|
Bluebonnets 101
How to Spot the Most Beautiful Bluebonnets in Texas
� Sugar Land Magazine � Sugar Land, Texas 2006
April 15, 2006
By Julie Pangelinan
 Printer Friendly
In Colorado, they have their snow in winter. New Yorkers enjoy their leaves in autumn. And, here in Texas, we have our bluebonnets and other beautiful wildflowers. Yet,
we all have something in common. � If we don�t move quickly to take it all in, the season will pass and we�ll miss one of the best parts of living here. Texas bluebonnets can be seen from March through the beginning of
May. Depending on the type of winter and the amount of rain, they can bloom in abundance or fail to flourish. Before you pack the kids and the camera into the car, make sure you do your research. A great place to start
is the Texas Department of Transportation Wild-flower Hotline at 800-452-9292. The same information is located at www.dot.state.tx.us by clicking on �road
conditions.� You can also download an excellent on-line brochure of Central Texas bluebonnet trails by logging on at www.texasbluebonnets.org. Included are
maps, contacts and event calendars of the different areas. Equipped with these resources you can be assured that the bluebonnets will be waiting for you at your destination.
Living in Sugar Land and its vicinity gives us the advantage of being within driving distance of a good variety of bluebonnet viewing. Here are a few good suggestions:
Bellville
Only 1 hour and 15 minutes from Sugar Land, Bellville�s rolling hills provide an exquisite backdrop for these blue beauties. Call 979-865-3407 or log on at
www.bellville.com for bluebonnet information along with other attractions in Bellville.
Brenham
Call 888-BRENHAM or log on www.brenhamtexas.com to request a wildflower trails map. Scenic Brenham has the added feature of being close to the Blue Bell Ice Cream
Factory. Be sure to check their working hours at www.bluebell.com before traveling. Also, just 14 miles
north of Brenham is Lake Somerville State Park where you can enjoy wild-flowers lakeside.
Columbus
Another great city for history buffs, Columbus is located about 1 hour west on I-10. Information is available through the Chamber of Commerce at www.columbuscofc.org
or at 979-732-8385. A second contact may be found at the Convention and Visitors Bureau of Columbus at 979-732-5135 and at www.columbustexas.org
Chappell Hill
For those who would like a helping of historic city along with their bluebonnets,
Chappell Hill is an excellent choice. Log on at www.chapellhillmuseum.org for visitors information.
Fredericksburg
The 4-hour drive is a fair trade for a chance to see the incredible 80-acres of flower fields at Wild Seed Farms in Fredericksburg. After walking the wild-flower trails, shop the market for seeds and gifts or visit the
�Brew-Bonnet Biergarten and Garten Haus� for refreshments.
Log on at www.wildseedfarms.com or call 800-848-0078. Armed with all this knowledge, you are now ready to begin your bluebonnet adventure. It�s time to hit the
road. � After all, spring only comes once a year. Don�t miss it!
Julie Pangelinan is an elementary school teacher and mother of two. She lives in Sugar Land.
Submit your Sugarland news to [email protected].
|
Sugar Land
Magazine is a member of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, the
Rosenberg Richmond Area
Chamber of Commerce, the Better Business Bureau, and the Texas
Community Newspapers Association. |
