000 square foot Main House with two primary suites, a chef’s kitchen and plenty of room for gathering or celebrating. In addition, there are three casitas with private bathrooms and a bunkhouse with six beds. There is also a recently added building named, Old Three Hundred which offers eight rooms and 12 beds.