The bluebonnets are out in full force this year and, fortunately for us, wildflower spotting doesn’t get much better than a road trip through Burnet County. In fact, Burnet is officially designated as the Bluebonnet Capital of Texas by the State Legislature. And right now we’re gearing up for one of the best events of the year – the Burnet Bluebonnet Festival, April 13 – 15.

Burnet bluebonnets (Source)

The three days of the Burnet Bluebonnet Festival are so packed full of fun, you’ll probably need a good, long nap afterward. There’s the Grand Parade, the Mighty Thomas Carnival, the Commemorative Air Force Bluebonnet Airshow,  live music, a kids’ bicycle-decorating contest, the Burnet Bulletin Pet Parade, live music, food, arts and crafts, a classic car show, and… wait for it… the annual Wiener Dog Race! See the full schedule of events at: http://bluebonnetfestival.org/

Burnet Bluebonnet Festival Wiener Dog Race (Source)

April 13 also marks the start of the 2012 Wine and Wildflower Trail. This year, 33 Texas Hill Country wineries are participating with tastings, snacks, swag, and spectacular views of the wildflowers. Couples can purchase a pair of tickets for $40, which includes:

• 1-3 complimentary tastes of wine at each winery
• 15% discount on 3 bottle purchases at each winery
• One bluebonnet gift bag per ticket
• One rain gauge per ticket
• One Wildflower seed packet per ticket

Tickets and more info available here: http://texaswinetrail.com/store/product/111

Burnet County is the perfect jumping-off point for your Wine and Wildflower Trail adventure – you’re just a short drive from Perissos Vineyards, Spicewood Vineyards, McReynolds Winery, Flat Creek Estate, Stone House Vineyard and more. Or, leave the driving to someone else – the Heart of Texas Wine Tours guides are friendly and knowledgeable and will pick you up from  your hotel or B&B.

Stone House Vineyard (Source)

Get a group of friends together and take advantage of everything going on in the Highland Lakes of Burnet County. Right now, Front Desk Vacation Rentals is waiving their extra guest fee for our readers – a savings of $10 to $80 per night. Front Desk has several spacious lakefront vacation homes to choose from, so after a long day of wildflower watching and wine drinking, you and your friends can take a refreshing dip off your private deck. To see all the homes Front Desk Vacation Rentals has available, visit http://frontdeskvacationrentals.com – for reservations call 830-693-8564 or email frontdeskrentals@gmail.com. For even more places to stay, see the Accommodations section of TheHighlandLakes.org.

“Casa Verde” Vacation Rental

“Cool Waters” Vacation Rental