Our Favorite RV Trips to See Spring Flowers
Apr 01, 2022
After the dark early days of winter, there is nothing quite as magical as seeing the first blooms of spring poke their way out of the earth. Spring flowers are often thought to be the harbinger of warm weather and renewed hope. Their stunning colors, fragrant aromas, and beautiful variety make them breathtaking.
And, there is no better way to ring in the spring than with an RV trip to see these flowers in all their glory. In this guide, we’ll take a look at our favorite spring RV trips, focusing on areas around the country where the colorful blooms will provide you with the feeling of renewed energy.
Bluebonnets in the Hill Country of Texas
Texas might normally be known for its tough bravado, a land that is home to cowboys, BBQ, and foot-stomping tunes. But come spring, there’s a softer side to Texas. It’s bluebonnet season in the Hill Country.
Deep in the heart of the Hill Country lies the small town of Ennis, Texas. For the rest of the year, Ennis is a place forgotten by most, but this small country stop is known as the ‘Official Bluebonnet City in Texas during the spring.”
For those who have never had the delight of laying their eyes on the wonder of a field blanketed in bluebonnets, the experience is truly magical. The deep rich blues and purple hues of the flowers contrast against the vibrant greens of spring. Visitors flock to place their children amongst the flowers to snap photos and ooh and ahh.
When planning your visit, take the time to drive the area’s countryside. Among the roadsides, throughout the fields, and hidden in its coves and valleys, you’ll see the Texas landscape come to life in full color.
When to Visit:
Visiting between April 1 and April 30 will generally provide you with the best chance at seeing the bluebonnets in full bloom. This year, the annual bluebonnet festival will be held April 8-10, 2022.
Where to Stay:
National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington D.C.
In the heart of the nation’s capital, a special event takes place every spring—the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Over 3,000 cherry trees line the area, and at peak bloom, the incredible colors of the pink blossoms are picture-perfect.
Not only are the cherry blossoms enough to feel the magic of spring, but the festival itself is a wonderful event filled with food, culture, and fun for the whole family. The event celebrates and honors both American and Japanese cultures, representing the close bond between our two nations. The tradition began with Tokyo Mayor Yukio Ozaki’s gift of the trees back in 1912, which laid the foundation for the area’s wealth of blooms.
When to Visit:
The festival takes place over four weeks this year, from March 20 to April 17, 2022.
Where to Stay:
Biltmore Estate in Asheville
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Biltmore Estate in Asheville is the perfect place to greet spring’s fresh blooms. Here, the grounds and gardens are transformed as hundreds upon hundreds of tulips, daffodils, azaleas, hyacinths, and more bloom during the annual Biltmore Blooms. Additionally, a visit to the estate will allow you to walk through the extensive greenhouses that are home to exotic varieties of plants.
During your visit to the area, you’ll have the chance to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway, where you can see the area’s natural wildflowers in bloom. Pause to look for azaleas, mountain laurels, and dozens of native species while you breathe in the fresh mountain air.
When to Visit:
Biltmore Blooms takes place between April 1 and May 26, 2022.
Where to Stay:
Azalea Trail in Mobile, Alabama
Travel your way down to the Deep South and take in the splendor of Mobile, Alabama’s Azalea Trail. Each year, around the middle of March, the entire city is transformed as the bright pink flowers bloom. The Azalea Trail is a 35-mile path that is lined with lush flowers, winding throughout the city. Since 1929, this stunning trail has attracted thousands of visitors from around the country.
The trail has inspired unique southern traditions, such as the Azalea Trail Maids. These maids dress up in pastel-colored gowns and carry matching parasols, acting as goodwill ambassadors of Mobile. They represent the city and its unique trail in events around the globe.
When to Visit:
The trail is usually in full bloom between mid-March to the start of April.
Where to Stay:
Shady Acres Campground and Resort
Tulip Time in Holland, Michigan
Heading up north, Holland, Michigan plays homage to their Dutch heritage during the annual festival Tulip Time. Over 5 million tulips bloom around the town, with stunning displays of these spring flowers culminating in the Windmill Island Gardens.
The festival itself features the longest parade in Michigan with Dutch dancers, floats, and more. With the stunning bright colors of the tulips and the brilliant display found across the entire city, this is an event that will leave you feeling a deep connection to the symbol of the tulip—perfect love.
When to Visit:
The Tulip Time festival takes place May 7-15, 2022.
Where to Stay:
Beach Campground in Holland State Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee
There is something unique about seeing spring flowers in their natural state. For the nature enthusiast, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the best locations to view this phenomenon in all its splendor. As the cold winter of the mountains begins to thaw, wildflowers spring to life across the peaks and valleys. Lady’s slipper orchids, irises, lilies, and more have given this park the nickname of “Wildflower National Park.”
Each year, an annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage allows visitors to see the park’s most beautiful displays.
When to Visit:
Attend the 72nd Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage on April 26-30, 2022.
Where to Stay:
Cades Cove Campground in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Greet the Spring with a New RV
With spring in the air and long summer road trips just around the corner, it’s a great time to pick up an RV and drive to the best the country has to offer. Whether you plan to immerse yourself in the wildflowers or visit the nation’s top landmarks, we can help you pick out the perfect RV for your needs. Come visit our team at Transwest and get ready to enjoy the open road.
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