Standing in the midst of hundreds of bluebonnets and Indian paintbrush wildflowers, my ears began to focus in on an unfamiliar sound.  The hum and buzz grew louder until I stopped looking through the camera’s lens and began peering intensely down into the flowers.  Hundreds of busy bees were doing their thing!  Pollinating!  I gently began backtracking out of the bluebonnets and left the bees to their business.    I was in wildflower heaven!  This is just where you’ll want to be during this month.  All along the Texas Hill Country wildflowers are in abundant bloom, most will last through May and into June.  This kaleidoscope of colors will tantalize the visual senses.  Along Hwy 290 between Stonewall and Fredericksburg, Texas one can see the largest working wildflower seed farm in Texas.  This Hill Country site is one stop  seniors will love to explore and discover.  If you are that green thumb enthusiast, at Wildseed Farms, you’ll discover a poetic atmosphere.  This is the place to bring your binoculars.  Acres of multi-colored wildflowers cover hillsides.  “The Meadows” is a beautifully landscaped area of display gardens which host a 3,000 square foot live butterfly exhibit.  Oh, bring the camera and those telephoto lenses also.  Perhaps you’ll get the “shot of a lifetime” here while in the midst of these winged creations.  Besides flowers and butterflies, there is pottery and an open market where a variety of gifts can be purchased (www.wildseedfarms.com). 

While you are in the Fredericksburg area, plan to be there on May 28 when Luckenbach’s 150th birthday celebration takes place.  Fredericksburg is full of German flair.  This old world styled town has over 120 antique shops and crafts merchants who gladly open their doors to guests.  This area boasts the ability to find unique and one-of-a-kind gifts from original masterpieces to international products.  Wafting odors of sausage and kraut tingle your nose while passing by one of 50 restaurants and delicatessens here. 

Founded in 1846 and later developed by German settlers, Fredericksburg has streets lined with vintage homes reflecting German styles of logs, rock, and mortar (fachwork).  Victorian homes lend softness to the ambience of the town.  In many homes, you’ll find décor of limestone native to the area. 

Fredericksburg, named after the prince of Prussia, is home to over 300 bed and breakfast accommodations, and at least 600 hotel and motel rooms equipped with modern amenities.  Just the place for a rest after being in wildflower heaven. 

While visiting the Texas Hill Country area, seniors may want to check out the local museums and areas of interest.  Visit the Admiral Nimitz Museum where you’ll go back in time to honor those during the Pacific War.  The LBJ State and National Parks extend a glimpse into the late president Lyndon B. Johnson life and presidency (www.fredericksburgtexas.com).  For those more adventurous, check out Enchanted Rock.  This 620 square-foot domed pink granite is one of several batholiths discovered in the United States (underground rock formation uncovered by erosion).  Guests may want to tent camp or backpack camp, or simply day hike up one of the marked trails.  This affords a fantastic opportunity to photograph some of the fauna/flora in the Texas Hill Country.  Grandchildren and adventurous grandparents will enjoy the discoveries around every bend in the trail!  Most paths are easy foot trails and marked.  There is one steep area which is optional for the hikers.  Be sure and bring camera and binoculars on this trip.  Also include in your backpack:  sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, insect repellant, plenty of water, energy bars/snacks, a flashlight with spare batteries and bulb, a compass, knife, maps, and layering clothing including a raincoat, and waterproof matches.  Weather can be unpredictable and an occasional rain shower might catch you by surprise. (www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/enchantd).

For those who aren’t into hiking, a visit to the Sauer-Beckmann Farm (1-830-868-7128 or 1-830-868-7128 ext: 231) will take you back in time during the twentieth century while the “family” works the farm, cooks, cleans, and does chores around the place.  The family and hosts dressed in period clothing will show you how to churn butter, milk cows, feed the animals, cook and clean, tend to repairs, along with any number of other activities of life on a German farm.  This is a truly historical replication in detail.

Seniors, you’ll love the Texas Hill Country!  Gather up a few friends and plan to spend a few days in the area.  There’s nothing like adventure especially when accompanied by those you love.  Happy Traveling!

(All photos are courtesy of Fredericksburg CVB and local photographers)