Hill Country Images: Visiting Mason Texas on the Hill Country Bluebonnet Trail

Sometimes in life you come to a crossroads.
We did that today while driving around looking at the wildflowers.

Shall we head towards Llano, or turn towards Mason?
Either way will showcase a colorful display of wildflowers, but on this afternoon, we chose Mason.   Mason is also known as the ‘gem of the Hill Country‘.

Wildflowers in Mason County

Since Fredericksburg is such a major Hill Country destination for many,  I think some of the neighboring towns may get overlooked at times.   But Mason is a beautiful and quaint country village, that is sure to please.  I’ve always enjoyed Mason.

Mason is rich in Texas History!
Did you know that Gen Robert E Lee spent time here?  Fort Mason (est. 1851) was his last post before he went back to defend his beloved state of Virginia during the Civil War.

Mason is the native home of famed writer, Fred Gipson, creator of “Old Yeller” & “Savage Sam”. Both novels became popular Walt Disney films.

You can read about Mason’s Hoodoo War here where famous gunfighter Johnny Ringo killed a man – but his first of many crimes had already begun in nearby Burnet Tx.   By the 1880’s Ringo became famous in Tombstone Arizona & was found dead leaning against a tree along West Turkey Creek – a somewhat mysterious death.

Visit Mason’s Square Museum
More info on Mason Tx

Abundant in architectural beauty, Mason’s charming downtown square hosts a diverse range of shopping, including natural Topaz gemstones, art galleries, antiques, as well as the Odeon Theater, and several restaurants.  Perfect for an afternoon stroll.

While driving through its neighborhoods, you may find some beautiful surprises and buildings with much unique character.

The 1887 Seaquist House on Broad Street.  What a Texas treasure!  Visit their website for tours & more info.

The old 1918 Broad Street Bridge overlooking Comanche Creek.  Its over 100 years old.

I love the character and the back lighting, on this historical Church.   I arrived just in the nick of time as the sun was setting fast and the light was gone in a few minutes.  So glad I got this shot!

“Mason Bluebonnet Loop”
From Mason take RR 386, turn right on FM 2618, turn right on RR 1900, to Hwy 29 intersection.   Choose right to return to Mason or left to Llano.
From Mason to Llano … Hwy 29 often has good blooms.

My advice?  Don’t just drive through Mason, but rather, stop the car, get your camera out, and spend some time enjoying lovely Mason Texas!

Thanks for the perfect evening Mason!  We will be back, and next time we will try to stop & read more of those Historical Markers!

Thanks for visiting and please be sure to visit Western Galleries to browse through current available artwork.

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