In late March and early April, East Texas bursts into multicolored blooms for the annual Azalea Trail. Tyler TX, a warm and inviting community plays host to the extravaganza of blossoms, and it’s a sight to behold! This year the festivities take place between March 16 – April 1, 2018. I visited on the first weekend of the event as a guest of Tyler, and the azaleas, dogwoods and tulips were in full bloom and more beautiful than I ever could have imagined.
The Azalea trail winds its way through Tyler’s largest historic district of early to mid-20th century residences, many of which were built during the oil boom years, and the homes are nearly as beautiful as the flowers that adorn their exteriors.
Visitors can either walk or drive the signed route, and since there are many residents who open up their gardens for a closer look, I highly suggest you do a little of both.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out one of the most spectacular gardens along the trail, Pyron Garden, which is open for visitors year round, not just during the Azalea Trail. The garden is a true labor of love for the Pyrons, and their passion is in sharing its beauty, so they welcome people to stroll the grounds at their leisure. It’s a magical fairy tale garden, and I’ll never, ever forget how beautiful it was.
Another fun part of the Azalea Trail is the tradition of Azalea Belles. Dressed in antebellum gowns, the Azalea Belles serve as hostesses for the event by promoting Tyler, greeting guests and posing for photographs. The lovely young ladies can be found in the various gardens and historic homes along the trail.
There are still two weekends left to tour the Azalea Trail in Tyler, Texas and I can’t think of a better way to spend some time. Click here for more information, and stay tuned for more on my visit to East Texas.
