As warming temperatures give way to budding trees and blooming flowers, it’s no secret that spring is on our doorstep. Afternoons spent out on the lake, outdoor barbeques, and mild weather make springtime in Texas pretty hard to beat. But one of our favorite parts of spring is when fields of wildflowers begin to bloom, covering Texas in a blanket of blue.
You may have noticed colorful pockets beginning to pop up along the side of the road, which can only mean one thing. Bluebonnet season in Texas is officially upon us, and with all the rain we’ve had these past few months, we’re expecting quite a show this year.
Beginning in mid-March, these Texas beauties start to blossom throughout the Texas Hill Country and beyond. Peaking in early April, thousands of admirers make their way to Central Texas to see the beloved flower in its natural element. Although it may seem like a cultural phenomenon to some, the love for bluebonnets actually dates back hundreds of years ago.
The Tale of the Texas Bluebonnet
If you’re new to the Lone Star State, you may be wondering what all the fuss is about. Why are Texans so fascinated by this seemingly simple flower? Aside from their beauty, this native flower has quite a rich history in Texas. Before European settlers made their way to North America, the Native Americans told stories of how the bluebonnet rose from ashes and saved them from famine and drought, believing it to be a gift from the Great Spirit.
For centuries, people have been captivated by their origin and taken aback by their beauty. So much so, that in 1901, the bluebonnet was named the official state flower by the Texas Legislature. To further its preservation, in 1932, the Texas Highway Department began a beautification program to help the flowers flourish along state roadways.
Today, the Texas Department of Transportation purchases and sows 30,000 pounds of wildflower seeds each year to ensure they continue to thrive. Although highways are a popular choice for admiring the flower up close, the best way to immerse yourself in their natural beauty is with a visit to the Texas Hill Country.
Stay in the Bluebonnet Belt of Texas
Widely considered to be one of the best places, if not the best place, to take in the wildflowers, a weekend spent in the Hill Country is perfect for exploring all that bluebonnet season in Texas has to offer. At Willow Point Resort, we’re no stranger to these majestic flowers. Located within the Bluebonnet Belt of Texas, there’s no better place to appreciate their beauty than here with us in the heart of Central Texas.
Situated on the edge of Lake Buchanan, our central location makes Willow Point the perfect home base for a weekend full of bluebonnet fun. Take a scenic drive through fields of blue, snap a family portrait amongst a backdrop of wildflowers, and spend a day in Burnet, known as the Bluebonnet Co-Capital of Texas. Whether you’re a long-time lover or a new admirer, here are a few of our favorite ways to enjoy this treasured Texas flower.
Take a Scenic Drive Through Bluebonnet Country
The scenic drive out to Willow Point is always a delight, but even more so during bluebonnet season in Texas. Located just under an hour from Austin, you’ll be mesmerized by seas of blue as you leave the city behind and make your way deep into the heart of the Texas Hill Country. It’s no surprise that Texans are well-known to pull over on the side of highways to snap a picture in patches of bluebonnets.
If you’re not keen on pulling to the side of a busy highway, Central Texas boasts numerous wildflower trails for a chance to explore the bluebonnets up close. Centered around Buchanan Dam, the Texas Hill Country Wildflower Trail is a self-guided driving trail that spans from Lampasas all the way to Llano. As you make your way around the trail, you’ll discover a new admiration for our cherished state flower.
Have a Family Photo Shoot
Family portraits among fields of blue are an iconic family tradition in the Lone Star State. With numerous bluebonnet fields surrounding Willow Point, you’ll have plenty of options for your photos. Head out to a nearby wildflower field for a family photo session and some unforgettable memories. Not only do bluebonnet family photos look great hanging in your home, but they also make for lovely holiday cards.
When taking your family portraits, here are a few tips to get the best photo:
1. Avoid harsh light by photographing when the sun is low in the sky, either early in the morning or late in the day.
2. The best light is during “golden hour,” 30 minutes after sunrise and 30 minutes before sunset.
3. When shooting your subject, try to shoot at their eye level or just above the tops of the bluebonnets to achieve the right depth.
Whether you’re photographing the whole family or your pet dog, these tips will help you capture the perfect photo.
Visit the Bluebonnet Capital of Texas
Proclaimed the official “Bluebonnet Capital of Texas” by the Texas Legislature in 1981, Burnet, Texas is a sight to be seen during spring. Surrounded by lakes and rugged hills, this historic city was first established as a fort on the Texas frontier in the 1800s. Just twenty minutes from Willow Point Resort, the quaint city of Burnet makes for a perfect day trip destination.
Home to the Annual Bluebonnet Festival, thousands of Texans flock to this Hill Country city to celebrate and admire the idyllic flower. Burnet is also a great starting point for the Highland Lakes Bluebonnet Trail, which winds its way through lakeside towns like Horseshoe Bay, Granite Shoals, Kingsland, Inks Lake, and Buchanan Dam.
Attend the 36th Annual
Bluebonnet Festival
Held annually on the second weekend of April, the Bluebonnet Festival in Burnet, Texas is an event not-to-be-missed by bluebonnet lovers. Hosting weekend-long activities for the entire family, adults and kids of all ages are sure to enjoy this festival tradition. This year the 36th Annual Bluebonnet Festival will kick off on April 11th and run until April 14th.
Over the course of four days, you can take part in the Mighty Thomas Carnival, watch the Bluebonnet Festival Grand Parade, attend the Demolition Derby, and so much more. With live music from well-known Texas artists and a host of other activities, you’ll find yourself wanting to come back year-after-year.
Ready to experience all that bluebonnet season in Texas has to offer?
Before the scorching heat of summer sets in, enjoy cooler temperatures with a family-friendly weekend at Willow Point and discover how to make the most of bluebonnet season in Texas. With a vibrant bluebonnet season upon us, cabins at Willow Point Resort are booking up fast! Don’t miss out on the perfect opportunity to escape the city, take in the bluebonnets, and enjoy some fun at the lake. Book your cabin today through our online booking system, or give us a call at (512) 793-5000 to reserve your weekend getaway.
Sincerely,
Gwen & Bryan Carpenter
Owners
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