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Take a Stroll through the Tulips in Albany’s Washington Park

posted by Teresa Farrell at 2019-05-07 10:08:00

Everyone knows the old saying that April showers bring May flowers. After a cold winter and an Upstate New York spring that’s had its fair share of showers, the sight of tulips blossoming in Albany’s Washington Park is a sight for sore eyes.


The park, which is located in downtown Albany, is loved by locals for the spacious green spaces it provides right within the city. But each May, that green canvas shares the stage with a burst of other colors as more than 100,000 tulips—of more than 150 different varieties--- bloom throughout the park. It’s a spectacular sight, and it’s exactly the breath of fresh air Upstate New Yorkers need as we say goodbye to colder weather and get ready for summer’s sun and fun.

 

The roots of this tulip tradition go further back than you might think. The traditionally Dutch flower has long been a favorite in Albany, which is the oldest Dutch settlement in the United States. In fact, tulips are Albany’s official flower, and there’s even a variety of Wonder Orange tulip one named the “City of Albany.”


 
Each May, the city comes out to celebrate this vibrant heritage with the annual Tulip Festival. Typically held on mother’s day weekend, the festival takes place in Washington Park amongst the tulips and promises a weekend of spring and tulip-themed fun. Each year, local young women are crowned the Tulip Queen and Tulip Court, and a Tulip Queen Coronation, Tulip Queen and Court Luncheon, and Royal Tulip Ball are held in their honor. There are also guided tulip tours through the park, concerts and musical performances by nationally-known names, plenty of kids’ activities, and the Mother of the Year award, given out annually for more than 20 years to honor the Capital Region’s most outstanding moms.

 
In 2019, Albany’s Tulip Festival will take place from Friday May 10 through Sunday May 12; this marks its 71^st year. Tulips don’t typically bloom for very long—on average they last a week or two—but it’s worth a visit to the Capital City even if you can’t make it for tulip weekend—the Capital Region is home to plenty of activities, events and attractions to enjoy at any time of year.

 
PHOTO CREDITS

Statue with tulips photo credit Matt Wade
Aerial tulips photo credit Matt Wade
Orange red and yellow tulips photo credit Matt Wade
Tulip festival crowd panorama photo credit themeatcase
Close up tulips photo credit Matt Wade

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