With spring approaching, the upcoming wildflower seaon is upon us here in the Texas Hill Country! This is many peoples favortie time of year. The weather is just about perfect, the countryside comes to life, people are out and about enjoying all the area has to offer, and beautiful shades of red, yellow, pink, and blue cover the landscape. It’s a truly special time.
Wildflowers along Hwy 71 near Llano.
When most think of flowers in the Hill Country, the dazzling displays of Bluebonnets are the first images that come to mind. Though the bluebonnet is the iconic image of the Texas wildflower display, there are many other flowers that are worthy of a look in their own right! Among these are the Indian Blanket, Indian (or Texas) Paintbrush, Greenthread, Winecup, Square Bud Primrose (or Sundrops), and even the Prickly Pear Cactus. Either way, come March, you’ll be in for a real treat! However, if you want to get the best bang for your buck, aside from veturing out a few times throughout the spring, take a closer look at when your desired flower will tend to be in peak bloom. For example, Bluebonnets tend to peak in the first week of April, while the Indian Blanket’s are strong from the end of May through early to mid June. Another factor is the current and prior winter’s weather. Depending on temperature and moisture conditions, among others things, wildflowers will bloom earlier or later, be abundant or sparse, and in some cases localized areas may not have any that bloom at all. There are several great sorces that can be tapped for, literally, up to the minute condition reports. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, or Wildseed Farms in Fredericksburg provide an endless wealth of wildflower information.
Throughout the Hill Country, there are some very special places to witness, first hand, these brilliant wildflower displays. You’ll see people enjoying them anywere from the hills of Loop 360 in Austin, to the ranchland around Lampasas, to Uvalde, to SanAntonio, and everywhere in between. You really can’t go wrong, but there are certainly places that will ensure that you do it right! One of the best is known as the Willow City Loop from Fredericksburg. This can be truly spectacular if you time it right, but is still beautiful no matter what. Basic directions are as follows:
- Head north out of Fredericksburg on Hwy 16
- Left on Lower Crabapple Rd (+/- 1 mile from 290)
- Right on EckertRd
- Left on Hwy 16
- Right on Willow City Loop
- Left on RR 1323
- Right on RR1631 back to 290 and Frederickburg
This is approx 50 miles and can take you anywhere from an hour and a half to six hours depending on how much you stop, take pictures, etc…
This is just one example of a classic Hill Country wildflower drive. Most of the highways and backroads around any of the Highland Lakes are usually a sure bet as well. Hwy 290 and even I-10 can provide some great viewing! Again, do some digging on the current condition before heading out. Here are a few good places to start:
- LBJ WildFlower Center (512-232-0100)
- Wildseed Farms (800-848-0078)
- TX Dept. of Transportation Wildflower Program (800-452-9292)
Where to stay?
Heading west out of Austin or north out of San Antonio you’ll soon be driving through one of the most beautiful landscapes the state of Texas has to offer: The Texas Hill Country! Many people make day trips through the Hill Country for a number of reasons; wine tastings, shopping, historic sites, or wildflower tours, just to name a very few. However, most will find that a single day out in the hills only whets the appetite and leave one yearning for more time to explore or relax. But this is where it gets to be a little overwhelming. For those of us who have grown up in the Hill Country, or close by, we have an image and an area that may be dear to us for whatever reasons. But those of us now as familiar with this vast area may not know where to start. Hopefully this article helps you out a little bit.
THE WINE ROAD
You have a few areas that stand out to most folks. The fastest growing and recently the most popular area is known as “The Wine Road” or “The Wine Trail,” the stretch of Hwy 290 between Stonewall, TX and Fredericksburg, TX. This is a beautiful area and a must see for anyone visiting the area for the first time. There are many wineries and vineyards, great shops and restaurants, many historic sites, some good museums, and, of course, a good variety of lodging options.
Fredericksburg, and the surrounding area, is well known for charming and quaint Bed and Breakfasts. There are also dude ranches in the area, as well as cabins for rent, and more economical choices such as Holiday Inn and the like. The following are links to some of the special spots in the Fredericksburg area.
Wineries/Vineyards
Grape Creek Vineyards: Grape Creek is poised to provide customers with a unique and old world experience while serving exceptional wine. This website is also a step in the journey. You can order wine online and join our wine club so you can enjoy Grape Creek Vineyards wine year round!
Becker Vineyards: This vineyard was planted on a site of native Mustang grapes much prized for wine making by German neighbors and their ancestors. Also planted on site is a three acre lavender field reminiscent of the wine country of Provence, France.
Ranhco Ponte Vineyards: Rancho Ponte is a family-owned winery, established in 2009 and located just 5 miles east of Fredericksburg, Texas. Rancho Ponte is the newest winery in the Texas Hill Country. Our wines are sold exclusively at the winery. We do not have outside distribution. Our beautiful winery and tasting room are nestled on 20 acres, surrounded by cattle and horse ranches.
Fredericksburg Winery: A Family Owned Winery, owned by the Switzer family. Making wine since 1978, a true Fredericksburg gem!
Lodging Options
Shops and other attractions
WIMBERLEY
Wimberley is located in the hills southwest of Austin and Northeast of San Antonio. This is a quaint little community that has won the hearts of many with it’s artistic charm. Wimberley offers everything that The Wine Trail around Fredericksburg offers, just on a smaller scale, and many would say, with some additional character. You’ll find amazing food, quality lodging, endless art, plenty of outdoor activities, wine, and wildlife, all steeped in beautiful Hill Country scenery.Get out and hike the hills, take a chilly dip in Cypress Creek at the infamous Blue Hole swimming hole to cool off under the towering cypress trees, and check out some of the lavender farms in the area. Once you’ve had a full day, put your feet up at one of the local B&B’s after stuffing yourself at one of the gourmet restaurants in town. I’m telling you, even a weekend in Wimberley will just scratch the surface!
Lodging Options
Vineyards/Wineries
Other attractions