By CHUCK CANNON
Guardian editor
FORT POLK, La. — If you’re looking for a way to spend a pleasant spring day taking in the sights and learning a little about the history of Louisiana’s neighbors to the west, then a trip north of Houston could be just what you and your family are looking for.
Thanks to Lady Bird Johnson, wife of former Texas senator and U.S. president Lyndon Johnson, and her love for wildflowers, blooms cover the countryside of the area surrounding Brenham, lending a quilt-like look to the countryside of a part of the state known as the birthplace of Texas independence.
Bluebonnets, Indian paint brushes and other flowers flooding the senses with blues, purples, pinks, yellows and oranges, dot the landscape, including acres of fields that seem to be covered in colorful carpets.
While the scenic beauty would be enough to capture the fancy of most day trip visitors, there is so much more.
A trip to the area must include a stop at Washington on the Brazos, the spot along the Brazos River where plans were made to begin the fight for Texas’ independence from Mexico. A park complete with an old church, panoramic views of the Brazos River, visitor’s center and walking trail offers travellers the opportunity to stretch their legs while learning a bit of Texas history.
If your family includes children, then a must-see is the Blue Bell Creamery in Brenham where world-famous Blue Bell ice cream is produced. Stop in for a sample of more ice cream flavors than you can imagine.
As you soak in the breathtaking views of rolling hills of bluebonnets, don’t forget to look for longhorn cattle and the largest jackrabbits west of the Sabine River.
From Fort Polk, take U.S. 171 North to La. Hwy 8 West. Once in Texas (La. Hwy 8 becomes Texas Hwy 63), follow the signs to Livingston, Huntsville, Navasota then Brenham. It’s near Navasota that you’ll start to see the fields of wildflowers, especially bluebonnets.
Of course, if you’re using GPS like most motorists do today, just plug in Brenham, Texas, and enjoy the scenery and the ride. You won’t be sorry that you set aside the time for this day-long jaunt.
| Date Taken: |
03.29.2019 |
| Date Posted: |
04.01.2019 10:05 |
| Story ID: |
316379 |
| Location: |
FORT POLK, LOUISIANA, US |
| Web Views: |
46 |
| Downloads: |
0 |
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