I was told that Texas bluebonnets were a short lived sight not to be missed. Mid-April snuck up on me somehow and I still hadn’t gone out to see the springtime miracle draping the roadside in hues of blue with spots of orange and yellow highlighting nature’s spring awakening. That just wouldn’t do.
Saturday morning arrived in a rolling thunderstorm with buckets of rain splashing against my bedroom window. I got up and contemplated postponing my exploratory search for wild flowers while sipping my coffee. I thumbed through my phone mapping a shorter trip.
Chapel Hill and Brenham sit a little over an hour outside of Houston. The descriptions online seemed promising, plus it was a shorter drive just in case the rain followed me dampening my picture taking. I had some doubts as rain drops pelted my window shield. But as I drive the sky cleared a bit with a hint of blue.
Side note – have I told you much I love escaping the city? Travel, in all forms, even short forays light me up.
Washington County
Washington County, the birthplace of Texas, or so the sign beside 290 Hwy proudly announced in big, letters. Not too far from the county line bluebonnets began appearing haphazardly in clusters along the roadside.
I followed other wildflower seeker’s example and pulled my car over next to a field. A stream of people held cameras and poses against a white wood fence with a field dotted with wildflowers as a backdrop. It was still chilly and blustery, not the best conditions for picture-taking but taking my cue from the others I tried to snap a few pictures and even a wind-blown selfie. I was happy to duck back into my warm car and leave the wind-blown field of flowers in the rear view mirror.
Brenham
My girlfriend told me a bit about Brenham, enough to piqué my curiosity. I plugged it into my GPS and let the car guide me to the Texas town a few miles down the road
Brenham is known for its small downtown filled with eclectic antique shops. I walked a few blocks absorbing the Texas town’s vibe. The sun was beginning to chase away the rain clouds but the wind refused to cooperate
Blue Bell Creamery
You can’t visit Brenham without visiting Blue Bell Creamery. It sits in the edge of town with a beautiful campus. The visitors center was closed but I popped up to the gift shop and ice cream parlor seemed like a huge hit for young and old alike.
I couldn’t go to Blue Bell without trying out a pint at home.
Chapel Hill
Honeysuckle Coffee Bistro & True Blue Home share the same lovely building that sits besides Highway 290. I passed it on my way to Brenham and instantly knew I had to stop in my way back I’m so happy I did!
Honeysuckle Coffee Bistro
The small café is warm and inviting with wafts of coffee blending magically with fresh-baked goods. But don’t be fooled, the bistro offers a delicious menu from breakfast to entres. I splurged, ordering biscuits and gravy. My go to comfort food and was not disappointed in the fluffy biscuits and thick sausage gravy.
True Blue Home
After lunch I wondered through the well designed home decor boutique falling in love over and over with each turn.
True Blue Home has a ton of unique items. Great gift ideas sit along side lovely dishware. I’m a total dishwater junkie and it took all I had not to buy any. Instead I found myself upstairs drooling over bedding. Yes, I’m also a self-confessed bedding hoarder.
It was a great day trip chasing flowers only to find hidden gems that I will definitely be visiting again. If you get a chance to go – go.
I did bring home a few trinkets. I just couldn’t help myself. This soft, plush beautiful throw has a lovely Audrey Hepburn quote that just spoke to me. And I just couldn’t put this beautiful edition of Little Women down. What can I say – a home goods intervention may be needed.
There you have it, my day trip recap. Sending you love and happiness.
❤️
2 thoughts on “Chasing Bluebonnets in the Texas Hill Country”