This coming spring Texas will be busting out in bluebonnets and waves of other spring wildflowers. If you’ve never been to Texas to see this flower, power spectacular it’s definitely worth the trip. Driving the Bluebonnet Trail along the back roads and winding your way through the big Texas landscape is an awe-inspiring experience. Situated in the center of it all is the Lillian Farms Country Estate.

Picture yourself sitting on the spacious wrap-around porch of an elegant Victorian mansion. You’re surrounded by the secluded beauty of the Texas Hill country awash in a sea of bluebonnets. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, the air is fresh and clean. Set before you: a steaming cup of gourmet coffee, plates of fresh baked scones and muffins with real butter. As if this isn’t enough, a plate of banana-stuffed French toast with homemade peach syrup is waiting for you to dive in. No, you wouldn’t be dreaming, you would be having a weekend getaway at Lillian Farms, near Brenham, Texas

Located between Houston and Austin, Lillian Farms is situated on 230 picturesque acres of beautiful Texas landscape. Barbara Segal, the innkeeper has left no stone unturned when finding ways to spoil her guests. Barbara named her elegant B & B after her beloved mother, Lillian Davis Bullock. The love Barbara has put into dedicating her property to her mother’s memory is obvious at every turn.

Designed and built to resemble a majestic Victorian Mansion, Lillian Farms also maintains a down to earth warmth and friendliness that Barbara and her staff love to shower on their guests. The modern amenities leave guests feeling pampered and peaceful but never needing a thing. Guest rooms are plush, elegant, and tastefully decorated.

In addition to just relaxing on the veranda there’s plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in the rolling hills. Hiking, biking, bird watching, fishing, and soaking in the Jacuzzi hot tub are right outside your door. If you’re really adventurous you can even arrange a hot air balloon ride. For horse lovers, bring your horse with you. Lillian Farms has a stable worthy of Kentucky bluegrass country. Just down the road is the lovely little town of Brenham where you’ll find plenty of unique shops and eateries. Make sure you take time for the Blue Bell Creameries tour.

Lillian Farms is known for its lavish, old-fashioned country breakfast. If you leave hungry it will be your own fault. Barbara and her kitchen staff whip up extraordinary dishes that will delight your taste buds. Here’s Barbara’s easy recipe for Apple Dumplings. The Mountain Dew gives them a surprising taste. You’ll enjoy making these for friends and family..

Lillian Farms Apple Dumplings

2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and sliced into eighths
2 8-count cans of refrigerated crescent rolls
1-cup butter, melted
1 tsp. Cinnamon
12 ounce can Mountain Dew soda

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Wrap each apple slice in a crescent roll. Place in an ungreased 13 X 9-inch baking dish. Combine melted butter with sugar and cinnamon, pour over top of rolls. Pour Mountain Dew between crescent rolls. Bake for 40 – 45 minutes or until golden brown.

For info on Lillian Farms visit: www.lillianfarms.com. For info on Washington County, and the Brenham area visit: www.brenhamtexas.com.