Texas wildflower season has begun

Bluebonnets and Indian paint brushes
decorate roadsides in Central Texas.

Plan your wildflower drive now.

As we approach the end of March wildflowers have really begun bursting into color on central Texas roadsides. The next two or three weeks should provide the best opportunities for seeing bluebonnets, red Indian paint brushes, and numerous varieties of pink, white, yellow, orange, and purple flowers that decorate the Texas Hill Country landscape each spring.

If you love wildflowers, now is the time to plan a leisurely drive through the Texas Hill Country. Thanks to winter rains, bluebonnets are reaching their peak earlier this year, although the striking red Indian paint brushes seem to be a bit later. Roadsides and occasional fields will soon be bursting with color.  

If you decide to take wildflower viewing day trip, keep a few guidelines in mind. Be vigilant of traffic when stopping beside the road, and be mindful not to trespass on private property. Enjoy the sights, and don't forget your camera!



Indian blanket

In past years, we have headed out from Austin for a wildflower drive, turning west on Hwy 71 towards Marble Falls. We stopped along the highway at several thick patches of bluebonnets—the perfect backdrop for photos of kids and dogs. Thanks to seeding by TXDOT, roadsides have sprouted with thick carpets of bluebonnets in many locations. Just be sure there’s ample space to pull off the road and take photos without trampling the flowers.

Bright orange claret cups decorated a roadside patch.

If you drive by Horseshoe Bay on FM 2147 there’s a long white wooden fence with bluebonnets in front which makes a lovely photo. A gorgeous patch of orange flowers, dotted with blue, pink, red, and purple caught our attention further on.  Plentiful bluebonnets lined the hilly, curvy Park Road 4, one of our favorite routes.  Several groups of bikers sped by, also enjoying this springtime ritual.  Later we traveled on FM 2341 near Burnet towards Canyon of the Eagles.



Bluebonnets and huisache daisies cover a roadside field.

If you get to Llano, look for beautiful bluebonnet displays on Hwy 16 and south of Llano.  You might see a large field of prairie verbena near Johnson City on the south side of U.S. 290. The old school yard at Prairie Mountain, which you'll pass on the way to Fredericksburg, is generally filled with pink and yellow flowers that make a lovely photo.

As usual, Willow City Loop will likely be gorgeous. If you chose to drive the Loop, remember that it’s a private road through private property, and it’s against the law to trespass (but there's no law against picking wildflowers). Take care and leave the seasonal show for others to enjoy, too.


We couldn't resist posing among the bluebonnets!

Another area within day trip distance from Austin includes fields and roadsides around Brenham and Chappell Hill. If you head that way, be sure to stop for some Blue Bell ice cream in the city where it was created.

Photos by Beverly Burmeier

Hill Country Christmas Lights provides enchanting drive-thru display

Colorful lights shine at Hill Country Christmas Lights in central Texas.

Beautiful displays of twinkling Christmas lights put me in a holiday mood faster than uninterrupted songs of the season on the radio or ever-smiling mall Santas (I love those, too). This year we discovered a new spectacle of lights, music, hayrides, and more that’s attracting hundreds of visitors. Located one mile north of Johnson City on SH 281, Hill Country Christmas Lights makes sure “Christ” stays in the celebration.

Multi-colored light displays lead towards a house covered in white lights.

More than 500,000 lights, more than half of those LEDs, fill the large drive-through display that’s been featured on “Dazzling Holiday Lights” show on the Travel Channel. The amazing thing is that the entire pageant was built independently by 21-year-old Dexter Haynes.

Twinkling lights appear to be dancing to the music.

Lights adorn 72 post oak trees, 73 wire-frame attractions, a drive-thru tunnel, a 25-foot tall tree, the Holidazzle Dancing Light show, and other delightful decorations. While riding in the comfort of your car, set your radio to their own station, 101.7 FM the STAR and listen to accompanying Christmas music. Earlier in December "The One Silent Night," a live nativity, was held on premises.

Drive through the lighted tunnel while following the path at Hill Country Christmas Lights display.

If you bring a group of family or friends, going on a hayride adds to the excitement. You can book a jaunt through the light display (15 minutes) or ride into nearby Johnson City for stops and pictures at several renowned presentations (one hour), both with a cup of hot cocoa per person. Book at least 24 hours in advance by calling 830-992-7646.

Hill Country Christmas Lights continues through New Year’s Day and is free to the public, although you can help keep the lights on by slipping a few dollars into the donation box. Hours: Sun-Thur, 6-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat, 6-12 midnight. www.hillcountrychristmaslights.com

Photos by Beverly Burmeier

Celebrate New Year's Eve and support the USO



Sample wines at Grape Creek
Winery

Head out to the Hangar Hotel in Fredericksburg, Texas and help support the United Service Organization (USO) while ringing in (or swinging in) 2012 in style--1940s style that is. Fly your plane into the adjacent Gillespie County Airport, or drive to the iconic hotel for a night of old-fashioned fun.

Actually, I don't need a good cause to entice me to Fredericksburg. It's one of my all-time favorite cities in central Texas. In addition to wonderful German food and brew, there's so much to do: shop for antiques or funky contemporary items, learn history of World War II, go fly fishing or kayaking, climb Enchanted Rock, browse art galleries, visit nearby wineries (and sample the vino while you're there), or just mosey around the downtown square.

Insight Gallery showcases
 fine works of art.

But if you haven't already made plans for ushering in the new year, here's a good place to click your heels. The Hangar Hotel and Conference Center will host a New Year's Eve Hangar Dance on Saturday, December 31, 2011. A percentage of the event's proceeds will be donated to USO Ft. Hood, which delivers programs and services to more than 40,000 service members and their families.

The dance will feature big band music by Fredericksburg local Bill Smallwood and The Lonestar Swing Orchestra. Attendees can participate in swing dance lessons from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and then the band will play from 9:00 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. Attendees are encouraged to wear their best 1940s inspired outfits and participate in the costume contest. Those donning a military uniform will receive a coupon for a free drink.

The Hangar Hotel was designed to mimic the look of a WWII airplane hangar, providing the perfect setting for a USO style dance. The event will be held in the Pacific Showroom, located next to the hotel, which is decorated in South Pacific/WWII style complete with palm trees and tiki bar.

Tickets for the New Year’s Eve celebration include a complimentary champagne toast, party favors, black-eyed peas and cornbread at midnight. $40 a person ($10 per person discount for anyone who books two nights at the Hangar Hotel.) For more information or to purchase tickets to the dance contact the Hangar Hotel at (830) 997-9990.

Information provided by Kelly Ayers, Marketing & Events Manager, Hangar Hotel Kelly@hangarhotel.com 

An unforgettable family RV adventure in Central Texas



Stroll along the River Walk in San Antonio.

Planning an RV vacation in central Texas? You can't go wrong by visiting the Alamo or natural wonders like Enchanted Rock. Start in the San Antonio area and work your way north to Waco, or take the route from the other end.

·       San Antonio is surrounded by comfortable RV parks and campgrounds. While there, enjoy strolling downtown's beautiful River Walk, which is fully ADA accessible. If you'd prefer a long walk or a bike ride, San Antonio has 23 miles of Greenway trails, all open to the public. San Antonio also offers a plethora of cultural events: the city has many theaters, galleries, musical groups, and dance ensembles. If you’re interested in history, visit the Alamo and the area's five historic missions. At San Antonio Missions National Historic Park, children can become Junior Rangers, complete several activities, and receive their Ranger's badge. At the end of April and beginning of May, you can also visit the annual Mexican Folk Art Show & Sale with pottery-making and woodcarving demonstrations.

San Juan Capistrano is part of Missions National Park

·       Out of San Antonio, go west on I-10, eventually merging  onto US-87-N, which takes you into Fredericksburg. But don't be in a hurry. Take some time to get comfortable in Comfort, Texas, which is along the way. Comfort is a wonderful place to go shopping for antiques, go golfing at the Buckhorn Golf Course or head out to Flat Rock Ranch for mountain biking (unless you’re in the mood for relaxing).

·       When you arrive in Fredericksburg, you may wonder what that pink dome on the horizon is. It's a batholith - an exposed underground rock formation made from cooled volcanic magma. The Tonkawa Nation of Native Americans called it Enchanted Rock, believing that it was at one time enchanted by a Spanish conquistador and that ghostly fires could be seen at the top. Today, it is a protected state of Texas natural area (Enchanted Rock State Natural Area). It’s a great spot for hiking or rock-climbing.

            Explore farms, orchards, vineyards, and a living history farmstead, as well as music, museums, and a historic district around Fredericksburg, which was founded in 1846 by German settlers. Don't miss the National Museum of the Pacific War, the Pioneer Museum, Wildseed Farms, Fredericksburg Herb Farm, or any of Fredericksburg's unique restaurants, bakeries, and shops (FYI: some of them specialize in chocolate!). Fredericksburg is also surrounded by RV sites and campgrounds.

   

·       Fredericksburg to Waco is a three-hour drive, but take your time and enjoy the scenery. Start on US-290-E, turn onto US-281-N, jog onto TX-29-E (W. Polk St.), and then get onto I-35 and follow the signs to Waco. This part of Texas seems made for RV exploration.

Don’t miss Waco's historic suspension bridge, which was built in the mid-1800s. Although now it is closed to all but pedestrian traffic, the bridge was, at the time, the first bridge to span the Brazos River and the longest bridge of any kind in the U.S. west of the Mississippi. Once the Waco suspension bridge was completed, its makers headed east to build the Brooklyn Bridge. From the bridge you can walk west into Indian Spring Park or east into Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park. In the same area, you'll find the Waco Tourism Information Center and the Texas Ranger Museum. In late April you can enjoy the annual Cotton Palace Pageant, celebrating Waco's history as a former world-class cotton producer. In September attend the Waco Cultural Arts Fest in Indian Spring Park.

 

Leaving Waco, head north for the Dallas-Fort Worth area on I-35. Allow plenty of time for family activities as you cruise through central Texas on this RV adventure.

Joe Laing,  Marketing Director for El Monte RV Rentals, provided this guest post.

Hanger dance in Fredericksburg, Texas scheduled for Labor Day weekend

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Drive your car or fly your plane right up to the Hangar Hotel
Photo by Beverly Burmeier

Dance to the sounds of a 1940s style big band this Labor Day weekend and reminisce about a bygone era. The HangarHotel and Conference Center in Fredericksburg, Texas will host a swinging USO Style Hangar Dance on Saturday September 3, 2011. A percentage of the event proceeds will be donated to USO Ft. Hood, which delivers programs and services to more than 40,000 service members and their families.

A little rusty on your dance skills?  Don't fret; you'll be swinging in no time. Show up early for swing dance lessons from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. before local talent, Bill Smallwood and the Lonestar Swing Orchestra takes the stage at 8:00 p.m. They'll take you back to the 1940s with their 18 piece big band, playing until 11:00 p.m. The Pacific Showroom’s Tiki Bar will be staffed and available for patrons to quench their thirst after all that dancing. Concession items will be served from the Airport Diner.

Grab a light meal or snack at the Airport Diner
Photo by Larry Burmeier

Attendees are encouraged to wear their best 1940s inspired outfit and participate in the costume contest. So ladies, slap on some red lipstick and pin up your hair to help set the scene for the event. Winners will receive prizes including a gift certificate to the Hangar Hotel and gift items from the Fredericksburg Brewing Company and Fredericksburg Herb Farm. Those donning a military uniform will receive a coupon for a free drink at the front door.

Tickets are $20 per person. To purchase tickets in advance or to make room reservations (hurry they’ll go fast) contact the Hangar Hotel at 830-997-9990. Get a $5 discount on your dance ticket with the purchase of two nights at the Hotel.

If you can’t make it out Labor Day weekend make plans to attend the USO Style Hangar Dance scheduled for December 31, 2011 (New Years Eve).

The Hangar Hotel, located adjacent to the Gillespie County Airport, was designed to mimic the look of a WWII airplane hangar, providing the perfect setting for a USO style dance. The hotel is decorated in South Pacific/WWII style complete with palm trees and tiki bar.

Information courtesy of:

Kelly Ayers, Marketing & Events Manager
Hangar Hotel and Conference Center
(830) 997-9990
Kelly@hangarhotel.com

Wildflowers are peeking out in central Texas

April means wildflowers in central Texas.  For many locals that calls for a day trip into the countryside following routes noted for spectacular sightings. But just as folks go to Washington D.C. in the spring to see pink cherry blossoms and journey to New England for autumn leaf peeping, intrepid travelers head south to see the annual burst of bloom along Texas roadways.

Bluebonnets, the state flower, dominate landscapes in an endless sea of royal beauty.  Unbroken fields of flowers transform rocky soil dotted with cacti into an absolute wonderland of color.  Throughout the hills and valleys a large variety of wildflowers emerge: pink spiderwort and evening primrose, red Indian paintbrush, burgundy claret cup, purple prairie verbena, yellow daisy, and white prickly poppy. Indian blanket, coneflowers, and Mexican hat add yellow-tipped red petals while Texas lantana grows wild in a rainbow of hues.

While Mother Nature is the main force behind this awesome treat, today many of the wildflower meadows are manmade—seeds are sown and allowed to grow undisturbed in fields.  The Texas Department of Transportation, encouraged by former First Lady Lady Bird Johnson, broadcasts bluebonnet seeds along numerous highways.  Still, flower displays are at the mercy of the weather, determined by temperatures and rain during the fall. All the conditions were just right in 2010 for the most outstanding show in a decade.

Here’s a recap of our wildflower drive from last year that provided many glorious sightings and gorgeous photos. Prime color is still a few weeks away for 2011, but this route won’t disappoint. From Austin, we headed west via State Highway 71, passing the communities of Bee Cave and Spicewood on the way to Marble Falls. We veered off onto Hwy 2147 to Lake LBJ, one of the Highland lakes, and Horseshoe Bay, where lovely fields of yellow flowers surround huge oak trees. 

Then we backtracked to Marble Falls. If it had been lunch time, we would have stopped at the Bluebonnet Cafe, famous since 1929 for its yummy homemade pies and home-cooked meals. We parked just before the city limits to marvel at a gorgeous conglomerate of flowers right beside the road.

Next, we headed towards Burnet on SH 281 but turned off on Park Road 4 to Longhorn Caverns, another spot that rewarded us with plentiful blooms dominated by bluebonnets.  If you’re into caves, this is a cool one to visit.

Back on our wildflower drive, we took RR 2341 toward Canyon of the Eagles on the shores of Lake Buchanan, and then returned to Hwy 29, which goes through Llano, where you can get some of the best old-time pit barbeque ever at Cooper’s.  Then we headed south on 2323, stopping often to hop out of the car and stoop low for the best photos.  Halfway to the German community of Fredericksburg we detoured at the old Prairie Mountain schoolhouse for more dazzling pictures of wildflower fields.  By the time we arrived in Fredericksburg it was too dark for photos, so we grabbed a quick meal and headed back to Austin on State Highway 290.

Other spots known for wildflower displays include Enchanted Rock State Natural Area and nearby Willow City Loop (through private property, so stopping is discouraged), FM 1980 to Sweet Berry Farm, RM 1431 on the north side of Austin, and Hwy 290 south towards Brenham. Daily wildflower sightings are noted at several web sites including www.wildflower.org and www./one-star.net/wildflowers/sightings.htm/

Contrary to popular belief, it is not against the law to pick bluebonnets—but it is against the law to trespass, so tread carefully.  Wherever you decide to drive, take time to enjoy the beauty that only Nature can provide.

Photos by Beverly Burmeier
Read more travel stories by Beverly at Striped Pot andAustin Adventure Travel 
Also read Texas Hill Country in Spring by Elizabeth Rose.