We live in the perfect road trip state. Texas has so many beautiful and topographically unique places to see. In the spring, we are blessed with an abundance of blooming wildflowers. It’s pretty much a tradition to hit the road and find some, along with fresh air and blues skies (we really need that right now). Among many species of wildflowers are Bluebonnets, the state flower of Texas. Every spring they line highways and backroads like a blanket of blue velvet gently waving in the breeze. Last weekend we took a drive to the Willow City Loop, an iconic Texas Hill Country scenic drive near Fredericksburg. It was our first time visiting this gorgeous stretch of road, and I couldn’t wait to share more about it here on the blog.

Outfit details: My dress is sold out in light blue, but is available in black and limited sizing in navy | Wedge sandals

Texas Bluebonnets are truly a sight to behold. If your parents didn’t take pictures of you as a kid in the bluebonnets, then you didn’t really grow up in Texas. Bluebonnets are the #1 roadside attraction here. Their name describes them perfectly, as they are blue and the petal shape looks a little like a bonnet similar to those worn by women a couple hundred years ago.

We loaded up the truck with a picnic lunch and our two girls. It was so nice getting out of the house, and the weather cooperated perfectly. During peak wildflower season (and not during a worldwide pandemic), the Willow City Loop can get very crowded with cars. My recommendation would be to visit early in the day or during the week, if possible. 

What to See

Wildflowers, of course! And lots of Bluebonnets. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a concentration of flowers like this. The ground is covered with a sea of reds, yellows, blues, purples, whites, and pinks. And because the area is all private land, it’s all undisturbed and commercially undeveloped. 

A winding road leads you by pastures, hills, and even what I can only describe as a gorge framed by some of the highest hilltops and stunning rock structures. All of a sudden we came around a corner and there it was. Miles and miles of deep valley surrounded by majestic hills. I managed to capture some good photos but they still don’t do it justice.

You’ll pass through several cattle guards with signs saying “loose livestock” so keep your speed reasonable.

Roll the windows down and listen to the birds singing. You’ll hear the soft rushing wind as it blows through the grass, too. It’s so tranquil. A real road trip for the soul.

The land along the Willow City Loop is private property, so if you go, please be respectful and just take in the beauty from your vehicle. Do not stop, park, block driveways, or walk/sit on the bluebonnets. In order to get some photos in the bluebonnets, we pulled over on RR1323, prior to entering the loop. We found a great little patch of flowers with enough grass so as not to disturb them. 

Directions to the Willow City Loop can be found here.

Where to Picnic

There are lots of places to picnic lunch on a road trip in Texas. In this era of social distancing, we wanted to find an outdoor area where we could safely eat and let our girls do their business without risking contact with other people. We found Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park in Fredericksburg to be a great option. They have plenty of wide open space, picnic tables, and covered pavilion areas to enjoy lunch al fresco. The park has a large dog park and several waste bag stations throughout, too. We found a table under a tree by the water that was perfectly shaded and enjoyed a little packed lunch of sandwiches and fruit. We will definitely be back!

Picnic details: Palmgrens Rattan Tote | Sunglasses | Insulated Picnic basket (similar here)

Have you been to the Willow City Loop to see the Bluebonnets? Do you have other central Texas road trips to recommend? 

xo – Erin

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