Although I’m recovering from a Springtime cold/sinus issue this week (typical for me in the Springtime!) this past weekend I was feeling fantastic, the weather was lovely, and I decided to take the “wake up and smell the roses” expression quite literally- although I replaced “roses” with “daffodils”, instead.
Every April, the wonderful and picturesque city of Newport, Rhode Island, commemorate the arrival of the Spring season with their month-long “Daffodil Days” celebration. With over a million of the bright yellow bulbs planted in various locations around town- visitors flock to the community for photos and to watch window decorating competitions amongst the local businesses, enjoy parades, ice cream socials, etc.
I had headed down bright and early on Sunday morning so I could try to get some photos before things got too crowded, and was completely awestruck by the bursts of white and yellow that seemed to go on forever as I got closer and closer to the bustling downtown area near the famous and sprawling mansions.
Using a map/guide provided by Newport In Bloom, I first headed to Ballard Park- and was pleased to see I was the only one there for quite some time! The field, filled with blooming flowers and tucked away out of sight from the roadway, required a very short hike through a somewhat muddy path- which may explain why it wasn’t filled with people. I didn’t mind, though. I got the best pictures while I was there!
After grabbing a quick seaside lunch and latte while checking out the nearby window displays, I made it a point to backtrack just a little bit to Bristol, Rhode Island to visit a stunning manor I had passed on my way to Newport. This manor, Blithewold, had also been advertising “Daffodil Days” events (it’s celebrated all over the state, really!) and I’m never one to turn down touring a gorgeous property or garden.
Although Blithewold doesn’t have the amount of rooms or furnishes that places like The Breakers or The Elms do, it didn’t make it any less impressive. I spent a couple of hours there enjoying the brightly lit rooms with a view of the ocean and the multiple gardens and pathways that circled the grounds. It’s a beautiful place to visit, and a popular event destination, as well.
There were plenty of daffodils too, of course!
I even encountered a women’s tour group who were visiting the manor specifically to have an on-site tea party and luncheon for “Daffodil Days.” They were all wearing colorful hats, dresses and pins- and were having the time of their lives. I was invited to join their ranks once I reached the mandatory age of 50 or older. I’m making a note to myself as we speak!
Overall, I had the perfect day in one of my favorite parts of New England- a place I’m very much looking forward to returning to in the Summer!
xo
Coffee & Chiffon 