All of April
Extended daylight hours have recently reminded me of the power of daily walks. If you’re also just reemerging, I’m happy to report that fluorescent daffodils and soft pink cherry blossoms are unfurling across Seattle! And, about 60 miles north of the city, some of the PNW’s best spring colors are just beginning to pop off at the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in Mt. Vernon.
Inaugurated in 1984, this month-long festival expanded from the original two-day celebration because mother nature runs on her own timeline. Four growers are cultivating the blooms on display:
🌷Tulip Valley Farm
15245 Bradshaw Rd, Mt. Vernon
Open daily: 9 am – 5 pm
Get up close and personal: This farm is the only one to offer u-pick and baby cow cuddles. Register to take a guided tulip painting class at their second location, Tulip Valley Gardens (12637 Pulver Rd, Burlington).
🌷 Garden Rosalyn
16648 Jungquist Rd
Open daily: 8 am – 7 pm
Beat crowds at this dog-friendly micro farm. Ernesto is so freakin’ excited to welcome everyone back con brazos abiertos.
🌷Tulip Town
15002 Bradshaw Road
Mondays – Thursdays: 10 am – 6 pm
Fridays – Sundays: 9 am – 7 pm
Kick the dog parent thing up a notch with professional portraits opening weekend, then congratulate yourself with a local libation in the beer & wine garden.
🌷RoozenGaarde
15867 Beaver Marsh Rd
Weekdays: 9 am – 7 pm
Weekends: 8 am–7 pm
World-famous and the largest of the four. Come here to take in 50+ acres and over 200 varieties blooming.
Scope out the festival’s event calendar to plan a full day of small-town adventure.
Some highlights:
🌱 Vote for this year’s Chili & Chowder Cook-Off winner (April 1st)
🌱 Paint downtown red at the Tulip Festival Street Fair (April 21st – 23rd)
🌱 Watch a young Leo star in This Boy’s Life, set in Concrete, WA (April 22nd & 23rd)
🌱 Crush your friends at the first annual Tulip Tussle pickleball tournament (April 28th – 30th)
🌱 Grab a plate of alder-barbecued wild salmon at the annual Kiwanis Salmon BBQ (Fridays–Sundays)
🌱 Sip on English high tea at Willowbrook Manor & Chamomile Farm (Fridays & Saturdays)
🌱 To brewery hop, follow the Farm to Pint Ale Trail
Before you go, save the festival map to your phone and consider alternate routes during heavy festival traffic.
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