It’s hard not to get excited, catching that first glimpse of the blue blur as you speed passed a brand new patch of Bluebonnets next to the entrance ramp.

For Texans, that blue blur means two things: 1) Spring has officially arrived in Texas and 2) We got a decent amount of rain over the winter months to allow wildflowers to bloom, a welcome change to the drought and wildfires of last summer.

Oh, and 3) You’re probably speeding.

one perfect patch.

There are few better ways to spend an absolutely gorgeous Texas spring day than washing down a plate of barbecue with a tall glass of sweet tea before heading out for a quick wildflower road trip. Brisket, smoked turkey, fried okra, mac & cheese, and peach cobbler with a scoop of ice cream.

We split it 3 ways. You kind of have to.

We found or one perfect patch, a beautiful roadside pasture of blue and yellow flowers dotted with fuschia-colored phlox, purple vetch, and the occasional indian paintbrush near Hempstead. And we had them all to ourselves.