D R IV E
TEXAS ROAD TRIP JEWEL:
WO RTH
THE
Wildflowers on Willow City Loop by Ann Marie Kennon
F
or decades, wildflowers have been the #1 roadside attraction in Texas—the only place in the world where bluebonnets grow naturally. Every year, these floral rainbows stretch across Central Texas, enthralling many a visitor in the Hill Country and Willow City in particular and they will soon make a dazzling appearance on the Willow City Loop near Fredericksburg. Just two hours away, visitors describe this 13-mile byway as nature’s eye candy thanks to the abundance of flowers, but the views are also rich with granite, red sand, cliffs, valleys, creeks, springs, and mesquite trees, and wildlife like deer, cattle, and wild turkey.
WHEN TO GO Be sure to visit during peak wildflower season—March to May—when the loop is lush with bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes, sunflowers, and poppies. Now is the time to plan your trip to a Fredericksburg vineyard or nearby Wildseed Farm, the nation’s largest working wildflower farm. With more than 1,000 cultivated acres and 200-plus acres of wildflower fields, locals say as Wildseed fields begin to bloom, they know it is time for a sojourn across
24
MAR CH 2 022
the countryside to see nature at its best. The farm also has a Market Center featuring gifts, home decor, Texas native plants, and pottery. While spring is the most popular time to visit, the drive is delightful all year; in summer, the rocky hillsides offer beautiful views and long shadows create great photo ops in wintertime. For a quieter, more relaxed outing, plan a mid-week road trip as the loop can be extremely busy, especially on peak wildflower weekends. Trip advisors recommend photographers visit in the early morning and late afternoon for the best light.
HOW TO ENJOY THE TRIP While driving is the easiest and most common way to enjoy the floral display, Willow City Loop is also extremely popular with bikers and cyclists. Both groups enjoy the slower pace and, due to its low elevations, the route is fun for cyclists of all levels. For runners, the 13-mile distance allows for perfect half-marathon practice. For those non-motorized outings, visitors may park in the Willow City School parking lot before heading out on two wheels or on foot, making sure to exercise caution as the roads do not have shoulders.
