By Phyllis M. Cahaly, CMD, Director of Partnership Marketing, Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
When the snow finally melts away into longer, sunny days, the sweet scent of maple sugarhouses fill the air, tulip farms blossom with colors, and Red Sox Opening Day is near, that’s when you know spring has arrived. It surrounds us every day, in every way. It’s magical and worth waiting for. You’ll find signs of spring in every corner of Massachusetts; it’s a grand awakening and we hope you will take it all in, for it can be fleeting! Here are some of our favorite spring flings.
Flower Power
Massachusetts is in bloom at every turn with colorful shows just for you!
Greater Boston
Since the 1840s, The Boston Public Garden, renowned for its Victorian-style flower beds that bloom spring through fall, has been creating picture perfect spring plantings. Follow the historic pathways that curl around the lagoon and the unique Swan Boats to view more than 26,000 colorful tulips, magnolias, and more than 27 specimens of cherry trees.
Central Massachusetts
The New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, Boylston, presents Blooms at the Garden throughout the year. Behold thousands of flowering plants both indoors and out, located along their sprawling 200-acre garden. The blooms of March, April, and May, such as tulips, rhododendrons, and more than 85 species of crocuses are particularly colorful with pops of color throughout the gardens. The panoramas of color, like the field of Daffodils bearing tens of thousands of blooms, are unparalleled in the region.
Cape Cod & The Islands
At the Heritage Museums & Gardens, Sandwich, you’ll discover art, history, and lots of nature! The first signs of spring emerge with star magnolias, Pieris, peonies, and cherry blossoms. A variety of blue seasonal flowers splash across the 100 acres of the magnificent grounds and trails located on the banks of Shawme Pond. The gardens feature international collections of rhododendrons, hydrangeas, and a collection of more than 1,000 varieties of daylilies, hostas, herbs, heather gardens, and more. Don’t miss Hidden Hollow, a family-friendly outdoor discovery area for play and exploration.
On the beautiful island of Nantucket, spring is recognized annually by the millions of daffodils, which bloom island-wide. It all started 50 years ago when the Nantucket Garden Club organized the first Nantucket Daffodil Show at the Nantucket Boys and Girls Club. There were 250 entries under nine classifications of blooms. With each year that followed, another component was added to the show such as an antique car parade, a community tailgate picnic in ‘Sconset, and plantings of daffodils throughout the island. The Nantucket Daffodil Festival is jam packed with events, but at the core is the beauty of the gallery of daffodils, reminding us that spring found its way to the island.
Flower Fun
This spring, explore a variety of fun flower experiences from some of our wonderful retailers!
Question: what’s better than buying (or receiving!) a big, beautiful bouquet of colorful spring flowers? Answer: make a bouquet of your own! If you’ve ever wondered how florists create such amazing arrangements, then we have a workshop for you to explore. Boston Flower Company, Mattapan, offers a variety of private workshops for up to 24 people at their studio, or they will bring this unique floral workshop experience to you for any event or celebration you like. Choose from Flower Arranging 101, Flower Crown Making, Bud Vase Arrangements, and more!
When you’re ready to shed your heavy winter clothes for a lighter, brighter spring wardrobe then head north to Modern Millie in historic Salem. At this vintage-inspired, trendy fashion haunt, spring blooms abound on colorful and uniquely styled dresses, tank tops, twill jumpsuits, cotton cropped sweaters, and skirts. Accessories include boots, berets, bracelets, brooches, and beyond for that head-to-toe finishing touch. Don’t skip the spring earrings with pretty petite flowers and even bunny studs just in time for Easter!
Look around and explore spring sensations everywhere this year, made possible in Massachusetts!
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