As I've driven down the road this week, I find myself checking...are the blue bonnets still there?  Comparatively, we haven't had as many bluebonnets this year, but they've been around.  The first blue bonnet that I personally found this spring was growing in an abandoned parking lot. 

Fortunately, those of us living in the Brazos Valley, we are just minutes from Washington County, one of the best places in Texas to enjoy the bluebonnets and other spring flowers. 

 My favorite spot to view the flowers is at the Old Baylor Park site in Independence.  It is a very popular spot to take pictures.  (The picture below was taken by Calvin Morrison of me and my horse.) 

 To get there, from College Station, the most scenic route is to drive through Navasota, take Hwy 105 and turn on the scenic trail - FM 390.      

On 390, just west of FM 50, are the ruins of the original Baylor College and it's female department. 

In addition to the ruins, the park features a one room schoolhouse from the 1900's and two of the earliest homes in Washington County.  These homes, which belonged to John P. Cole are open on weekends for tour in March and April.   

 A drive to this area is not complete unless you stop off at the Antique Rose Emporium. 

The Antique Rose Emporium is located on the east side of Highway 50, next to the ruins of the Baylor campus for males.  I think you could visit the Rose Emporium a 100 times and it would be different each and every time, depending on what was in bloom.   High quality plants are available for sale.  However, even if you have enough resolve to NOT buy anything, the stroll through the gardens is simply delightful.