9 Fabulous Flower Festivals in New England & New York State

Location: Bristol, RI
Dates: April 1-30, 2018
During Daffodil Days at Rhode Island's Blithewold Mansion, you'll see more than 50,000 daffodils growing in gardens and along woodland paths. For an added treat, enjoy afternoon tea Tuesday through Friday at 1 and 3 p.m. from April 10 through May 4. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 401-253-2707.

Location: Nantucket, MA
Dates: April 27-29, 2018
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 car parade, a tailgate picnic, a "daffy" dog parade, a hat pageant, a children's parade and more. For information, call 508-228-3643.

Location: Meriden, CT
Dates: April 28-29, 2018
With more than 600,000 daffodils in bloom, the Meriden Daffodil Festival can certainly be called Connecticut's most colorful free event. In addition to fragrant fields of yellow and white daffodils, you'll also find continuous music on three stages, carnival rides, a craft fair, food, a parade, fireworks and entertainment for children at this annual spring festival. For information, call 203-238-1315.

Location: Fairfield, CT
Dates: May 11-13, 2018
The Dogwood Festival has been a spring tradition at Greenfield Hill Congregational Church for more than 80 years. Thousands attend this festival and craft fair that celebrates the beauty of dogwood trees in bloom while also raising money and awareness for women and children in need. Take your mom: It's Mother's Day Weekend! For information, call 203-259-5596.

Location: Rochester, NY
Dates: May 11-20, 2018
Lilacs have bloomed in Highland Park since 1892, and Rochester's famous spring festival offers an opportunity to view more than 500 varieties of lilacs in bloom. This free annual festival features music including performances by national recording artists, children's activities, garden battles, a juried art & craft show, international food vendors, a craft beer expo, plant sales and more. For information, call 585-279-8300 or 800-677-7282. You may also contact the Springut Group at 585-473-4482.

Location: Albany, NY
Dates: May 12-13, 2018
One of Albany's oldest events, the 70th annual Tulip Festival celebrates the city's Dutch heritage. Historic Washington Park blooms with more than 140,000 tulips in a multitude of colors and varieties. Head to New York's capital city for a Mother's Day weekend of food, music, crafts, kids' activities and more. For information about this free festival, call 518-434-2032.

Location: Boston, MA (Boston Travel Guide)
Date: May 13, 2018
Fragrant, flowering lilacs get their very own celebration at Boston's Arnold Arboretum each year. The grounds are home to nearly 400 lilac plants representing 165 different varieties: It's one of North America's most significant collections of lilacs. On Lilac Sunday, food vendors are on-site, and special tours and activities for families are scheduled. Call 617-524-1718 for event details.

Location: Sandwich, MA
Dates: May 26-June 3, 2018
For nine days in May and June, the Heritage Museums & Gardens, an eclectic Cape Cod attraction, invites guests to experience one of its most spectacular living collections: more than 100 varieties of flowering rhododendrons planted in the 3-acre Dexter Rhododendron Garden. Many talks, walks and other activities are scheduled to coincide with the festival, which inspires gardeners and allows them to purchase rhododendron plants to cultivate at home. Regular admission fees apply. For details, call 508-888-3300.

Location: Franconia and surrounding towns, NH
Dates: June 1-30, 2018
Gorgeous purple and pink lupines in bloom are reason enough to visit New Hampshire's Franconia region each June. The 25th annual Celebration of Lupines (formerly known as the Fields of Lupine Festival) provides added incentive for travelers including special tours and events, concerts, art exhibits, a photo contest and more. For information, call 603-823-5661.