Where to Find Virginia’s Best Blooms

This season, Virginia welcomes family travelers to experience the colors of spring. Here are some of the best stops in the state to see the brightest colors.

Virginia’s Historic Garden Week

Known as “America’s Largest Open House,” the eight-day statewide event, April 20–27, provides visitors with a unique opportunity to see public gardens in springtime color as well as access to beautiful private gardens and private estates lined with stunning flower arrangements. This year, nearly 170 private homes and gardens are scheduled to participate in this year’s event. Proceeds fund the restoration of historic public gardens and landscapes in Virginia, as well as two research fellowships in landscape architecture.

Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival

More than 40 events will take place during the 100^th anniversary festival taking place April 26–May 5. The festival’s theme and motto, Locally Grown, Globally Shared, refers to the farms and orchards founded in Shenandoah Valley. This year, families can attend the Apple Growers Luncheon, farm tours and a 100^th birthday party with apple pie.

Best Places for Wildflowers in Virginia

Virginia has some of the most beautiful wildflower blooms in the south, from walking and hiking New River Trail State park for wildflowers to driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway to Poor Mountain to see piratebush, a rare plant found in a handful of areas in the United States. Mountain Laurel can be seen along the entire parkway beginning in early summer. To see Bright Flame Azalea, take Whetstone Ridge Trail, accessible from Milepost 29.

White Oak Lavender Farm & Purple Wolf Vineyard

Part of the White Oak Lavender Farm, Purple Wolf Vineyard offers travelers a relaxing escape paired with delicious wines. Families can explore the Discovery area, an interactive garden space with a petting area, life-sized checkerboard, duck pond, labyrinth, oil distillery, drying barn and lavender gardens. Pick your own lavender when in season and purchase lavender products from the gift shop like lavender body products, teas, culinary lavender and lavender ice cream. For travelers wanting to learn more about the lavender growing and harvesting process, take the farm’s self-guided audio tour.