Ten spring flower festivals blossom throughout the nation in April

March 25, 8:25 AMSeattle North American Travel ExaminerStephanie Jolly

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Daffodils bloom late March and early April in the Skagit Valley, north of Seattle. 
Photo: Stephanie Jolly

All across the United States, dozens of flower festivals are in bloom, celebrating the arrival of spring.  While tulips, daffodils and orchard blossoms are within a days drive of Seattle, many more are worth the trip this April.

Arranged according to proximity, here are ten great flower festivals sure to fill your nostrils with a fragrant floral aroma and get you in the mood for spring:

• Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, Skagit Valley, WA (April 1-30th) - Walk through hundreds of acres of multi-colored tulips, three hours north of Seattle outside Mt. Vernon
• Hood River Blossom Festival, Hood River Valley, OR (April 18-19th) - Drive along the scenic "Fruit Loop," passing by blossoming orchards of apple, pear and cherry trees.  Local farms host pancake breakfasts and craft shows
• California Poppy Festival, Lancaster, CA (April 25-26th) - Enjoy live entertainment, arts & crafts bazaars, home & garden shows and local farmers' markets before grabbing a map and heading for Antelope Valley California Poppy Preserve to the best viewing locations.
• Orange Cove Blossom Festival, Orange Cove, CA (April 4th) - The Orange Cove Chamber of Commerce sponsers a annual festival featuring classic cars, food booths and a parade deep in the heart of Fresno.  After the festivities, follow the self-guided motor or bicycle tour along the Blossom Trail, featuring almond, plum, apricot and citrus blossoms, among others.
• Enis Bluebonnet Trails Festival - Enis, TX (April 17-19th) - Held in the home of the "Official Texas Bluebonnet Trail" Enis delights with over 40 miles of bluebonnet studded roadways and trails.  More activities include the street market, live entertainment and a BBQ cook-off. 
• National Cherry Blossom Festival, Washington, D.C (March 28 - April 11)  - A visit to the nation's capital in April means the opportunity to stroll through snowy-pink groves of cherry tree's gifted to the country by Japan.  Peak bloom period has been predicted to occur between April 1-4th, and other events such as river blossom tours, parades, and photo safari's occur throughout the weeks.
  
• Honaker Redbud Fest, Honaker, VA (April 17-20th) - April is National Redbud Month in western Virginia and southeastern Kentucky.  Take a guided wildlife walk through or scenic drive through the magenta studded mountain passes.
• Atlanta Dogwood Festival, Atlanta, GA (April 17-19th) - Local and national artists, musicians and entertainers have gathered in Atlanta for over 70 years to celebrate the blooming of the dogwood trees.  After being relocated last year, the festival is once again in being held in shaded Piedmont Park.
• North Carolina Azalea Festival , Wilmington, NC (April 1-5th) - Stroll through a dozen private azalea gardens and historic homes after enjoying a lively street fair and parade.  Round out the festival with a concerts by American Idol David Cook and former contestant Kellie Pickler.
• Meriden Daffodil Festival, Meridien, CT (April 15-26th) - The largest daffodil festival in the country, stroll through 61 different daffodil varietes in the over 60,000 flowers in bloom.  In addition to daffodils, over 50 food vendors and firework displays will also be offered at Hubbard Park.