If you haven't traveled to Johnson City, Texas to view the wildflowers, you are in for a treat! Not only will you see wildflowers in bloom everywhere along the roadways, both back roads and highways, but there will also be various activities throughout Wildflower month provided by the various businesses in town as we enjoy a month long celebration of Wildflower Days.

Wildflower month will kick off during the Men's Texas State Chili Cook Off on the weekend of March 26th, a do not miss event in itself. The Chili Cook Off is free to the public and besides the best Chili and BBQ in the great state of Texas, there are many activities for the whole family from cow chip shufffle board to domino games. Proceeds from this event all go to local charities and organizations.

Bluebonnets traditionally begin peeking out at this time and begin blooming profusely shortly thereafter, along with Indian Paint blossoms and other fabulous wildflowers as the month progresses. Not only do the wildflowers beautify our highways and county roads, but you will find fields that look like paintings in many "off the beaten track" places, providing a canvas of breathtaking displays from Mother Nature. For up to date information on where the flowers are blooming you can call the TXDOT Wildflower Hotline at 800-452-9292. Counselors are available from 8 am until 6 pm. The TXDOT Department's wildflower effort is part of a vegetation management program encouraging the growth of native species that require less mowing and care. TXDOT spreads more than 20,000 pounds of wildflower seeds along Texas highways each year. A note of caution, when taking photos of people or children in the patches of wildflowers, please walk carefully as the flowers can be damaged or killed. Also snakes like to seek refuge in the cool shade under the wildflowers including rattlesnakes and copperheads. It is best to check out the area in advance of people placement.

There are Wildflower Loop maps available at participating businesses in Johnson City, the Heartland of the Texas Hill Country, as well as the Visitor Center, located at 100 Main Street. While you're in town you will find great shopping, food and lodging. There are also an array of activities to provide enjoyment for the entire family, from the Exotic Zoo to the LBJ State and National Parks and LCRA park on the Pedernales River.

Want to spend the weekend? No problem as Johnson City offers traditional motels as well as numerous B & B's and cabins to enhance your visit. We also have our own vineyard-Texas Hills Vineyard which welcomes visitors and the ONLY bourbon distillery in Texas, Garrison Brothers Distillery which is located right outside of Johnson City and offers tours on a daily basis. There are several other vineyards located near Johnson City, such as Becker Vineyards and Lavender Farm and others along the "Hill CountryWine Trail." Not only can you enjoy the beauty of the wildflowers, but you can enjoy the peacefulness and easy going pace of a small town, as well as shopping and a variety of restaurants ranging from fast food to fine dining, which includes the Hill Country Cupboard, Dairy Queen, Subway, Texas 290 Diner, El Charros, El Rancho, Ronnie's BBQ, Silver K Café, Chrome Cactus and Uptown Blanco Café in Blanco. If you prefer to dine in your cabin, RV or picnic along the Pedernales we also have a Super S grocery store right in town where you can purchase anything you need.

Are you an art lover? You're in luck, because numerous fine artists reside here, many with galleries. Benini Gallery and Sculpture Ranch is a fabulous place, as well as the Nugent Street Galleries; Taste Wine + Art, A. Smith Gallery, and LMC Murals and Fine Art. Copper Roof Art Studio also welcomes studio tours by appointment only, and Eyefells and Eyefells is just a short trip down the road towards Fredericksburg. If it's Lavender you like, we have several local Lavender Farms; The Meadows of Flat Creek, Miller Creek Lavender, Hummingbird Farms, Chantilly Lace B & B-Lavender-Soaps-Dining and M & J Gifts and Lavender Farm.

Now for something totally unique and new for us-this year we will have participating businesses and residences decorate throughout the month in celebration Wildflower Days. Think of traditional holiday decorating and kick it up a notch! Where else can you go enjoy a small town atmosphere, dine and shop, tour various facilities including vineyards and a bourbon distillery, enjoy fine art, an array of lodging options, parks, farms, festive, unique and creative wildflower décor, and of course, some of the finest wildflower viewing in the Texas Hill Country? Nowhere else but right here in Johnson City, Texas. Spend the day, weekend or week with us-we'd love to have you, and you'll be glad you did.

The time has arrived, that's right, the wildflowers are beginning to pop up everywhere! If you haven't traveled to Johnson City, Texas to view the wildflowers, you are in for a treat! Not only will you see wildflowers in bloom everywhere along the roadways, both back roads and highways, but there will also be various activities throughout Wildflower month provided by the various businesses in town on different days of the month, as we enjoy a month long celebration of Wildflower Days.

Bluebonnets have begun peeking out at this time and will begin blooming profusely shortly thereafter, along with Indian Paint blossoms and other fabulous wildflowers as the month progresses. Not only do the wildflowers beautify our highways and county roads, but you will find fields that look like paintings in many "off the beaten track" places, providing a canvas of breathtaking displays from Mother Nature. For up to date information on where the flowers are blooming you can call the TXDOT Wildflower Hotline at 800-452-9292. Counselors are available from 8 am until 6 pm. The TXDOT Department's wildflower effort is part of a vegetation management program encouraging the growth of native species that require less mowing and care. TXDOT spreads more than 20,000 pounds of wildflower seeds along Texas highways each year. A note of caution, when taking photos of people or children in the patches of wildflowers, please walk carefully as the flowers can be damaged or killed. Also snakes like to seek refuge in the cool shade under the wildflowers including rattlesnakes and copperheads. It is best to check out the area in advance of people placement.

There are Wildflower Loop maps available at participating businesses in Johnson City, the Heartland of the Texas Hill Country, as well as the Visitor Center, located at 100 Main Street.

Want to spend the weekend? No problem because Johnson City offers traditional motels as well as numerous B & B's and cabins to enhance your visit. We have a Best Western as well as the Hill Country Inn. Thinking more of a Bed & Breakfast? We have many to select from including the Chantilly Lace Country Inn, Country Cabins Bed & Breakfast, Lighthouse Hill Ranch, The Pickett House Bed & Breakfast, The Sandy Road Guest Haus, Spring Creek Bed & Breakfast and our newly opened Songbird Meadows Bed & Breakfast. We also offer several conveniently located RV Parks and Resorts, including Miller Creek RV Resort, Road Runner RV Park and Pedernales Falls State Park. Looking for something unique? We have that too-check out the Exotic Resort Zoo where you can choose from one of 5 cabins, all of which have covered porches overlooking the large lake with over 80 species of wild animals roaming the ranch, as well as phenomenal hill country views. If you choose to stay here, you will also receive a free tour of the zoo as well as other amenities. There is something for everyone in Johnson City!

We also have our own vineyard-Texas Hills Vineyard which welcomes visitors and the ONLY bourbon distillery in Texas, Garrison Brothers Distillery which is located right outside of Johnson City and offers tours on a daily basis. There are several other vineyards located near Johnson City, such as Becker Vineyards and Lavender Farm and others along the "Hill Country Wine Trail." Not only can you enjoy the beauty of the wildflowers, but you can enjoy the peacefulness and easy going pace of a small town.

Are you an art lover? You're in luck, because numerous fine artists reside here, many with galleries. Benini Gallery and Sculpture Ranch is a fabulous place, as well as the Nugent Street Galleries; Taste Wine + Art who hosts an artist reception on the last Saturday of each month as well as a Gospel Music Concert on the 2nd Sunday of each month that includes a complimentary light finger food brunch. Mimosas, champagne and wine are also available for purchase. We also have the A. Smith Gallery, LMC Murals and Fine Art, and Eyefells and Eyefells which is just a short trip down the road towards Fredericksburg. Copper Roof Art Gallery is now open on 110 E. Main Street in Johnson City, across from City Park and next to Suzy Q's just during Wildflower Days month long celebration, beginning March 26th. Local multi-media artist Zena Stetka Howe has opened a seasonal downtown gallery featuring selected artworks from her art studio on the edge of town. Paintings, sculptures, and other art expressions will be available. Private tours of her studio can also be scheduled there. Gallery hours will be Friday and Saturday 11 to 6, and Sunday 11 to 3. You will also be able to enjoy an Art-Walk each weekend beginning March 26 through April 30.

If it's Lavender you like, we have several local Lavender Farms; The Meadows of Flat Creek, Miller Creek Lavender, Hummingbird Farms, Chantilly Lace B & B-Lavender-Soaps-Dining and M & J Gifts and Lavender Farm. Also Becker Vineyards and Lavender Farm will be celebrating its 13th Annual Lavender Festival on April 30th and May 1st, an event you won't want to miss!

Be sure to take time to visit our historical area, the LBJ National Historical State Park, which includes LBJ's boyhood home and the Johnson Settlement. Guided tours are provided at the boyhood home at no cost. You can also explore our state parks, including Pedernales Falls State Park, located along the banks of the scenic Pedernales River and featuring picturesque waterfalls, abundant animal and bird life, fishing, swimming, camping, picnicking, hiking and horseback riding. Maybe you would like to hunt exotics during your visit, that too is possible. Benson Farm and Ranch offers guided hunts, as well as fishing and lodging.

If you like to stay fit and desire a place to walk, Johnson City has a newly constructed 1.8 mile round trip hike trail from the Johnson City Community Park, past the Courthouse Square to the LBJ Park Visitor Center. You can extend the hike on both ends by walking through the parks and sidewalks. Walking and roller skates only, no bicycles or skate boards. Water fountain and memorial park benches are along the way. Not yet lighted at night. If you enjoy water recreation be sure to visit the Johnson City Water Sport Area, located on the Pedernales River at the bridge on Highway 281 just north of town and next to the Blanco County Show Barn. It offers an easy launching area, ideal for kayaking, canoeing, picnicking and fishing. Convenient parking at the launch area, and there is no charge for use of the water area or parking.

Shopping is abundant in Johnson City, and there's something for everyone, from Suzy Q's gift shop, Whittington's Jerky, Black Spur Emporium and Gallery, Deleon's Outpost (cedar furniture & décor), The Pearl Antique Mall, Pieces of the Past, and numerous others. While enjoying all the activities available, you're sure to work up an appetite, and there are several places for you to fill up including AJ's Pizza Shoppe, the Chrome Cactus, Friendly Bar Bistro (open evenings Thursday through Sunday, including live entertainment), Hill Country Cupboard, Silver K Café, Texas 290 Diner, Dairy Queen, and others from Mexican to famous Texas BBQ. If you prefer to dine in your cabin, RV or picnic along the Pedernales River, we also have a Super S grocery store and Ace Hardware combined in one building right in town where you can purchase anything you need.

Another tradition of our wildflower celebration is Wildflower Day, which will occur this year on Saturday, April 16th from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.-where there will be numerous craft and food vendors, music and a great time. It's a great way to find unique, hand crafted items that you won't find elsewhere, enjoy an assorted array of foods, and of course an ice cold beer if you so desire. The spirit of Texas is alive and well in Johnson City!

Once you visit, you just might decide you want to come back to stay. If you do, we have several realtors ready to assist in the purchase of your piece of the Hill Country. Feel free to contact Anders Realty Group, Carol Bigott, Century 21 Town Creek Properties, Janice Fox, Home Ranch Realty, or Star of Texas Real Estate. Their information can be found at the Johnson City Texas Chamber of Commerce website at www.johnsoncitytexaschamber.com

Now for something totally unique and new for us-this year we will have participating businesses and residences decorate throughout the month in celebration Wildflower Days. Think of traditional holiday decorating and kick it up a notch! Be sure to take time to drive through our neighborhoods and streets and enjoy the creativity of our wildflower embellished town.

Where else can you go enjoy a small town atmosphere, dine and shop, tour various facilities including vineyards and a bourbon distillery, enjoy fine art, an array of lodging options, parks, farms, festive, unique and creative wildflower décor, and of course, some of the finest wildflower viewing in the Texas Hill Country? Nowhere else but right here in Johnson City, Texas. Spend the day, weekend or week with us-we'd love to have you, and you'll be glad you did.