Supposedly, April showers bring May flowers. In Texas, however, there is no such predictability. That said, there are set dates to celebrate the Lone Star State’s brightest wildflowers. Believe it or not, not all are dedicated to the bluebonnet.
From azaleas in Tyler to red poppies in Georgetown, the diversity of Texas’ flowers is celebrated a few times over. Then, of course, you cannot bypass the Bluebonnet Festival in Ennis. Chapel Hill, outside of Brenham, claims to have the Official Bluebonnet Festival of Texas, but we decided to give you an option with a shorter drive time.
No matter where you go this April, try to take the road less traveled to enjoy all of the splendor that our state has to offer.
Ennis Bluebonnet Trails – Ennis
Starting out closest to home, there’s no excuse to miss the Ennis Bluebonnet Trails. From April 1 to April 30, wildflower admirers are invited to see true Texas beauty and get those classic family photos.
Ennis showcases over 40 miles of mapped bluebonnet trails with the help of the Ennis Garden Club. The club routinely drives the trails in the weeks leading up to the festival and gives a status report on the blooms so that guests will know when to come and get the most out of their visit.
According to the Ennis Garden Club, bluebonnets typically peak during the third week of April. Of course, this varies year to year due to weather conditions. Families and groups are welcome to come out and explore the trails independently. However, garden club expert guides are also ready and able to give tours with advanced reservations.
If you really want the full experience, make sure to visit during the Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival, held from April 12 through 14. Featuring vendors, arts and crafts, bluebonnet souvenirs, children’s activities and live music, the festival makes for a memorable weekend. Admission is free, so bring the entire family and immerse yourself in the state’s natural beauty.
Red Poppy Festival – Georgetown
Just a few miles north of the “Live Musical Capital of the World” sits the “Red Poppy Capital of Texas,” otherwise known as Georgetown. For over 70 years, red poppies have been a dynamic part of the city’s landscape and even grow naturally alongside streets and in vacant lots. The history of these vermillion flowers dates back to World War I.
An American Expeditionary Forces soldier, Henry Purl Compton, sent European poppy seeds to his mother, who lived off of Seventh Street in Georgetown. She planted them, and with the help of birds, bees and people, the flower spread across the Old Town district. Now, the city is celebrating its 20th annual Red Poppy Festival.
Featuring a variety of live music event, art, shopping and outdoor fun – last year’s festival even had a BMX bike event – the Red Poppy Festival really draws a crowd. This year, Pat Green will headline the Saturday night concert on April 27. It’s free to the public, and guests are encouraged to bring a chair.
Tyler Azalea Trail & Spring Flower Trail – Tyler
Step back in time at Tyler’s Azalea Trail. This 10-mile long trail takes visitors through historic neighborhoods and residential gardens of Tyler. According to Tyler’s visitor bureau, the town’s first azaleas were planted in 1929 by Maurice Shamburger, who set the trend among other neighbors.
The flowers continue to have a lasting impact, as Tyler celebrates the town’s blooming history every spring. This year marks the 60th annual Azalea & Spring Flower Trail, which started on March 22 and will run until April 7. There’s still time to make it for the final weekend of festivities. Visitors will be immersed in the quaint culture of the East Texas town from the first greeting of the Azalea Belles.
These groups of young ladies serve as Tyler ambassadors along the trails. The Belles, dressed in antebellum gowns will have you feeling like you transported to a different century. The tradition dates back many years, and it is considered a great honor to be chosen as an Azalea Belle. In addition to fun customs and vibrant flowers, the festival is filled with engaging activities such as the Tyler Azalea 10K and 5K run, historic house tours, dance shows and the annual Azalea Quilt Show.
If you’re looking for a refreshing change of pace from the Metroplex lifestyle, head east this weekend.