Spring is the season when New England literally springs back to life. Days grow longer, temperatures warm and April showers reliably bring May flowers. Spring is also a relatively affordable and uncrowded time to visit New England.
Need additional inspiration to plan a spring visit? New England welcomes spring with lively events that celebrate the emergence of colorful blooms. Here's your guide to 10 fabulous flower festivals in New England and neighboring New York.
1. Meriden Daffodil Festival
Location: Meriden, CT
Dates: April 26-27, 2008
With more than a half million daffodils in bloom, the annual Meriden Daffodil Festival can certainly be called Connecticut's most colorful event. In addition to fragrant fields of yellow and white daffodils, you'll also find great music, carnival rides, arts and crafts, food, fireworks and entertainment for children at this free festival. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Eric Burdon and The Animals perform Saturday. For information, call 203-630-4259.
Dates: April 26-27, 2008
With more than a half million daffodils in bloom, the annual Meriden Daffodil Festival can certainly be called Connecticut's most colorful event. In addition to fragrant fields of yellow and white daffodils, you'll also find great music, carnival rides, arts and crafts, food, fireworks and entertainment for children at this free festival. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Eric Burdon and The Animals perform Saturday. For information, call 203-630-4259.
2. Albany Tulip Festival
Location: Albany, NYDates: May 9-11, 2008
One of Albany's oldest events, the 60th annual Tulip Festival celebrates the city's Dutch heritage. Historic Washington Park blooms with thousands of tulips in a multitude of colors and varieties. Head to New York's capital city for a weekend of food, music, crafts, kids' activities and more. For information, call 518-434-2032.
3. Fields of Lupine Festival
Location: Franconia, NHDates: June 6-22, 2008
Gorgeous purple and pink lupines in bloom are reason enough to visit New Hampshire's Franconia region each June. The annual Fields of Lupine Festival provides added incentive for travelers, including special tours, arts events, concerts and more. For information, call 603-823-5661.
4. Rose Weekend
Location: Hartford, CTDates: June 20-22, 2008
Rose Weekend has been held annually for more than a century in Hartford, Connecticut's Elizabeth Park, the nation's oldest municipal rose garden. For more information, call 860-231-9443.
5. Lilac and Gardening Sunday at the Shelburne Museum
Location: Shelburne, VTDate: May 18, 2008
Inhale the sweet fragrance of more than 400 lilac bushes and take home inspiration for your own garden when you visit Vermont's Shelburne Museum on Lilac and Gardening Sunday.
6. Nantucket Daffodil Festival
Location: Nantucket, MADates: April 25-27, 2008
Fields of buttery daffodils--more than 3 million of them--are a spectacle to behold each spring on the Massachusetts island of Nantucket. Weekend events include an antique and classic car parade, a tailgate picnic and more. For information, call 508-228-1700.
7. The Dogwood Festival
Location: Fairfield, CTDates: May 9-11, 2008
The Dogwood Festival has been a spring tradition at Greenfield Hill Congregational Church for more than 70 years. Thousands attend this event that celebrates the beauty of dogwood trees in bloom while also raising money and awareness for women and children in need. Take your mom--the festival is always held Mother's Day Weekend. For information, call 203-259-5596.
8. Lupine Festival
Location: Deer Isle, MEDates: June 20-22, 2008
Lupines provide a backdrop of rich color for a weekend of activities in Downeast Maine including a craft fair, rummage sale, concert, art and sculpture show, boat excursions, scenic plane rides, a quilt show, garden tours, children's activities and more. For information, call 207-367-2420.
9. Lilac Festival
Location: Rochester, NYDates: May 9-18, 2008
Lilacs have bloomed in Highland Park since 1892, and Rochester's famous spring festival offers an opportunity to see more than 500 varieties of lilacs in bloom. This free annual festival also features music, children's activities, a parade, a crafts show, international food vendors, plant sales and more. For information, call 585-546-3070/800-677-7282.
10. Daffodil Days at Blithewold
Location: Bristol, RIDates: April 12-May 4, 2008
During Daffodil Days at Rhode Island's Blithewold Mansion, you'll see more than 50,000 daffodils growing in gardens and along woodland paths. Inside, the mansion is decorated with spring floral arrangements. For an added treat, enjoy afternoon tea on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays during the three-week event. For information, call 401-253-2707.
