Bluebonnet shooting location?

[tml]

I am looking for suggestions regarding location and best time to shoot bluebonnets in Texas. I would appreciate any ideas. Even better, if you could suggest some nice places to stay overnight as well.

Tri

[David Alaniz]

Last year we stayed at this location Happy Trails

This was a great B&B just 7 mile north of Fredericksburg. It allowed us to cover the entire area from early in the day to late evening coming and going. We stayed three nights, only for two adults. I had an old book giving routes off the beaten path. For going off the main roads need a truck because you will cross several river bottoms...it was great. Just some great sights you would never see otherwise. We planned which direction we wanted to go and what to cover each day.

We left one day early and spent the night in Schulenburg. Got up real early and went to several "painted churches" in the surrounding area. Did this fast with a plan and by early afternoon we were on our way to the hill country. Took loads of pictures. Plan to do this during the week...less people.

As for time..... we went the last week in April. That my be border line late but it was still good. Maybe mid April just depends. Hope all this helps. We held to our plan 90% of the time. Be sure to at least do the Willow City Loop if that is the area to travel. We did it late evening.

I use this book and google to plan.....WildflowerHaven Community Store Good Luck.

[tml]

David,

Thank you very much for your very helpful information. I went ahead and ordered a copy of the Wildflower guide.

Tri

[LynnH]

Here is an interactive map with various "drives" you can take to view bluebonnets. Click on the area and a map with details will open for you.
Wildflower Hot Spots Map

[rhoffart]

Wild Seed Farms near Fredericksburg ... these were taken last year

Wild Seed Farms - Rick's Photos | SmugMug

[lfmerrell]

Last year I had a great Blue Bonnet drive it was from McGregor, TX south to The Grove, TX. Blue Bonnets and Indian Paint Brush filled many fields on either side of the road.
Where FM Rd 2671 there is a field of what appears to be abandoned munition bunkers.

This drive takes you past the Mother Neff State Park.

Continue south on The Grove Rd for more fields.
The west fork in the road on (dirt/gravel) had more fields, hills and a wooded creek.

This drive was on a Sunday and only rarely was another car seen.

[Stargazer77517]

We just came back from the hill country last weekend, There are a few batches along I-10 but nothing really to speak of. From Luling on is really dry. They havent had much rain up there so there isnt very much along there. Last year we did the loop around the Brennem area and found the best was on the back roads.
Shoot in the early morning sun, the dew can make for some good photo ops.

[venchka]

Didn't see any bluebonnets last week....

This place is well worth the trip. With or without bluebonnets. Make sure you drive to the top of the hill where the house is. I suggest approaching from Blanco on Rocky Road. When you leave the ranch, continue east on Flat Creek Road to 290 & Johnson City. Blueberry pancakes at The Wimberly Cafe in Wimberly and Redbud Cafe for lunch in Blanco are good.

The Benini Studio and Sculpture Ranch

[studiocygnet]

Well, they're saying 40% chance of rain this afternoon, so hopefully we get some. Otherwise it's pretty slow for wildflowers this year. Normally I have bluebonnets in my backyard. I see the plants, but they haven't flowered yet.

[ronocnikral]

just drove from lubbock to houston yesterday (via hwy 84 and hwy 36). a few bluebonnets out, nothing to write home about.

riding bike from brookshire to independence friday, can report back then...hopefully some rain helps...want a nice pic of the steed gamboling in the wildflowers.

still find it weird that people roll around in the state flower...