Tulips, Sunshine and Family Time

Nothing says spring like the colorful tulips you find at Oakes Farm. We had four generations walking around the grounds on a sunny Sunday afternoon. The tulip map listed 53 varieties—who knew there were so many different ones?

When asked, “Which is your favorite color?” the answers went something like this: the bright yellow, or purple, or red—oh, the orange! Ah, the pink ones are pretty too…so basically, all of them. Who can pick just one?

Speaking of picking, that’s an option for a fee. Many people walked around with mason jars and scissors, hand-picking their own bouquets.

There were lots of photo props, such as an arbor, a bridge, a tractor, benches, and oversized rain boots. We witnessed several photo shoots, from sweet family moments to teenagers taking selfies.

This year, the extreme cold spell caused some concern about whether it would damage the beautiful blooms. However, we found that they thrived through it. The cold seemed to enhance them by allowing them to soak up moisture, making them even more fragrant.

The festival offers more than just flowers—it’s a fun day on the farm. There are swings, slides, a sandbox, and a jumping zone for the littles. They also have sweet treats and a concession stand for everyone, as well as a gift shop in the barn as you exit.