“I must have flowers, always, always.” -Monet
My husband and I are always on the lookout for somewhere to go and explore, even in our home state of Virginia where there is no end to beautiful and fascinating places to visit. As travelers, we want to be sure that appreciating our travels includes the place where we live.
As I started to look for something nearby that we had never done before, one particular spot that I found as I researched was Burnside Farms, and after reading about them, I knew we had to plan a visit. Each year, I stalk their website, waiting for the opening of their Festival of Spring and when the announcement comes, it’s a race to grab tickets for the remarkably short timeframe that the tulips are in bloom.
Festival of Spring at Burnside Farms
For three short, very precious weeks each spring, Burnside Farms explodes with color as millions of tulip bulbs bloom across 15 acres. The result is spectacular and the farm opens to the public for a not-to-be-missed “pick-your-own” event.
The trick is knowing when the tulips will bloom and not even the farm knows exactly when that will be! Spring weather in Virginia can be wild with remnants of winter overnight and in the early morning, spring by breakfast, and summer for a couple of hours in the afternoon. This wild spring weather can undoubtedly influence the tulip’s bloom and the start of Burnside’s festival.
Situated in the rural suburbs of Northern Virginia, it is obvious that the events that Burnside Farms offers are very popular. The beautiful show of color attracts tulip fans and Instagramers from far and wide. The farm gives regular updates on their website and various social media accounts as they prepare to invite guests for the optimal time to enjoy the bloom. Our visit was on a Friday morning with the intention of avoiding the weekend crowd.
Our admission included five tulip stems with each ticket purchase and when picking, if you follow the directions given and the ground is wet enough, you also will find the bulb still attached. You may purchase the bulbs and extra tulip stems if you wish, all for an additional charge (be sure to check their website for current fees). If you don’t want the bulbs, you can cut them off at check-out and wrap your bouquet for the ride home. I took a container of water so that my modest bouquet could survive our three-hour trip home.
With admission, the farm also provides a children’s play area, restrooms, a picnic area, and live music on the weekends. It is a festive, family atmosphere and a great way to get outside with your family. And, if you have a dog who is well-behaved on a leash, he or she is welcome to join in the fun! Oh, and don’t forget your camera!
Enjoy all that the farm has to offer
The farm has other events as well that are specific to the season at hand.
Summer: In mid-July, the farm offers 30 varieties of sunflowers on eight acres in successive crops, meaning that there should be sunflowers in bloom through Labor day.
Fall: In the fall, the farm offers a 6-acre corn maze and pumpkins are available through the month of October.
Winter: In the winter, the farm opens the day after Thanksgiving, offering fresh-cut Christmas trees.
Be sure to check out the farm’s website for all the up-to-date details you need to visit for the events above. Admission prices and other good-to-know information are there to ensure that your visit is a pleasant one. Keep in mind that weather will determine the crop and its availability, but the website and other social media outlets that the farm uses are great spots to watch as well.
One last piece of advice that I would want to offer is to be sure to watch the weather forecast for a few days prior to your visit and for the actual day. Wearing the right footwear and appropriate clothing will help you enjoy your time on the farm. The day we visited, the ground was very soft and muddy in spots. It was also chilly on the hill and we were glad to have taken jackets and sweatshirts, even in mid-April. There will also be a distance to walk from the parking area to the fields. Burnside is a working farm so wearing heels for your Instagram shot might not be a great idea.
How to find and visit Burnside Farms
If you’d like to see more, be sure to visit Burnside Farms’ website, www.burnsidefarms.com, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Burnside Farms is located at: 1108 Kettle Run Road, Nokesville, Virginia 20181
I hope you enjoy your time on the farm!
Where do you live? Do you know what might be close by or a few hours down the road from home that can WOW you about your home state? Don’t forget to explore in your own backyard. You might be missing something great!
If you’re hoping to travel to Virginia, I will certainly continue to share our adventures with you and I hope you will come to visit soon!
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