Tulips are one of the world's most recognizable flower, and for good reason too! Tulips are absolutely stunning in appearance and hold significant meaning that has dated back to as early as 1,000 AD. Typically associated with perfect and never-ending love, tulips still remain a popular choice in the world wide business of flowers.

Personally, I have always felt allured by the tulip flower and so has Washington state for that matter! While Holland may be the prime destination for tulip fields, Skagit Valley is an astounding runner-up in its tulip display. The recent arrival of spring season means Washington residents are in for a treat in the next coming month. The Skagit Valley Tulips are expected to be in bloom this April.

The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is located between Mount Vernon and La Conner, WA, and has been growing tulips since the early 1900s. Its eye-catching, colorful rows of flowers are thanks to the work of Washington Bulb Co. and Roozen Gaarde. I have only attended the festival once myself, but I am determined to make it out again this year. I went with my parents a couple years ago and I could not contain myself from taking a million pictures. After all, tulips are my favorite flower. To be surrounded by them, outside of a flower shop, made my excitement go through the roof.

If you do attend the festival, however, you can expect to see more than just flowers. Depending on what day you attend, you can participate in the Tulip Run, see a concert, or walk around an art gallery. There is plenty more to do and plenty of merchandise to purchase as well.

The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival not only presents breath taking tulips, but it presents a sense of community as well. With the festival being officially inaugurated for thirty-four years, it has become a tradition for Skagit Valley residents to attend. However, this does not stop them from welcoming thousands of visitors to join in the fun each year. In this day in age, it is rare to find community traditions making the Tulip Festival all the more engaging.

And don't worry, the festival is 30 days long so the public has plenty of opportunities to see the magnificent tulips for themselves! I encourage you all to take part in the Skagit Valley spring tradition and get lost in the tulip fields!

Note, general admission price is $7 with free parking. The festival is also designed to be a driving tour, so there are multiple locations to choose from. More information on the festival can be located on its website.