The company started in 1907 as a butter-making operation and began making ice cream in 1911. Situated 70 miles northwest of Houston, Blue Bell has devoted fans — its ice cream is the third best-selling brand in the U.S. but is only available in 20 states. Visitors are accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis but you can reserve online for its Brenham location. Sorry, no group reservations are accepted from June through August.
