No other town in Texas lays claim to a budding heritage quite like Tyler. Tucked serenely in beautiful East Texas, Tyler, the Rose Capital of America, is home to some of the state’s most bountiful rose gardens.
Azalea Spring & Flower Trail
However, in March and April the roses take a back seat to azaleas during the annual Azalea & Spring Flower Trail. This year marks the 57th year Tyler has welcomed guests from around the world to stroll the brick streets, join in community events, and bask in the beauty that is the Azalea and Spring Flower Trail. This year’s event is March 25 – April 10. During this time, Tyler hosts city-wide events for visitors to enjoy. While visiting Tyler, take in a show at the historic Liberty Hall, wander through art galleries, or taste some local flavors at a café or restaurant. While oil booms gave Tyler an economic head start in the 1930’s, azalea and rose blooms gave the city its beauty. Azaleas were introduced to Tyler in 1929 by Maurice Shamburger, one of the city’s early nurserymen. Pleased with results of a test garden of azaleas, Shamburger shipped the colorful plants to Tyler by the boxcar loads from Georgia. Homes of Distinction
Tyler residents began buying the plants by the thousands, and these home sites soon became springtime showplaces with their colorful azalea blooms. Some of the thick, towering azaleas at older homes on the Trail date back to the ‘30’s and ‘40’s. Since then, the Trail has grown into an annual spring affair and today, two trails wind through ten miles of historic homes and gardens with blooming bushes and fresh flowers.
Incredible Welcome
Visitors are welcomed in true Southern style by the Trail ambassadors, the Tyler Azalea Belles, wearing antebellum dresses. Over the years, the Belles have become a much beloved and anticipated part of the three-weekend event and are always happy to visit with guests and pose for photos along the Trail.
Tons of Events
The Azalea & Spring Flower Trail is more than just flower gazing. Enjoy city-wide events including historic home tours, live entertainment, arts and crafts fairs, a flower market, historic reenactments, and more. Visit Tyler will once again be hosting the ever so popular contests: the Bunny Hunt and Azalea Photo Contest. Visitors and locals alike are encouraged to try their hand at these two contests as they enjoy walking along the Trail. Prizes are awarded to the winners. Grab your camera, your family, and get ready for the most spectacular flower event in East Texas just outside your window.
More information…
For more details about the Trail, an updated progress of the blooms, a list of the Azalea Belles, and more go to our website at www.VisitTyler.com/AzaleaTrail.
Tyler’s Azalea & Spring Flower Trail
