In a good year — typically mid-March to mid-April — the pastures around Brenham fill with bluebonnets, Indian paintbrush and pink evening primrose, often in solid sheets that line both sides of the road for miles. The Washington County tourism office publishes a yearly "Bluebonnet Trail" map showing the best loops; the most reliable runs include FM 390 between Brenham and Independence, FM 1155 north toward Chappell Hill, and the back roads to Old Baylor Park.
The display peaks for only two or three weeks and timing varies year to year — call ahead or check social media for current conditions. Photographing children among the flowers is a near-universal Texas tradition. Stay on the verge: many of the best fields are private grazing land.