Texas has the best state flower, hands down (we might be a bit biased). | Photo by @photofishtexan
One look outside on a short drive around San Antonio is proof enough that spring has sprung, and the bluebonnets are in full bloom.
There’s nothing that fills us more with Lone Star pride quite like looking out at the fields + highways lined with our gorgeous state flower, but at one point you may have wondered what makes this flower special?
✍️ Where did the name come from?
On March 7, 1901, the Texas Legislature adopted the bluebonnet as the state flower. The flower is found in at least five different Lupinus species variations, however, only one bears the official name Lupinus texensis (amended on March 8, 1971). The flower’s common name derived from its resemblance to a sunbonnet, which pioneer women wore to protect themselves from the sun.
🪻 The role of women in choosing the flower
Texas lawmakers (all men at that time) originally wanted the cactus (for hardiness and orchid-like beauty) or cotton to represent the state. However, the National Society of Colonial Dames of America successfully petitioned their case for the Lupinus Subcarnosus. In 1933, “Bluebonnets,” written by Julia D. Booth and Lora C. Crockett, was adopted as the state flower song.
📸 Where to see bluebonnets
Peak bluebonnet season extends from late-March to mid-April. Lucky for you, we’re just a short drive away from the Texas Hill Country which often offers the best climate for the native Texan wildflower. Here are a few places to stop at:
Check out the Willow City Loop and Highway 16 between Fredericksburg and Llano.
The Highland Lakes Bluebonnet Trail is not to disappoint with a ‘drive-yourself’ tour. Don’t miss: Pick up a map at the Lake Buchanan Chamber of Commerce or the Marble Falls Convention and Visitors Bureau offices.
Home Buyer Class | Tuesday, March 26 | 5-6:30 p.m. | Pieper High School, 1400 Kinder Pkwy., San Antonio | Free | Unlock the path to home ownership with expert insights, tips, and a step-by-step guide to navigate the real estate market.
MarioKart Tournament | Tuesday, March 26 | 5:30 p.m. | Bibliotech South, 3505 Pleasanton Rd., San Antonio | Free | Choose your player wisely at this bi-monthly video game tournament open to all ages and includes prizes.
Taylor Swift Muzingo | Tuesday, March 26 | 7-8:30 p.m. | McIntyre’s North Star, 90 NE Loop 410, San Antonio | Free | Hop into a getaway car and sit with your friend group as you play a themed music bingo.
Wednesday, March 27
“The Office” Trivia | Wednesday, March 27 | 6 p.m. | Hops n Hounds, 1119 Ave. B, San Antonio | Free | Bring your friends for six rounds of questions and prove you’re smarter than Michael Scott.
San Pedro Creek Culture Park Public Artist Panel | Wednesday, March 27 | 6:30 p.m. | Malú and Carlos Alvarez Theater, 321 W. Commerce St., San Antonio | Free | Join Texas Public Radio for live music, food, and listen to a panel of local artists.
Shop his and hers boots online or in store. | Photo by @raicesplants
We’ve got a few more months before summer officially rolls around — though if you’re anything like us, you’re already soaking in the warmer weather.
Now’s the time to be planning for that wardrobe refresh. On our shopping list? Tecovas: the Austin-based retailer offering handmade Western boots, apparel, and accessories.
From cowboy boots to outerwear, you’re sure to find your new go-to outfit essential in store or online. Psst: Read about the ~200 step process to craft a single boot.^
Centro San Antonio announced the Guayabera Festival is moving from its home in Peacock Alley to Travis Park. The free festival is a pre-Fiesta celebration happening on Saturday, April 13, 1-7 p.m. Attendees can expect fashion, food + drink vendors, and live music.
Community
The Spurs and Taco Bell are teaming up to host a free player appearance, autograph session, and taco tasting this Thursday March, 28. Fans cans meet Malaki Branhamand the Coyote at the restaurant’s 11238 Potranco Rd. location. The line starts at 2 p.m., and the session ends at 4 p.m.
Festival
Tickets are on sale now for the 42nd annual Tejano Conjunto Festival. The celebration of music runs from Wednesday, May 15 through Sunday, May 19. It’ll have a free night of dancing for seniors 55+, as well as a host of local, national, and student performances. Tickets start at $22.
Pets
Calling all Pug-lovers. The San Antonio Pug Meet Up group is hosting its Pug Pool Party on Saturday, April 20 at the Landa Park Aquatic Complex in New Braunfels from 11 a.m to 1 p.m. Details are limited but you can learn more about the group on its Instagram.
Plan Ahead
May the Fourth be with you. Santikos released tickets for the upcoming 25th anniversary of “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.” The film starts rolling on Friday, May 3 at select locations. There will also be a sneak peek of the new Disney+ series, “The Acolyte” during the screening.
Watch
Did you go to the SAFC game over the weekend? If not, check out this insane goal made by defender Lucas Silva. The crowd was wild, and City Editor Nicholas may or may not have been covered in beer for the rest of the game.
Sports
Conner Weigman, Marcel Reed, and Jaylen Henderson all have a shot to be the Aggies’ next quarterback. Get the latest news, analysis, and insider information for the Texas A&M Aggies with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Finance
Every checking account should come with great perks — otherwise, what’s the point? Here’s one local option that checks all the boxes.*
Congratulations to our-reader + follower-favorite caffeine dealer, What’s Brewing. | Graphic by 6AM City
What’s Brewing. Voted best coffee shop in San Antonio by our readers and social media followers in our SATXtoday coffee bracket. We can’t say we’re surprised, after all, it is the longest-running coffee roaster in San Antonio.
We want to extend a major “thank you” to all of you for participating in our bracket challenge the past few weeks. We’ve had a blast seeing how the votes shook out, and we hope you did too. Looking for more coffee places around town?
Over the weekend I was able to enjoy that lovely evening breeze while playing a game of putt putt at Embassy Miniature Golf. It was honestly a lot of fun and would do it again. I highly recommend if you want a fun date night activity that is easy on the wallet.
* 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.