Spring has a way of waking something up inside you. After months of muted colors and colder days, stepping into Thanksgiving Point’s Tulip Festival feels like walking straight into joy. For six magical weeks, more than one million flowers burst into bloom across the 50-acre Ashton Gardens, creating a living canvas of color, fragrance, and design that’s almost impossible to fully take in all at once.
The gardens are thoughtfully curated with vibrant tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, poppies, and so many other spring favorites layered into bold patterns and artistic displays. Everywhere you turn, there’s intention—color stories flowing from one garden bed to the next, floral décor woven into pathways, and whimsical topiary displays that add a sense of playfulness and wonder. It’s not just a garden walk; it’s an experience where art and nature truly meet.
Beyond the flowers themselves, the festival offers so much more. Live entertainment drifts through the gardens, interactive classes invite you to learn and engage, and guided garden tours help you see details you might otherwise miss. There are endless photo opportunities (seriously—charge your phone), along with family-friendly activities that make it just as enjoyable for kids as it is for adults who simply want to wander and breathe it all in.
When we visited, we opted for the hotel package, and while we won’t sugarcoat it—it was expensive—it was also absolutely worth it. Having accommodations bundled with the experience allowed us to relax and fully immerse ourselves without worrying about logistics or rushing back at the end of the day. It felt like a mini spring retreat, and honestly, those are the moments we value most.
One small disappointment? The pin. We were so bummed we never got ours. It’s a little thing, but those small keepsakes matter when you love collecting memories from places you’ve been. We’re hopeful that when we return for the 2026 festival, we’ll finally get our hands on one.
And yes—when we return. Because if there’s one thing this visit taught us, it’s that this is not an event meant to be rushed.
Looking back, I wish we had slowed our pace even more. The gardens deserve lingering. Sitting. Pausing. Taking it all in. The weather definitely played a role in how quickly we moved (spring likes to keep you guessing), but still—this is a place that rewards patience. Next time, we plan to move slower, stop more often, and let the gardens unfold naturally rather than trying to see everything at once.
We also learned a very practical lesson: charge the Fitbits. Poor Mark started the day at 12%, which is basically a cruel joke when you’re walking 50 acres of gardens. Between the winding paths, scenic overlooks, and constant stopping for photos, your steps add up fast. Consider it a workout wrapped in beauty.
The Tulip Festival isn’t just about flowers—it’s about renewal, presence, and letting yourself be part of the season. It reminds you that growth takes time, that beauty is layered, and that slowing down often makes the experience richer.
When we go back, we’ll be better prepared. Fully charged devices. A slower pace. Fewer expectations. More moments. And hopefully, that pin.
Until then, this visit will stay with us as one of those spring memories that lingers—bright, colorful, and full of life.
No comments:
Post a Comment