The smell of fresh lavender in a bouquet. The sweetness of a perfectly, deep red strawberry. The warmth of the sun beaming down on my face. A walking path painted with wildflowers. The condensation of a cool glass of white-wine outside laughing alongside my closest friends and family. These are the senses that came to mind as I pictured my ideal spring day. Though your perfect picture of the season may be different, whatever it may be, odds are you can experience that blissful day at any one of these Texas towns that celebrate the season in style.
Mountains and Wine
Fresh fruit, endless floral fields, refreshing beverages, and unique shops and restaurants are only just the beginning of why Fredericksburg is arguably the ultimate springtime destination in Texas. Spend a weekend in the heart of the Hill Country surrounded by breathtaking scenery, and partake in any of the numerous attractions the quaint German settlement has to offer and you will quickly agree. Explore the boutiques, breweries, and eateries downtown, but plan time to embark on the Wine and Wildflower Journey to sample award-winning wines at participating wineries while relaxing on a patio overlooking hundreds of grapevine rows or fields of blooming wildflowers. For a more hands on trip, hike the pink-granite Mountain, Enchanted Rock or pick your own strawberries at Marburger Orchard nearby.
The Largest Floral Festival in the Southwest
Though the busy streets of Dallas scattered with Skyscrapers and pavement may not be the conventional image that comes to mind when the word Spring is uttered, the city is home to “the largest floral festival in the Southwest” and has plenty of springtime inspiration to offer. Immerse yourself in the thousands of budding tulips, lilacs, daffodils, iris’ and countless flora the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden displays at its annual festival. Bring a blanket and snag a spot on the rolling hill that overlooks White Rock Lake to watch sailboats soar through the water while enjoying a packed meal or food from any of the restaurants around. On your way down, stop by the Dallas Farmers Market a few miles south to curate the perfect picnic spread to satisfy your cravings after walking around the stunningly-manicured 66-acre garden.
Arts in the Open Air
When you think of Fort Worth, it may be easy to get caught up in the elements that coin its nickname ‘Cowtown’ like the stockyards, Billy Bob’s, the rodeo, and so on. Yet, it is easy to overlook the growing arts scene as the city is also home to notable museums, and Main Street Fort Worth Arts Festival aims to celebrate and display the impressive results of the skill. Admire hundreds of masterpieces on all different mediums contrasted with the red bricks of downtown while listening to a wide range of musicians perform throughout the day. Enjoy the warm spring weather at this outdoor festival and indulge in the numerous culinary arts offered as well.
Bluebonnet Country
While you could visit the flower mound that Flower Mound, Texas derives its name from for your spring flower fix, just one hour south sits the “Official Bluebonnet City of Texas.” Though not a highly trafficked area most of the year, Ennis is home to over 40 miles of walking trails, covered in wildflowers and open to the public the entire month of April. Check the website before for updates on the best spots to hike and plan your trip for the third weekend of the month for a festival celebrating the picturesque landscape. Stroll through the meadows and head downtown to engage with the various art and crafts vendors. Shop around and end the day sharing savory food and refreshing drinks with friends and family accompanied by live music.
As a Texan, there are only a few times a year that a beverage, meal, or activity can be enjoyed outside without melting under the blistering sun. It is important to take advantage of the ideal weather and celebrate the springtime every chance you get. So don’t walk - Run to these nearby festivals meant to celebrate the season.
Fresh fruit, endless floral fields, refreshing beverages, and unique shops and restaurants are only just the beginning...