5 flower festivals worth planning a trip around

Dachshund races, flower-flavored ice cream, bike rides past miles of beautiful blooms—stopping and smelling the roses (or tulips or lilacs) has never been easier to plan a trip around. And while countries like Japan and the Netherlands are well-known for their flower festivals, there’s plenty to explore across the U.S.

Small-town charm runs strong through this list of must-see fests, which feature pancake breakfasts, hat pageants, and wildflower-filled hikes. Here, a few for your spring travel calendar, from Georgia to Colorado.

Home to some 350,000 Yoshino cherry trees (that’s twice as many trees as residents), Macon is the self-described “cherry blossom capital of the world.” Each March, it’s awash in pink blossoms, which you can see along the Cherry Blossom Trail that winds past Macon’s historic buildings and to the biggest concentrations of blooms. The local calendar is packed with events, too, including the unmissable Weiner Dog Race where dachshunds dash down Cherry Street; a Pink Pancake Breakfast with proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society; and the Cherry Blossom Parade with floats, marching bands, and more.

While you’re there: Explore the history of Capricorn Records—an indie label that launched groups like the Allman Brothers Band—at Mercer Music at Capricorn Museum. Fans can take a tour of The Big House, a Tudor-style home where Allman Brothers bandmembers, friends, and family lived in the early ‘70s. Today, it’s filled with the world’s largest collection of the band’s memorabilia.

Where to stay: The Hilton Garden Inn Macon provides special rates for festival attendees, while the Hotel Forty-Five Macon, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel in downtown Macon provides a home base that’s within walking distance of the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame and the Tubman Museum of African American Art, History and Culture.

The best part of this month-long April festival is visiting the valley’s tulip farms. Supremely Instagrammable, Roozengaarde is where you’ll find tens of millions of stems lined in colorful rows, while Tulip Town has a great beer and wine garden if you want to linger for a while. If you want some souvenirs, Tulip Valley Farms offers a U-pick option, too. You can take in sweeping views of the tulip fields on two wheels via Tulip Country Bike Tours.

While you’re there: Head to Deception Pass State Park, which spans parts of Fidalgo and Whidbey Islands, and includes more than 14 miles of shoreline. Hike old-growth forests, look for sea stars and urchins in the tide pools at Rosario Head, or explore the park from the water via sea kayak. Just know: whether you’re hiking, biking, kayaking, or wandering the tulip fields, spring is particularly rainy in these parts, so pack some waterproof gear.

Where to stay: La Conner, an hour north of Seattle, offers a charming jumping-off point for tulip spotting. Check into La Conner Channel Lodge for water views on the outdoor patio or La Conner Inn, where guest rooms have cozy fireplaces and rates include complimentary breakfast.

It’s estimated that about two million daffodils bloom on the island, some of which you can see at the Sankaty Lighthouse, a perfect photo op spot come April. The heart of Nantucket’s festival is the Annual Daffodil Show—but you should keep an eye out for flower-crown-making parties, the antique parade cars at Siasconset, and the Daffy Hat Pageant.

While you’re there: Step back in time at the Whaling Museum, which shares four centuries of the island’s history through artifacts, art, and treasures. (Don’t miss the harbor views from the rooftop deck.) For a sweet treat, head to The Juice Bar for the “Daffodil Special”—vanilla ice cream with a marshmallow Peep swirl, yellow M&M’s, yellow cake pieces, and sprinkles. Rent a bike and head across the island to stroll Sconset Bluff Walk, a public footpath with views of seaside houses and the beach.

Where to stay: Book nights at The Nantucket Hotel & Resort, which offers family-friendly amenities like s’mores making and rides on a restored 1934 Ford bus and a 1946 fire truck. It’s within walking distance to beaches—but there’s an adults-only quiet pool that opens in spring for travelers without little ones in tow.

This no-cars-allowed island in Lake Huron kicks off summer with a 10-day celebration of all things lilacs in June. There’s a little bit of everything on the agenda, from a vintage bicycle rally and a 10K run to a movie screening at Fort Mackinac. Visitors can also join walking tours to learn more about the island’s gardens and flowers or opt to see the blooms by horse-drawn carriage. Restaurants and bars throughout the island serve themed treats and drinks (think: lilac lattes, lilac ice cream, and lilac lager) and the festival culminates with the parade along Main Street.

While you’re there: One of the best ways to explore Mackinac and take in the blooming lilac bushes is on two wheels. Rent a bike, then follow the M-185 route around the island’s outer rim (the 8.2-mile loop takes about 90 minutes to complete). Along the way, pause to admire Arch Rock towering above the water and stop for lunch at Cannonball Oasis. Don’t miss the fried pickles, best enjoyed at a picnic table overlooking the water.

Where to stay: At the Island House Hotel, guests who reserve the “Lilac Lovers” package receive a lilac sapling to take home for their own garden. The Grand Hotel’s festival weekend package features credits at Sadie’s Ice Cream Parlor and Woodlands Activity Center, as well as a garden tour and admission to the Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum.

Founded in 1986 and now spread over 10 days and 150 events each July, this festival celebrates the wildflowers blooming in and around Colorado’s Gunnison Valley. Attend morning yoga sessions, art and photography workshops, and guided walks and hikes ranging from beginner to advanced levels (there are also self-guided hike options) to see the kaleidoscope of colors firsthand. Get some elevation on your itineraries—the higher you are, the more wildflowers you’ll spot. Washington Gulch, Deer Creek Trail, West Maroon, and Trail 403 are good places to start.

While you’re there: Hikers should also hop on the Silver Queen chairlift at Crested Butte Mountain Resort and then follow the trail to the peak of Mt. Crested Butte. The reward? Expansive views of the Gunnison Valley. Mountain bikers can hit Hartman Rocks Recreation Area’s 50 miles of trails, many of which cater to beginners.

Where to stay: Elevation Hotel & Spa is the festival’s official hotel partner and offers special discounts. There’s also a spa, heated indoor pool, and new Bill Bar lounge with grab-and-go breakfast—perfect for fueling up pre-wildflower hike.