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Did you know NYC is home to one of the biggest and best tulip festivals in the world? New York might not strike you as a prime “spring spot”, but despite being the city that never sleeps, the Big Apple has perhaps more green space than any other major city in the world – making it a great place to experience spring.

There are plenty of great places to witness the spring blooms – Cherry Walk, Central Park and the New York Botanical Garden to mention a few – but nothing is quite as spectacular as the Tulip Festival in Albany.

Often named the biggest tulip festival outside of the Netherlands, tens of thousands of visitors visit the Albany Tulip Festival year after year. This year the event will take place over Mother’s Day weekend and after the restrictions of the last few years is expected to be one of the best tulip festivals in a while.

The Tulip was declared the official flower of Albany in July 1948 and the first tulip festival occurred the following May and has been celebrated every year since. For many New Yorker’s the festival marks the true start of spring and the beginning of the better weather.

What to expect?

While it might be hard to believe, over 100,000 tulips bloom in Washington Park at the time of the festival – and visitors can also enjoy musical performances, as well as traditional events from the original festival, such as Street Scrubbing on State Street and the Tulip Queen Coronation.

Eat, drink, stock up on rare tulip bulbs and support local businesses – without breaking the bank or worrying about bored kids (thanks to the free children’s activities). Enjoy a unique day in the Big Apple while celebrating the start of the better weather, longer days and finally being able to leave the house without your jacket!

To take part in the event and help celebrate the city’s Dutch roots (after all New York was once named New Amsterdam), visit Washington Park on the 7th or 8th of May – a great day out for all the family.

How to get there from the Hotel Beacon?

Washington Park is directly across the Hudson River from the Hotel Beacon, however – you’ll need to go around to get there – the easiest way being via the Lincoln Tunnel. Whether you’re on foot, take a cab or use the subway the trip will take you under an hour from your hotel room.

If you’re staying in New York this Spring and want to find a hotel that works for you and your family, the Hotel Beacon’s apartment-style suites are a great place to call home throughout your trip.