Home Care In Willow City, TX

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, sometimes they cannot live independently without someone by their side to provide care. Unfortunately, some older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live in the comforts or their home rather than in an assisted living community. Home care in Willow City, TX is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

Home Care Services

Home Care in Willow City, TX
The Always Best Care Difference
Types of In-home Care in Willow City, TX
Benefits of Home Care in Willow City, TX
Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors
Affordable Care Plans
Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers
Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

Service Areas

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DIFFERENCE

The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they age. We are proud to have helped tens of thousands of seniors to maintain a higher level of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home care services in Willow City, TX. Always Best Care is here to help.

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Elderly Care for Antoinette G.

“I work for this team and it's a wonderful team , great communication and support”

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In-home Care for Mark A.

“Ken and Bonnie are wonderful people to help care for your loved ones. their staff”

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Home Care Services for Mark A.

“Ken and Bonnie were wonderful to work with. They were able to provide my mother”

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In-home Care for Laurie K.

“Very professional and welcoming people so I would definitely recommend my friends and family to”

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Home Care Services for Kristen B.

“The owner is so understanding and supportive of how I want my loved ones cared”

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Non-medical Home Care for Shirley S.

“ALWAYS BEST CARE is certainly a warm & caring business owned & operated by Ken”

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Personal Senior Care for Chae S.

“Kenneth is kind, patient, experienced and knowledgeable. We are thankful to him for all his”

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Home Care for Melissa C.

“For those who are searching for qualified caregivers for their loved ones, contact Ken Thomas”

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Senior Care Services for Kelly B.

“Ken leads his Always Best Care Senior Services Agency with compassion for his clients and”

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Personal Care Services for Chae S.

“Kenneth is knowledgeable and trustworthy. I can’t recommend him enough. You’re in good hands with”

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Senior Caregiver for Jill &.

“I will be forever grateful for the love you showered upon us and my grandmother”

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Antoinette G.

Mark A.

Laurie K.

Kristen B.

Shirley S.

Chae S.

Melissa C.

Kelly B.

Chae S.

Jill &.

How does In-home Senior Care in Willow City, TX work?

Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it's especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age. When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one ages, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

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Types of In-home Care in Willow City, TX

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes or Parkinson's or Alzheimer's.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

Eating
Mobility Issues
Incontinence

Bathing
Dressing
Grooming

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

Medication Reminders
Meal Preparation
Pet Care
Prescription Refills

Morning Wake-Up
Walking
Reading

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite activities and hobbies while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

Grocery Shopping
Transportation to Appointments
Nutritional Assistance
Conversation

Planning Outings
Completing Errands
Transportation to Community
Events and Social Outings

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Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy other activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress helps reduce the risks of caregiver burnout.

When it comes to non-medical home care, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible. If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

Advanced Healthcare Technology

Benefits of Home Care in Willow City, TX

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care.

Age in Place

According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.

Peace of Mind

If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your senior family member is in expert hands.

Socialization

Unlike many senior care facilities where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.

Personalized Care Plan

No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our care plans are tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for clients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a unfamiliar assisted living community, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

Comfort

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them? A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old. With the help of elderly care in Willow City, TX, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Healthy Living

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors. Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

Independence

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like an assisted living community. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

Cost and Convenience

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, can be less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care in Willow City, TX gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

Empowers Seniors

Affordable Care Plans

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

Veteran's Benefits

Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.

Private Insurance

Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.

Life Insurance

Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.

During your Care Plan consultation with Always Best Care, your Care Coordinator will speak with you about in-home care costs and what options there may be to help meet your budget needs.

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Willow City,TX understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

An assessment of your senior loved one

An in-depth discussion of the needs of your senior loved one to remain in their own home

Reviewing a detailed Care Plan that will meet your senior loved one's needs

Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

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11 Hidden Gems of the Texas Hill Country

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Texas Hill Country is arguably the most beautiful region of Texas. Its green hills and rolling rivers are a stark contrast to most of the state's flat and arid landscapes. The Hill Country is filled with jaw-dropping natural wonders, but you have to know where to look. He...

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Texas Hill Country is arguably the most beautiful region of Texas. Its green hills and rolling rivers are a stark contrast to most of the state's flat and arid landscapes. The Hill Country is filled with jaw-dropping natural wonders, but you have to know where to look. Here are 11 hidden gems in the region you should visit.

Willow City Loop

The Willow City Loop is off the beaten path between Fredericksburg, Johnson City and Llano. It is a gorgeous 20-mile stretch of road that winds through green hills of the Gillespie County. This route is perfect for motorcyclists and scenic drivers, as it offers a fun, winding drive and beautiful scenery. If you're riding in the springtime, you'll see an awe-inspiring display of bluebonnets. To find the Willow City Loop, take Highway 16 to Farm Road 1323 (another gorgeous road) and head to Willow City. The road starts there.

Fredericksburg Herb Farm

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If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind lodging experience in the Hill Country, stay at the Fredericksburg Herb Farm. The farm doubles as a lodge, with cottages that are styled after the "Sunday Houses" built by the region's early German settlers. Best of all, you'll greet each day to the scent of fresh thyme, rosemary and other herbs. The farm also offers a spa for guests, and it's just a few blocks from the shops and restaurants of Fredericksburg's main drag, including the National Museum of the Pacific War.

Garner State Park

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Garner State Park is one of the best places to camp in Texas. The scenic park is nestled in Uvalde County located in the southern corner of the Hill Country. Texans love the park for its easy access to the Frio River and gorgeous scenery.

Medina River

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Lined by towering bald cypress trees, the winding Medina River is one of Texas' most beautiful rivers. When the Medina is flowing, it is one of the most pleasant waterways in Texas. It also doesn't attract the crowds that flock to San Marcos and New Braunfels for the Guadalupe and Comal Rivers. Head to the small town of Bandera for the best access to scenic stretches of the river. Remember to check the water reports before you visit. If water flow looks good, bring or rent a kayak and spend an afternoon blissfully floating through God's country.

Jacob's Well

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Jacob's Well is a 30-foot-deep artesian spring just north of Wimberley. This spot is considered one of the best places to swim in the Texas Hill Country. Jacob's Well was a popular spot for divers. The spring's chambers hold natural wonders like bioluminescent algae and unique limestone patterns, but also contain false exits and fine silt that can cloud divers vision at an instant. However, diving is no longer permitted as a number of divers have lost their lives trying to explore the cave. Nevertheless, Jacob's Well is a unique and fun place to cool down.

Lost Maples State Park

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If you think Texas doesn't have gorgeous foliage during the fall, check out Lost Maples State Park. During peak foliage season, the park's Uvalde bigtooth maples burst with colors, drawing spectators from around the state. Bring your binoculars to catch a glimpse of the park's rare birds, like the green kingfisher. Lost Maples State Park is north of the town of Vanderpool, roughly an hour's drive southwest of Kerrville.

Luckenbach, Texas

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If you're not from Texas, you might have heard of Luckenbach from Waylon Jennings' classic song of the same name. This famous tiny town only has two buildings: a dancehall and a post office. The latter has a bar in the rear and a stage out back for live music where locals trade songs in the afternoons and evenings under live oak cover. The dancehall next door hosts top Texas country artists on a weekly basis. Head to Luckenbach to get an authentic taste of Hill Country culture. To get to there, drive southwest from the Texas wine capital of Fredericksburg on Hwy. 290 and take a right on FM 1326.

Gorman Falls

Flickr/Randall Chancellor

Gorman Falls is the hidden gem within Colorado Bend State Park. The 60-foot-tall waterfalls spill over limestone rock, creating a misty and lush green canyon that is a stark contrast to the dry landscape around it. Avoid visiting Gorman Falls during the dry season, as you will likely be disappointed. But if you visit when the falls are flowing, you may just forget you're in Texas.

Krause Springs

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Krause Springs is one of the best places to go camping and swimming in Central Texas. Located roughly 30 miles west of Austin, Krause Springs has campgrounds and a system of idyllic swimming holes. The place can get busy, but there's usually plenty of room to spread out and explore. It's not much of a secret to locals, but if you're from out of state or don't live in Central Texas, Krause Springs is definitely worth a visit.

Enchanted Rock

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Enchanted Rock is a monolithic dome of pink rock that rises up from its sparse surroundings in the Hill Country. The massive pink granite rock has drawn people to it for thousands of years. While it's not much of a mystery to Central Texans, Enchanted Rock is off the radar of most tourists who visit Austin and San Antonio. It's also an excellent place to try rock climbing. Local outfitter Texas Climbing Adventures is one of the top guide services in the region and offers access to the park's best climbing spots.

Hamilton Pool

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Hamilton Pool is gorgeous oasis hidden in the cattle grazing land of Dripping Springs west of Austin. To get there, you'll walk a short trail through a lush, stream-fed canyon that opens up to the gorgeous grotto pictured above. Hamilton pool is one of the best swimming holes in the whole state, and as such, it's usually very crowded. In fact, you need a reservation to get in. Your best bet is to reserve a spot early on a weekday to avoid the crowds.

WATCH: Beautiful Waterfalls in Texas

Golf Course Gives Way to Development, Spurs Debate Near Fort Worth

There is a fight brewing north of Fort Worth near Haslet where neighbors are opposing a development proposed to replace the golf course that’s been a landmark of their community for nearly 60 years.The owner of the Willow Springs Golf Course says his business is no longer profitable. As he works to finalize a deal with a developer hoping to buy the property, everyone’s watching to see whether the Fort Worth’s planning commission will approve a plat that plans for 400 homes on 5,000 square foot lots.“Righ...

The owner of the Willow Springs Golf Course says his business is no longer profitable. As he works to finalize a deal with a developer hoping to buy the property, everyone’s watching to see whether the Fort Worth’s planning commission will approve a plat that plans for 400 homes on 5,000 square foot lots.

“Right now this plat has 3 homes backing up to one home around the golf course. Now I know the people that bought around the golf course at that time did not expect that to happen,” said Kraig Eggspuehler who bought his Willow Springs West home 20 years ago.

Eggspuehler’s been playing golf at Willow Springs long before he moved in. He’d love to see the golf course remain a golf course. But if it doesn’t, he hopes to see it replaced with a development that’s comprised of larger lots more consistent with what already exists.

“There’s an awful lot of people who’ve invested everything they have, hard money, time, everything else to come out here that that whole way of life seems to be slowly taken away from them,” said Eggspuehler.

He like several neighbors have written letters to the city, signed a petition and plan to be at a public comment meeting Wednesday.

“At the end of the day he does have a right to sell the property. We are just strongly against the plat that was submitted by the current developer, said Kristin Schultz.

Schultz’s home backs up to the golf course. She and her husband purchased the home two years ago because of its proximity to the 18th hole. Now as they imagine a reality without it, they’re asking the city to consider the infrastructure hundreds of new homes would require before allowing them to be built.

“We have one lane roads in either direction. During rush hour we have an incredible backload of traffic,” said Schultz.

Dacus Lindsey who owns the golf course says it remains open until any deal is finalized. As the current plan continues to receive pushback, he expects that could take some time.

National Weather Service confirms two EF1 tornadoes struck Easter Sunday morning

The National Weather Service confirmed the damage in Gillespie and Blanco counties early Easter Sunday morning was caused by two EF1 tornadoes. The first tornado touched down on the north side of Fredericksburg, then tracked nearly 12 miles to near Willow City, producing 100 mph winds.About 30 minutes later, a second tornado packing 90 mph winds damaged about 60 residences, destroying at least 11, and injuring two people near Round Mountain.Both complete tornado surveys are below._____________________...NWS...

About 30 minutes later, a second tornado packing 90 mph winds damaged about 60 residences, destroying at least 11, and injuring two people near Round Mountain.

Both complete tornado surveys are below.

_____________________...NWS DAMAGE SURVEY FOR 04/12/20 TORNADO EVENT....GILLESPIE TORNADO...RATING:                 EF1ESTIMATED PEAK WIND:    100 MPHPATH LENGTH /STATUTE/:  11.68 MILESPATH WIDTH /MAXIMUM/:   150.0 YARDSFATALITIES:             0INJURIES:               0START DATE:             04/12/2020START TIME:             04:40 AM CDTSTART LOCATION:         3 NE FREDERICKSBURG / GILLESPIE COUNTY / TXSTART LAT/LON:          30.3007 / -98.8248END DATE:               04/12/2020END TIME:               04:56 AM CDTEND LOCATION:           3 SE WILLOW CITY / GILLESPIE COUNTY / TXEND LAT/LON:            30.3728 / -98.6498SURVEY SUMMARY:THE DAMAGE SURVEY IS COMPILED FROM RADAR DATA, STORM REPORTS,AND THE HELP OF GILLESPIE COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND WILLOW CITYFIRE AND RESCUE.  IT APPEARS THAT THE TORNADO FIRST TOUCHED GROUND ATAPPROXIMATELY 440 AM ON SUNDAY APRIL 12 NEAR THE BEYER FEED STORE ONTHE NORTH SIDE OF FREDERICKSBURG ON HIGHWAY 16.  THE TORNADO MOVEDNORTHEAST AND PRODUCED TREE DAMAGE AND TOOK DOWN A POWER LINE OFFKNOPP SCHOOL ROAD AND QUAIL RUN.  FROM AERIAL IMAGES, THERE ISSIGNIFICANT TREE DAMAGE IN ABOUT A 150 YARD WIDE PATH EXTENDING TOKOENNECKE-ECKHARDT ROAD.  THE TORNADO CONTINUED ON THE GROUND MOVINGNORTHEAST WHERE IT CROSSED HERBER SHAFFER ROAD. TREE AND ROOF DAMAGEIS SEEN AT A RESIDENCE ON FM 1631 BEFORE IT APPEARS TO HAVEDISSIPATED JUST A SHORT TIME LATER AS IT CROSSED WAHRMUND AHRENS ROADAT APPROXIMATELY 456 AM. THE HIGHEST ESTIMATED WIND SPEED IS 100MPH, RATING IT AS AN EF1 TORNADO.EF SCALE: THE ENHANCED FUJITA SCALE CLASSIFIES TORNADOES INTO THEFOLLOWING CATEGORIES:EF0...WEAK......65 TO 85 MPHEF1...WEAK......86 TO 110 MPHEF2...STRONG....111 TO 135 MPHEF3...STRONG....136 TO 165 MPHEF4...VIOLENT...166 TO 200 MPHEF5...VIOLENT...>200 MPH

________________________...NWS DAMAGE SURVEY FOR 4/12/20 TORNADO EVENT....ROUND MOUNTAIN TORNADO...RATING:                 EF1ESTIMATED PEAK WIND:    90 MPHPATH LENGTH /STATUTE/:  5.82 MILESPATH WIDTH /MAXIMUM/:   200.0 YARDSFATALITIES:             0INJURIES:               2START DATE:             04/12/2020START TIME:             05:23 AM CDTSTART LOCATION:         ROUND MOUNTAIN / BLANCO COUNTY / TXSTART LAT/LON:          30.4397 / -98.3605END DATE:               04/12/2020END TIME:               05:34 AM CDTEND LOCATION:           5 ENE ROUND MOUNTAIN / BURNET COUNTY / TXEND LAT/LON:            30.4805 / -98.2769SURVEY SUMMARY:A SMALL TORNADO TOUCHED DOWN NEAR ROUND MOUNTAIN IN NORTHERN BLANCOCOUNTY IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS OF SUNDAY APRIL 12TH ATAPPROXIMATELY 523 AM. THE TORNADO FIRST APPEARED TO TOUCH DOWN NEARRANCH ROAD 962 THEN MOVED NORTHEAST BY COYOTE TRAIL BEFORE IMPACTING2 RV PARKS ON HIGHWAY 281 AND HOF BRAU. ESTIMATES FROM BLANCO COUNTYEMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SHOW THAT A TOTAL OF APPROXIMATELY 60 RESIDENCESWERE IMPACTED, WITH AT LEAST 11 BEING COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND 8 MORESUSTAINING MAJOR DAMAGE. THERE WERE 2 MINOR INJURIES. THE TORNADOCONTINUED MOVING NORTHEAST AND CROSSED THE BLANCO/BURNET COUNTY LINENEAR CREEK LANE AND THEN DISSIPATED IN SOUTHERN BURNET COUNTY NEARCOUNTY ROAD 401 S AT APPROXIMATELY 534 AM.EF SCALE: THE ENHANCED FUJITA SCALE CLASSIFIES TORNADOES INTO THEFOLLOWING CATEGORIES:EF0...WEAK......65 TO 85 MPHEF1...WEAK......86 TO 110 MPHEF2...STRONG....111 TO 135 MPHEF3...STRONG....136 TO 165 MPHEF4...VIOLENT...166 TO 200 MPHEF5...VIOLENT...>200 MPH

These are the best places to see Texas bluebonnets

Texas bluebonnets are always a welcome sign of spring. These annual blue wildflowers are the common name for a few different species of lupines that grow across the state. Believe it or not, more than 5,000 species of wildflowers grow along the side of the state’s roadsides and the Texas Department of Transportation buys and sows 30,000 pounds of wildflower seeds each year.In 1901, the ...

In 1901, the bluebonnet became the state flower of Texas. And since a Highway Department landscaping and beautification program in the 1930s, the flowers have grown along most major highways in the state. Lady Bird Johnson even played a role with wildflowers in Texas and gave cash awards to Department of Texas districts that used native plans to the fullest extent. (On weekends, the Secret Service would take her to look for wildflowers across Texas.)

So when are the bluebonnets expected to bloom in Texas this year? And where are the best places to see them? Keep reading for everything you need to know about the iconic Texas wildflower.

When do the bluebonnets bloom in Texas?

The flowers bloom in late March through late April in Central and East Texas. Texas bluebonnet season peaks around early April. The amount and timing of rain in the fall and winter determines the success of the germination and blooming season each year. The process is slowed by cool spring weather and expedited by warm weather. Blooms can show up in mid-March and linger into early May. Don’t worry—most wildflower hotspots have websites with regular updates on blooms.

Is it illegal to pick bluebonnet flowers?

While it’s not illegal to pick the flowers, it’s heavily discouraged to ensure they seed for the next year. Be careful to stay on trails, avoid stepping on bluebonnets and respect private property. Flower hunters can often cause traffic woes, so be sure to park fully off the road and avoid crossing traffic to take photos.

Where to see the Texas bluebonnets?

Since almost every roadside is covered in bluebonnets and other wildflowers, they are almost impossible to miss. However, some locations in Central and East Texas are more photogenic and easier to access than others. Just remember to check the status of the blooms before heading out, as the flowers can be unpredictable.

Willow City Loop

One of the most iconic Texas Hill Country drives is the 13-mile Willow City Loop that meanders through hills and creeks with stunning views of wildflower meadows near Fredericksburg. It is one of the most beautiful springtime drives in the state, which means it is extremely popular. To avoid bumper-to-bumper traffic, go early or on a weekday. All the land along the loop is privately owned, so visitors are discouraged at stopping, parking and exploring.

Brenham, Texas

Washington County’s Bluebonnet Trail includes more than 80 miles of wildflower roadways. The county seat is the town of Brenham, which has an extremely helpful Wildflower Watch website. The site includes wildflower status updates and a driving map to prime flower destinations in the county. Brenham is also home to Blue Bell Ice Cream, so be sure to stop by for a scoop before leaving town.

Burnet, Texas

In 1981, the Texas Legislature designated Burnet as The Bluebonnet Capital of Texas. The town is located on the edge of Texas Hill Country just 50 miles northwest of Austin in the scenic Highland Lakes area, which is prime wildflower country. During the second weekend in April, the town hosts an annual two-day Bluebonnet Festival. The event started in 1983 and includes a carnival, live music and a variety of races.

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

The safest way to see the bluebonnets is from the trails at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin. Founded in 1982 by Lady Bird Johnson and actress Helen Hayes, the center’s goal is to use native plans to restore and create sustainable landscapes through a series of education, research and outreach programs. The 284-acre area includes an arboretum, managed natural areas and wildlands along the Edwards Plateau and Texas Blackland Prairies ecoregions. Be sure to check their site for their wildflower forecast.

Ennis, Texas

The Ennis Garden Club sponsors 40 miles of mapped driving Bluebonnet Trails every April. (In 1977, the state legislature designated the city as the home of the “Official Texas Bluebonnet Trail.”) Club members drive the trails each week in April to check the bloom status and update the Ennis Welcome Center to advise visitors where to go. While the blooms vary yearly, the third week of April is usually the peak. Maps are available at the visitor’s center. The town also hosts a three-day Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival in April.

Mission Reach, San Antonio

The 15.2-mile San Antonio Riverwalk is comprised of three sections—Downtown, Museum Reach and Mission Reach. The latter extends south of the Downtown section along an eight-mile stretch of the San Antonio River through a riparian woodland ecosystem. It’s home to a variety of native plants including wildflowers. The trails connect four of the five UNESCO status San Antonio Missions including Mission San Juan Capistrano, Mission Espada, Mission San Jose and Mission Concepcion.

Llano, Texas

One of the most photogenic spots in the Hill County for bluebonnets is along the drive from Fredericksburg north to Llano on Highway 16. The drive itself is stunning no matter the season. While there are plenty of wide pull-offs to stop and take photos, please take care not to block the road or step on any flowers. Treat yourself to Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que for lunch when you reach Llano.

Western Kerr, Bandera & Real County Scenic Drive

This rural 115-mile scenic loop around San Antonio and Austin is the perfect drive for Texas bluebonnet season. The approximately four-and-a-half-hour drive starts in Kerrville northwest of San Antonio and passes through Medina, Vanderpool, Hunt, Mountain Home and Ingram before returning to Kerrville. For detailed directions and other scenic Texas drives, visit the Texas Historical Commission’s Texas Heritage Trails Program website.

Marble Falls, Texas

Located on the Colorado River, this Hill Country town is another prime bluebonnet destination. The town’s visitor’s center has an online map of wildflowers to assist visitors. Be sure to explore the walkable downtown and stop for a bite at the Blue Bonnet Cafe, which opened in 1929 and serves breakfast all day.

The top 25 economy golf courses in Texas that cost $59 and under (2022)

Our panel members list their favorite courses for a cheaper round.By Mark Kazlowski and Scott Bell of the Dallas Morning News12:47 PM on May 7, 2022 CDTFee is the cost of a greens fee and cart plus tax for a prime Saturday tee time. Fees are from March 2022. Actua...

Our panel members list their favorite courses for a cheaper round.

By Mark Kazlowski and Scott Bell of the Dallas Morning News

12:47 PM on May 7, 2022 CDT

Fee is the cost of a greens fee and cart plus tax for a prime Saturday tee time. Fees are from March 2022. Actual rates may vary. To be eligible, a course must have been rated by five panel members.

x-original design; y-redesign. NR-not ranked; *Ranked in a different price category in 2021. No longer ranked: 6. Ross Rogers Golf Complex, Wildhorse Course, Amarillo; 7. Brackenridge Park GC, San Antonio; 10. Butterfield Trail GC, El Paso; 11. Panorama GC, Conroe; 15. Rayburn Country Resort, Brookeland; 19. Houston National GC; 21. Olympia Hills GC, Universal City; 22. Golf Club of Texas-Concan; 23. Courses at Watters Creek, Traditions, Allen; 24. Grapevine Municipal; 25. ShadowGlen GC, Manor.

COURSE RATING CRITERIA

VERSATILITY: Does the course create a good mix for the high and low handicappers? Are better players challenged, while the high handicappers are able to enjoy play through the use of shorter teeing areas, alternate routes, location of hazards and accessible pins?

SHOTMAKING: Does it test accuracy, finesse, length and putting without putting too much emphasis on any of these skills?

DESIGN: Is there a good balance? Differing lengths? Doglegs right and left? Placement of hazards? Contours and shapes of greens?

AFTERTHOUGHTS: How much do you remember about the course? Do one or two holes stand out as great or bad?

BEAUTY: Do the scenic values add to the pleasure of a round? Trees, shrubs, hills, mounds, flowers, etc.?

MAINTENANCE: How would you rate the course conditions, factoring in all aspects — tees, greens, fairways, bunkers? Spring, summer, fall or winter when viewed?

ENJOYMENT: How do you feel about being at the course? What about the amenities? From arrival to departure, was it a good, bad or indifferent golf experience?

THE PANEL

David Altemus, general manager/ COO, Royal Oaks CC, Houston

William Aycock, The Woodlands amateur

Mike Bailey, Houston-based golf writer

Robert Banta, Frisco amateur

Walt Barnes, Addison amateur

Brent Blackburn, head professional Corpus Christi CC

Curt Breaux, Montgomery amateur

John Brechin, Dallas amateur

Bruce Burger, superintendent The Quarry Golf Club

Ben Burns, head professional Crown Colony CC, Lufkin

Mark Button, senior director of communications Texas Golf Association

Tony Campagna, golf course sands and materials consultant

Miles Carlson, golf course superintendent at Grand Pines GC in Montgomery Tx

Greg Clark, Frisco amateur

Beth Cleckler, Austin amateur

John Cochran, Texas Golf Association director of competitions for South Texas, Kingwood amateur

Kyle Coody, Plano amateur

Brent Cooper, Dallas amateur

Jacque Cooper, Rowlett amateur

Daniel Coughlan, director of golf Bent Tree CC

Robert Couture, Dallas amateur

Barry Denton, PGA professional, Cordillera Ranch, Boerne

Thomas Devanna, assistant professional Tangle Ridge GC, Grand Prairie

Cameron Doan, head professional Preston Trail Golf Club, Dallas

Conrad Doss, The Woodlands amateur

Camm Dougherty, Corpus Christi amateur

Lou Duran, Frisco amateur

Bob Elliott, PGA Life Member, Dallas

Zane Ellis, King-Collins Golf Design associate, League City amateur

Gilbert Freeman, PGA professional emeritus Lakewood CC, Dallas

Edward Gatlin, PGA life member, Athens

Kenneth Gorzycki, director of agronomy Horseshoe Bay Resort

Bill Hanley, past president of Texas Golf Association, Fort Worth amateur

Todd Harbour, Royal Oaks CC GM/COO, Dallas

Mark Harrison, executive director/CEO of the NTPGA

Malcolm Holland, past president of Texas Golf Association, Dallas amateur

Danny Jones, head professional, Walden on Lake Conroe

Mark Kazlowski, Texas Golf editor, Cedar Hill amateur

Robbie Kearney, GM Cimarron Hills Golf and CC

Trey Kemp, golf course architect, Dallas amateur

Keith Kirkendall, The Woodlands amateur

Ryan Kossick, assistant executive director/COO of the NTPGA

Nancy Kromar, Austin amateur

Kellen Kubasak, COO of Golf San Antonio, San Antonio amateur

Phyllis Kwedar, Fort Worth amateur

Ricky Lyons, general manager Westwood Golf Club, Houston

Cathy Marino, Jesuit golf coach, LPGA professional

James McAfee, Former NTPGA executive director, golf writer, Planoamateur

Mike McCabe, general manager Golf Clubs at the Tribute

Sam Morrow, Houston amateur

Terry Olson, Director of Sales and Marketing, Lajitas Golf Resort

Casey Paulson, President of Sales and Operations, Driftwood Golf Club

Mike Peterson, PGA Tour rules official, Garland amateur

Kevin Porter, Dallas amateur, Texas Golf Association director of competitions for North Texas

George Priolo, GM of golf operations, Ross Rogers and Comanche Trail Golf Complexes, Amarillo

Jim Quinn, Golf manufactures rep, board member of The First Tee of Fort Worth, Arlington amateur

Jerry Ransom, Greenville amateur

Jan Rapp, Dallas amateur

Paul Richards, Austin amateur

Corey Roberson, director of golf Cordillera Ranch, Boerne

Robert Rodriguez, San Antonio amateur

Chris Rowe, head professional Whispering Pines, Trinity

Linda Sackett, San Antonio amateur

Lee Sandlin, Dallas amateur

Carey Schulten, past president of the Texas Golf Association, Dallas amateur

Zach Sewill, president BestGrips.com, Conroe amateur

Wesley Shaw, Dallas amateur

Marty Slade Perlman, Dallas amateur

Randy Smith, PGA professional emeritus, Royal Oaks CC, Dallas

Shane Smith, Conroe amateur

Mark Steinbauer, vice president of Spirit Golf Association

Tom Strueber, PGA professional emeritus Maridoe Golf Club, Carrollton

Eldon Tarver, Austin amateur

Steve Termeer, GM/COO University of Texas Golf Club, Austin

Matt Trevino, director of golf, Riverhill CC, Kerrville

Tammy Trichell, San Antonio amateur

Mark Tylenda, Lewisville amateur

Casey Wade, head professional High Meadow Ranch GC, Magnolia

Pat Wheeler, Host of Texas Links on the Air, Dallas amateur

Nannette Wheelis, Waco amateur

Jim Whitten, Arlington amateur

Greg Wille, Belton amateur

Chris Winn, Houston amateur

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