Best state flower, hands down (we might be a bit biased). | Photo by @photofishtexan
Bluebonnet season is here, and runs through mid-April. Last year, we dove into the flower’s legislative history, featuring some Texas heroines. But like any good Texan, we love legends as much as historical data, so we’re here to share a few stories behind the bluebonnet.
The lucky Lupinus
Some say Spanish explorers visited priests in the Holy Land who gave them seeds to take to the New World as good luck. (We’re inclined to believe the flowers are actually native to Texas.)
The Lady in Blue
The Jumano Indians have a legend from when Christian missionaries were traveling through Texas and New Mexico. They believed that a nun dressed in a cobalt cloak over her habit visited them in their dreams. They awoke to find the fields where they were sleeping covered in blossoms the same shade as her clothing.
From the One-Who-Dearly-Loved-Her-People
This one is told and illustrated in “The Legend of the Bluebonnet” by Tomie dePaola (author of “Strega Nona”). In this tale, a young Comanche girl lost her parents in a terrible drought. All she had left was a cornhusk doll they made her. To appease the Great Spirits and end the drought, she sacrificed her doll. The ashes scattered in the wind, and in the morning, the rain began to fall, spouting blue flowers when it hit the soil.
Ready to create your own bluebonnet stories? Here are a couple of spots to see bluebonnets:
Check out the Willow City Loop (~1 hour away) for 13 miles through some of the oldest geology in Central Texas.
Blue Mondays with R & R Musicians Pro Jam Sessions | Monday, March 20-Monday, July 24 | 8 p.m.-12 a.m. | Fitzgerald’s Bar, 437 McCarty, Ste. 101, San Antonio | Free | All pro musicians are invited to come out to enjoy the sweet sounds of the blues + participate in the jam.
Tuesday, March 21
“A Song for Cesar": Film Screening | Tuesday, March 21 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Trinity University Stieren Theater, 1 Trinity Pl., San Antonio | Free | Catch this screening of the documentary about Cesar Chavez, “A Song for Cesar,” featuring an in-person conversation with the filmmakers.
Musician Open Mic Jam Night | Tuesday, March 21-Thursday, Nov. 30 | 9 p.m.-1 a.m. | Fitzgerald’s Bar, 437 McCarty Ste. 101, San Antonio | Get your 15 minutes of fame with this open mic event which gives you the option to perform solo, with the band, with others, or a combination of the three.
Wednesday, March 22
Karaoke at Picks Bar | Wednesday, Mar. 22-Thursday, Mar. 23 | 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. | Picks Bar, 4553 N. Loop 1604 W., Ste. #1101, San Antonio | Free | Show off your vocal skills with live band karaoke.
Saturday, March 25
E-Commerce Return Auction | Saturday, Mar. 25 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | 403 Kraft Street, Unit 2, San Antonio | Free | Join Public Auction of Texas as they auction off $100,000 worth of returned e-commerce products, including pools, air conditioners, and more.*
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
First Lamborghini, now jewels. Laguna Beach-based jewelry company gorjana is opening its first San Antonio location today. Head to The Shops at La Cantera to shop layered necklaces and dainty rings.
Kids
The Good Kind is inviting families to get their hands dirty at its first Kid’s Garden Event. On Saturday, April 1, take the kids to 1127 S. St Mary’s St. to learn how to garden. Tickets are $10 and include a small pot, flower, and a snack for your growing green-thumb.
Looking for more kids’ activities? Hand the phone over and let them plan their own perfect day with our kid-friendly guide. If you’ve got your own fun ideas, let us know.
Try This
National Poetry Month kicks off in San Antonio with the ninth annual Viva Poesía. On Saturday, April 1, enjoy performances from poets like the current San Antonio Poet Laureate Andrea “Vocab” Sanderson. Take the family to enjoy art activities and interactive workshops.
Asked
The Pig Stand may be closed, but our memories are forever. Tell us your favorite Pig Stand diner memories, and we may feature your story in our newsletter. After 101 years, we know there’s gotta be some good ones.
Edu
ICYMI, Rice University now offers precollege online programs where high school students can study advanced subjects like genome engineering and physiology with renowned Rice faculty at their own pace. Explore courses + sign up your child.*
Finance
Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*
Shop
If your vacuum isn’t picking up dirt and debris like it used to, it may be time for a new one. This handheld Shark vacuum is lightweight, cordless, and highly rated on Amazon. Or splurge on the Dyson V11 Cordless Vacuum that sucks up particles as small as allergens and bacteria.
To celebrate the first day of spring, refresh your home with tea towels by Jessica Reynolds and find your city print by Signet Sealed, which can all be found in our online shop (Six & Main). Now, that’s how you start the new season.
We’re ready for warmer temperatures and added daylight. | Photo via Pexels
Today marks the spring equinox (aka the first day of Spring).
Technically speaking, it’s the day that the sun crosses the Earth’s equator from the Southern Hemisphere into the Northern Hemisphere. The shift marks the astronomical start of spring and days will become “longer” because there will be more time between sunrise and sunset.
Looking to celebrate the season? Head to our events page to see community events happening this week and beyond. If you’re up for spending some time outside, our dog-friendly parks guide will point you in the right direction — whether it’s for a lunchtime stroll or an evening run.
If you’re in the mood for some spring cleaning, here are the essentials we recommend:
This will be my last day in Alamo City for a bit. I work for SATXtoday’s parent company 6AM City and write for newsletters in cities across the country like Austin (ATXtoday) and Fort Worth (FTWtoday). In fact, that happy pup in the bluebonnets up there belongs to FTWtoday City Editor, Kate. Happy trails, San Antonio.
* This content is paid advertising, or contains links to our Six & Main marketplace, or affiliate partners which we may receive a commission from. ^ This content is created by our content studio.