Azalea Trail
Tyler, Texas

When: mid-March to early April [check this year's March and April dates]

Where: The trail begins at the intersection of South Broadway and Houston Street in Tyler, Texas.

As a gentle wind stirs, a profusion of petals fly from dogwood trees and azalea bushes and tumble like a confetti greeting as visitors make their way down an eight-mile stretch of Tyler, Texas during a three-week celebration of the city's beauty.

Events

* A virtual bouquet of activities blossom throughout the town, beginning with the Azalea Trail Arts & Crafts Fair in Bergfeld Park, where over 200 vendors sell their wares.

* For a taste of vintage Victoriana, reserve a spot on the Azalea Trail Afternoon tour and tea. Held at the Roseland Plantation, visitors can sip refreshments from dainty china cups, then stroll among the American antiques at the Windsor House bed and breakfast, bathe in the light that stream through stained glass windows at the plantation chapel and walk of the floor of an 1850's ballroom where brides and grooms enjoy their first dance together as husband and wife even to this day.

* Other distinguished denizens of the architectural variety can be viewed during the Historic Tyler on Tour stroll. Daylight tours take visitors past five prominent residences, while an evening excursion by candlelight followed by hors d'oeuvres and music offer a touch of romance. Admission is charged for both tours. Tickets can be purchased in advance or on the day of the event.

* For a look at landscaped lawns, buy a ticket to the annual Spring Home Garden Tour. This one-day event is presented by the Smith County Master Gardeners.

* Although the notation on her grave marker states that she shuffled off her mortal coil in 1965, the memory of Dana Chadwick-Layton lives on as a historic re-enactor in period attire leads sightseers on a spectral stroll through historic Oakwood Cemetery. Every 20 minutes a group of 15 - 20 interested souls gain insight into the life, and afterlife, of the graveyard's residents. Admission is charged for tours.

* The names of over 80 Confederate soldiers are carved into headstones at Oakwood Cemetery, and many more whose names are known only to God have made the cemetery their final home. The turbulent times in which they lived is remembered during the Camp Ford Civil War reenactment, which is held at Camp Ford Historic Park. The event is free to the public.

* Green thumbs inspired by the botanical beauty along the Azalea Trail can find floral finery for their own gardens at the Main Street Flower Market at the Goodman Museum, which offers bedding plants and landscape plants as well as fresh cut flowers for those who want to bring nature's bounty indoors. The opportunity to purchase horticultural items blooms once again during the spring fling plant sale, presented by the Men's Garden Club at the east pavilion on the East Texas Fairgrounds.

* Patches of color as varied as the flowers found along the Azalea Trail give hand stitched blankets their cozy countenance at the Quilter's Guild of East Texas Quilt Show, an annual event held at The Harvey Convention Center.

* Athletes can lace up their tennis shoes for the Tyler Azalea 10K, with proceeds going to The Children's Village, and the Race for the Cure, which benefits the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Both events are held at Bergfeld Park.

* Music lovers can move their feet to the beat at Fairwood United Methodist Church, which will hold a free evening of square and round dancing.

* If checking out vintage vehicles is more your speed, cruise over to the Azalea Trail Classic Auto Show-Rod Run, a free event at the Goodman Museum which features four-wheelers made before America's bicentennial, and the annual Old School Cruizers Auto Show at St. Louis Park.

For more information:

• visit www.tylerazaleatrail.com

Photo courtesy Tyler CVB