The things you look for in a place to live for you and your family are really the same things that make your business prosperous: the support of good neighbors; a safe, healthy environment; modern health care; affordable housing; a superior educational system; a trained work force with a strong work ethic; and a thriving business and financial sector.
First time visitors to the rolling hills of southeast Texas are impressed with the large number and wide variety of trees, scenic hills, flowing rivers and green grazing pasture land. Grimes County (pop. 23,552) offers crisp, clear, unpolluted skies and moderate temperatures and humidity. Grimes County's low crime rate, low taxes and low utility costs, as well as proximity to metropolitan areas, makes it an ideal location in which to live and do business.
Manufacturing
There is a quiet revolution going on outside of big city America. Business and industry have learned that with modern telecommunication equipment and good transportation you can locate almost any business where you want to live instead of where you have to live. Several manufacturing concerns have discovered this fact and have moved to Grimes County. They are taking advantage of a high quality of life, low cost of living, and an educated, skilled workforce to produce their products.
Grimes County is home to a large number of talented crafts people who produce a wide variety of popular items such as metal art, soap, wood, customized furniture, sculptors, and various median artists.
The Arts
Many artists reside in Grimes County including the nationally acclaimed Russell Cushman.
There are several famous musical artists such as the late Blues artist Mance Lipscomb and Joe Arrington (Tex).
A downtown historical movie theater shows weekly movies and a live theater group has dinner shows on a regular basis.
Agriculture
Agriculture was the first business started in Grimes County over 150 years ago and continues to be a thriving part of today's prosperity. Beef cattle are one of the principal agricultural crops in Grimes County. Food and fiber crops, livestock, and all hunting account for annual cash receipts. There are numerous crops grown in the county, such as, corn, cane sorghum, various grains, watermelons, Christmas trees, pecans, sweet potatoes and soybeans and every conceivable table vegetable. Beekeeping has been of commercial significance in the county since the 1880's and a number of apiaries remain in production today. There are several dairy farms still in operation today, as well. Grimes County provides numerous opportunities for hunting and fishing. There are several exotic ranches in the county, which include deer, ostrich, alpacas, and several other species. The Gibbons Creek Reservoir and Park, located at Carlos, has camping, fishing, boating, skiing, swimming, birding/wildlife, or just relaxing in the sun. The Texas Municipal Power Agency (TMPA) has put together an archaeological and historical exhibit of materials found at the Gibbons Creek Lignite Mine. There are over 200 archaeological sites recorded within the boundaries of the Gibbons Creek Lignite Mine and the exhibit consists of large artifact display cases, narrative boards explaining the prehistoric and historic cultural chronology, a section of timber from the historic Peter's Cabin, and a brief documentary film that discusses the history of the mine and the archaeological discoveries. The film also depicts archaeologist demonstrating how prehistoric inhabitants made stone tools and how they ground corn. For more information on the exhibit, contact the TMPA at 936-873-2424 or the web site at www.gibbonscreek.com.
Education
"An education system ready to meet the demands of the 21st Century."
Education is the cornerstone of any progressive community. Grimes County schools take pride in producing the highest quality students. With Texas A & M University and Blinn College close by, the students have opportunities to attend the highest quality educational facilities in the area.
Grimes County schools have a tradition of working closely with local businesses and community groups to develop up-to-date programs to meet the children's needs as well as those of the community.
Health Care
With its fresh country air and healthy environment, Grimes County is rapidly growing into a center for health-care-related industries. Serving the entire area located in Navasota, the 25-bed Critical Access hospital has 8 physicians. 3 internal medicine physicians, 4 family practice physicians, and 1 psychiatrist. All of these physicians provide excellent health care to the citizens of Grimes County. The hospital is incorporated under St. Joseph Regional Health Center in Bryan, Texas. The St. Joseph Regional Health Center also provides ambulance services for Grimes County. The ambulance service is based at the hospital withone ambulance based in Bedias, Texas in order to provide a more timely response to calls throughout the county. The St. Joseph Health Center of Bryan/College Station, Texas system also includes the regional outreach designed to meet an extensive range of area health care needs including home care, hospice, regional clinics, surgical procedures and a state-of-the-art facility providing a range of health education and a land and water fitness programs.
Grimes County is prepared to meet the needs of a growing community. Senior apartments, retirement centers, and nursing homes are a growing industry as retirees from all over the nation appreciate the low crime rate, pollution free environment, and superior health care in Grimes County.
Tourism and Festivals
The charm and heritage of Grimes County have turned this area into one of the premier small-town destinations in Texas. Visitors enjoy eating at our restaurants, visiting our many shops and stores, and attending several festivals and special events throughout the year. These include a Blues Fest, the Texas Renaissance Festival and an annual Golf Tournament. A state park, day spas, a municipal golf course, antique galleries, museums, and historic sites offer a wide variety of activities for all age groups.
Lodging options include over 200 hotel/motel rooms, over 10 bed & breakfast/guesthouse locations and six RV parks.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
The Grimes County Chamber of Commerce is located downtown in the historic district, just one block off of Washington Avenue (main street downtown) (SH 105) in Navasota, Texas. For more information, call the Chamber at (936) 825-6600 or email: info@navasotagrimeschamber.com.