Near
Eastern Market in bloom
Flower Day is a Detroit spring tradition dating back to 1967, taking place the Sunday after Mother’s Day (this year on May 21) at Eastern Market. If buying flowers is your thing, arrive bright and early for the best selection – growers start selling at 7 a.m. But there’s a bounty to see and do all day until 5 p.m.
“This year is the 51st annual Flower Day,” says Sam Morykwas with Eastern Market Corporation, which hosts the event with the Metro Detroit Flower Growers Association. “There are plenty of highlights for families – food trucks, live music, our district businesses, murals and, of course, over 15 acres’ worth of plants. It’s a great opportunity for parents who are gardeners to include their children in starting their spring garden right.”
Once you’re done smelling the blossoms, stroll around this market hub. “We pride ourselves on our 125-plus-year history and welcoming people of all backgrounds,” Morykwas says. Can’t make it the 21st? Find plantings and flowers here every Saturday, all season long.
Far
Terrific tulips
Millions of red, yellow, white and pink-pedaled tulips line the streets, city parks and just about everywhere else in Holland, Michigan come May. The town embraces its Dutch heritage with its Tulip Time event, which began by importing 100,000 bulbs from the Netherlands in 1928. Now in its 88th year, this fest returns May 6-14, featuring big parades with flower-filled floats and Dutch dancers in traditional wooden shoes. Many events are free, as is a navigation app. Another tip? “Tulip City Trolley Tours,” says fest spokesperson Susan Zalnis. A guide regales you with stories as your family sees the town’s best finds.
Farther
Floral fairytale
The town of Asheville, North Carolina is hugged by forests and blue-hued mountains – and is home to Biltmore Estate. This huge, historic 175,000 square-foot Château-style mansion has a fairytale feel and gardens galore. May is when the azaleas and roses are in their full glory. Catch a concert or event here and stop by the Farm in Antler Hill Village, where kids get a taste of 1890s life.
