Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

Did you know Washington State is the largest producer of tulips in the United States? 

Mother Nature puts on quite a colorful show and each year over a million people visit the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival to see it for themselves.

Before you plan your trip, there are some things you should know about the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival and since this is home base for us, we’re going to give you the scoop from a local’s perspective.

You will want to head out early, don’t be afraid of a bit of drizzle, but you can hope for some of that glorious Northwest Sunshine.

Early will mean the least crowded days to visit the tulip fields, and you won’t spend half your day just getting there and back. Trust me, and it can be a mess getting around if you want to go to Tulip Town or RoozenGaarde, (a bit dutch). You can drive at your leisure around the fields anytime. It is just getting to those popular places that can be difficult. 

Breakfast

Start your trip with a quick breakfast from Avenue Bread or the Dutch Bakery located downtown Lynden. You can get a Breakfast sandwich to go. (you might even call ahead)

Or grab some coffee from Woods and a quick bite to go. They do have some excellent breakfast sandwiches. 

The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival runs April 1-30

Tulips bloom for about two weeks, and different varieties bloom at other times, so they are staggered throughout the month. 

With over a million tulip bulbs planted in Skagit County, you’ll have plenty to see no matter when you come!

In addition to tulips, the Washington Bulb Company is also the leading grower of daffodil and iris bulbs in North America, and daffodils are in full bloom just before the tulips open. So although there’s not a daffodil festival, come in March, and you’ll be treated to gorgeous fields of yellow, too.

RoozenGaarde 
UPDATE from RoozenGaarde’s website: Capacity restrictions will be in place, and advanced online ticket purchase will be required. Ticket sales are now live and can be purchased anytime. 

Address: 15867 Beaver Marsh Rd. Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Tulip Town

Address: 15002 Bradshaw Road, Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Can you see the tulip fields without getting out of your car?

Yes! As I mentioned above, that’s a great way to tour the tulips, especially if it’s more than drizzling, but you still want to see them. Of course, there’s no cost to drive by the acres of tulip fields, but there are some things you might want to be aware of and mindful of as you navigate around.

  • Don’t block traffic! If you want to stop to take pictures, find a designated place to pull off. 

  • Obey the traffic signs.

  • Be respectful of private driveways. 

  • You may encounter cyclists, depending on the weather. 

When leaving the Farmstead, you will go south and get on 1-5 and take it to Burlington. I like to take the back roads. You can get off at the Josh Wilson Rd and head over to Farm To Market. And head south from there. Most traffic will be coming from the South and taking the exits closer to Mt. Vernon or Highway 20. I avoid that area. 

Remember, they don’t usually have this kind of traffic to deal with the only Springtime festivities that bring so many tourists. 

Notes:

  • Cash: You’ll need it to get into Tuliptown, and although RoozenGaarde takes cards, the cash line is usually shorter. Not all the food vendors inside accept cards, either.

  • Shoes that can get muddy: If you’re only planning to walk through the display gardens, you won’t need mud boots. If you’re planning to walk out to the fields (and I hope you do!), expect that your shoes may get muddy, and don’t wear your favorite white sneakers.

  • Umbrella: While I’m not suggesting you get out and brave a downpour, I hope you won’t let a slight drizzle derail your plans for the day. 

  • Camera and accessories: Whether you’ll be using your phone or an actual camera, come prepared to take lots and lots of pictures of the Washington Tulip Festival! 

Lunch or Dinner

A scenic drive over to La Conner might fit the itinerary, depending on your schedule. It is another super cute little town that reminds me of Lynden, that’s perfect for wandering in and out of the shops and boutiques. Have lunch and if the weather is good, get take out to eat on the boardwalk overlooking the water.

I would highly recommend coming back over Chuckanut Drive. This gorgeous drive is sometimes called Washington’s Big Sur. It is one of those drives that if you are so close to it, you have to take it! Throughout this lovely drive, you will be treated to views of the Chuckanut Mountains, overlooks of Samish Bay, and peek-a-boo glimpses of the San Juan Islands and Chuckanut Bay below.

If you are into Seafood, stopping at Taylor Seafood is a must for Lunch or Dinner or a quick pick up some oysters to bring back to the Farmstead, and fire up the BBQ to go along with some of our mouth-watering wagyu meats. Surf and Turf might be on your agenda. Taylor Shellfish farm is a hidden and delicious gem in the local seafood market and won’t disappoint the tourist who wants to experience the fantastic Seafood the area offers.  Even if you don’t appreciate Seafood, (like me) I still enjoy stopping just for the views and they do have a small kitchen and offer drinks, so you can order something else to eat and sit awhile. 

 
Experience the Best of Spring: Book Your Stay at Our Farmstead and Explore Skagit Tulip Festival
Ready for an adventure that will take your breath away? Look no further than Oostema Farmstead! Spring is in full swing and it’s time to get outside and enjoy it! Book now and surprise your loved one with a special getaway.
💝 Celebrate Spring with our Special Offer: 3 Night Break for 2, and indulge in a spring treat worth $80!
 
🧀🍇 Enjoy a Charcuterie Grazing Box for Two
 🔥Crate of Firewood
🍫S’mores Kit
🍾Bellewood Acres Bottle of Sparkling Cider
 and even get 🥩$20 good toward a Wagyu Steak.
 
Don’t wait, book now and create memories that will last a lifetime!
 
To take advantage of this amazing offer, give us a call at 1-360-815-1494 or send an email to Lisa@oostemafarmstead.com.  
This offer applies to Farmstead Apartment or Tiny Farmhouse, is valid throughout April and can only be booked direct.

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