Traveler staffer Kimberly Ann Calder is taking her time to stop and smell the roses--literally--and brings us the best flower festivals happening this month.
Although the April showers have continued into May here in D.C., this month is here to greet us with some of the greatest flower festivals, which will help you smell-a-brate...er...I mean, celebrate spring's arrival in the best possible way.
Lilacs
Lilac Festival: May 8-17
Rochester, New York is home to the 10-day Lilac Festival, largest in the U.S. and free of charge. Highland Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, has over 1,200 lilac bushes in more than 500 varieties spread out over 22 acres, with colors ranging from the richest purples to the most delicate of whites. The festival draws nearly 400,000 visitors each year and includes a parade, concerts, arts and crafts shows, and concludes with the annual Lilac 10K road race and 5K Family Fun Run.
Spokane Lilac Festival: May 16
Spokane, Washington has been dubbed "Lilac City" because of the lilac bushes dotting the landscape. Lilac Garden, at Manito Park, is completely devoted to lilacs and is one of the main focal points of the festival due to the wonderful fragrance wafting throughout the garden. The grand parade starts at 7:45 a.m. on Saturday and nearby events include a car show, music, food, and other for entertainment the remainder of the day.
The Mackinac Island Lilac Festival: June 5-14
This Island, off the coast of Michigan in Lake Huron, is a National Historic Landmark. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the island, but with bike, horse, and Rollerblade rentals available right off the ferry, you can access much of the charm that this pedestrian island has to offer. This ten-day festival offers events such as food and wine tastings; gardening and lilac tending classes; a dog and pony show; live entertainment; a 10K run around the island; and the culminating event, the Grand Parade.
Ranunculus
The Flower Fields, now until May 10
The ranunculi are in full bloom in southern California. Nearly fifty acres make up the spectacular display of color draped over the rolling hills in Carlsbad, California. Visitors are encouraged to walk through the fields, take pictures, and enjoy the vibrant beauty up close.
Iris
The Tennessee Iris Festival: April 25-May 2
Dresden, located between Nashville and Memphis, is home to the biggest Iris show in the country. The official opening ceremonies start at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday but every day is packed with activities like the NASCAR Experience, bingo, tasting parties, a carnival, concerts, a parade, a 5K race, a flower show, and of course plenty of Irises.
Although the April showers have continued into May here in D.C., this month is here to greet us with some of the greatest flower festivals, which will help you smell-a-brate...er...I mean, celebrate spring's arrival in the best possible way. Lilacs
Lilac Festival: May 8-17
Rochester, New York is home to the 10-day Lilac Festival, largest in the U.S. and free of charge. Highland Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, has over 1,200 lilac bushes in more than 500 varieties spread out over 22 acres, with colors ranging from the richest purples to the most delicate of whites. The festival draws nearly 400,000 visitors each year and includes a parade, concerts, arts and crafts shows, and concludes with the annual Lilac 10K road race and 5K Family Fun Run.
Spokane Lilac Festival: May 16
Spokane, Washington has been dubbed "Lilac City" because of the lilac bushes dotting the landscape. Lilac Garden, at Manito Park, is completely devoted to lilacs and is one of the main focal points of the festival due to the wonderful fragrance wafting throughout the garden. The grand parade starts at 7:45 a.m. on Saturday and nearby events include a car show, music, food, and other for entertainment the remainder of the day.
The Mackinac Island Lilac Festival: June 5-14
This Island, off the coast of Michigan in Lake Huron, is a National Historic Landmark. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the island, but with bike, horse, and Rollerblade rentals available right off the ferry, you can access much of the charm that this pedestrian island has to offer. This ten-day festival offers events such as food and wine tastings; gardening and lilac tending classes; a dog and pony show; live entertainment; a 10K run around the island; and the culminating event, the Grand Parade.
Ranunculus
The Flower Fields, now until May 10
The ranunculi are in full bloom in southern California. Nearly fifty acres make up the spectacular display of color draped over the rolling hills in Carlsbad, California. Visitors are encouraged to walk through the fields, take pictures, and enjoy the vibrant beauty up close.
Iris
The Tennessee Iris Festival: April 25-May 2
Dresden, located between Nashville and Memphis, is home to the biggest Iris show in the country. The official opening ceremonies start at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday but every day is packed with activities like the NASCAR Experience, bingo, tasting parties, a carnival, concerts, a parade, a 5K race, a flower show, and of course plenty of Irises.
Continue reading April Showers Bring May Flowers.
Subscribe to RSS feed
About This Blog