Spring Fling in Texas Hill Country

Hill Country Newsletter - April 2009



Texas in Bloom



Spring in the Texas Hill Country is alive with the colorful beauty of native Texas wildflowers and the heavenly scent of the many lavender fields. Perched atop a hill with magnificent views, it is easy to see why Marriott selected this site for its newest resort, slated to open in February 2010. As construction of the property continues, Hill Country residents are busy too preparing for the many spring celebrations of the area.



The Texas Hill Country region more resembles the hills of Provence than the tumbleweed-strewn deserts of familiar western iconography. The sunny, mild climate of the Texas Hill Country and its topography provide ideal conditions for growing lavender. There are many lavender farms throughout the area providing organic lavender and lavender products to visitors and residents. May and June are peak blooming months, and visitors travel annually to walk through the fields, pick their own bouquets and even sample the unique flavoring of the plant in delicious recipes brought over from France.



Adding more beauty to the Texas landscape each spring are nearly 5,000 species of wildflowers. Black-eyed Susans, Red Poppies and Indian Paintbrushes flood the countryside with bold colors and textures visible across the state. Most prominent this time of year is the Bluebonnet – a flower so beautiful and abundant during the spring that in 1901 the Texas Legislature chose it as the state floral emblem.



The Texas landscape plays an important role in the new JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa. Not only will native wildflowers be present in the intricate landscape of the property, but their rich colors are also being used throughout the interior of the resort. The deep reds and golds will be seen in the fabrics, and images of wildflower fields will be a part of the resort’s collection of art, which includes many works from local artisans. In the spa, both the colorful blooms and the lavender essence will play an important role not only in the décor but in the unique treatments offered.



Spring Flings



A visit to the Texas Hill Country each spring offers many lavender and wildflower celebrations, all within a 30-45 minute scenic drive from the new JW Marriott resort.



Wildseed Farms’ Annual Wildflower Celebration, Fredericksburg, TX, April Walk through fields of beautiful wildflowers and select your own bouquet in the “You Pick ‘Em” section as you enjoy live music and food from the Chuck Wagon Gang.



Becker Vineyards 11th Annual Lavender Festival, Stonewall, TX, May 16 & 17 Becker’s three acres of lavender will be the setting for a festival that will feature speakers and vendors promoting lavender education as well as gardening tips, cooking demonstrations, wine tasting, and luncheons.



Fifth Annual Blanco Lavender Festival, Blanco, TX, June 12-14. The entire town of Blanco will be bathed in lavender during the festival as the town square hosts a lavender market and local restaurants will serve lavender dishes. Surrounding lavender farms will also be hosting tours, lectures and other entertainment.



The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa opens in February of 2010. Located north of San Antonio yet convenient to the airport, the resort provides easy access to all the attractions of the Hill Country region.

Guests who thought they had “been there, done that” in San Antonio will have a whole new destination to experience, and they can do so in the style of luxury guests have come to expect from the world-renowned JW Marriott brand.



Stay tuned for more news from the Texas Hill Country brought to you by the new JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa.