We Got That

February 9, 2025 at 8:44 am Updated: February 9th, 2025 at 9:20 am staff writer

This story was originally published in the 2024-25 Brown County Area Guide magazine. Stay tuned as we share more stories from our 2024 magazines in the coming weeks. Pick up a free copy at one of our sponsor locations.

The Brown County Rodeo celebrated 60 years in 2024 with it’s annual event at Earl Q. Wilson Arena. Mutton busting (pictured here) is a competition that features kids ages 7 and under “riding” sheep and trying to stay on for as long as possible after the sheep is released.

I have spent a lot of time in the big city. I grew up in Houston, lived in San Antonio for several years, and I make frequent trips to Austin to see my grandkids. There are some things I really like about “big city life,” but there are also some things I don’t care for at all. Traffic, to mention just one, also having to sit on a waiting list for an hour or two to get a table in a restaurant.

Since moving back to Brownwood a few years ago, I have slowly learned that Brown County has everything the big city has to offer, and a few things they don’t. Affordable housing, we got that. Quality public schools with successful academics and extracurricular programs, we got that also. Do you have an itch to go hunt whitetail deer, shoot some birds or maybe an exotic? Well, we got that.

How about landing a largemouth bass or skipping across a lake on a jet ski or getting dragged behind a boat on a wakeboard? We got you covered there as well.

Is history your thing? Brown County offers multiple museums that exhibit the rich and surprising history of Brown County. One could spend a week visiting museums in and around Brownwood.

Cinco De Mayo is a popular event in downtown Brownwood that attracts thousands of people each year and features over 100 shopping and food vendors and two musical stages.

Looking for a spot to drink coffee with friends and work off your laptop? We got spots for that. Need funky bookstores and restaurants where you can sip wine and drink craft beer while visiting your eclectic side? There are a few of those to choose from as well.

Do you want to shoot some eight ball with good ol boys and do a little two-step dancing? It’s available in Brown County.

Looking for a good church home? Got plenty here to choose from. How about a well-established University that is beautiful and offers a full slate of athletic programs along with a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees? We got a good one.

Are you looking for quality city parks with well-manicured playing fields for youth sports? A safe place where the names of local businesses are plastered across the back of their jerseys. We got it.

How about a place to cool off in the summer? A modern water park is available and splash pads at city parks are plentiful.

Good hospital? Got it.

Looking to catch a live play at a theater? Got it.

Skateboard park? Got it.

Technical schools? Got em.

Do you like to go antiquing and rummaging through junk stores for great finds and prices? Few places are better.

Is exercise your thing? Brown County offers paved and well-lit walking trails and a number of fitness clubs. No reason not to stay in shape.

The Feels Like Home Festival is an annual event in Brownwood, Texas that attracts thousands of attendees from all over the Lone Star State to enjoy the incredible music, food, and culture of rural Texas.

Need a modern spot to hold community events, festivals, and outdoor concerts? I do believe we have that as well.

Looking for a place where the police and fire department arrive quickly when needed? We certainly have that.

Do you want to watch real cowboys and cowgirls do some bull riding and barrel racing? Some of the best in Texas is done right here in Brown County.

Do you like to go for a country drive on the weekends with your windows rolled down and music blaring? We got Country roads for miles. You’ll even get a windshield wave from an oncoming vehicle.

Looking to live where people know your name when you walk into a store? Happens here.

I am certain I missed a few things that Brown County has to offer, but I made my point. We may not be the “big city,” but we do offer many of the same things heavily populated areas do, just possibly at a smaller scale. And that is not a bad thing.

Remember that next time you are in a big city and sitting in traffic. Hoping to make your restaurant reservation on time.

With nearly 100 miles of shoreline and 537 acres available for recreation, Lake Brownwood is a beautiful lake that attracts visitors from miles around for picnicking, camping, hiking, boating, water & jet skiing, fishing, nature study, swimming, and bird-watching.

This story was originally written by Todd Howey and published in the 2024-25 Brown County Area Guide magazine. Stay tuned as we share more stories from our 2024 magazines in the coming weeks. Pick up a free copy at one of our sponsor locations.