I had no idea that Tulips were popular in the west coast until a friend mentioned visiting tulips fields in spring. I started to do research and found out that a small town called Mount Vernon held a tulip festival every year in when the fields are in full bloom. To my surprise, full bloom was only week away!

I originally planned to stop at the gardens en route to Whistler but due to Chi’s surprise visit and flight delay… it was too late. But I was still keen to see it and decided to make extra effort in keeping the car rental longer and drive up 1.5 hours to visit on a Monday afternoon with Chi.   

We visited Roosengaarden, the largest tulip growers in the area and it was unexpectedly beautiful. I’ve never seen anything like it. We wandered the gardens and the muddy fields.

The sunny blue sky, mountains and the endless fields of color was very picturesque. As per my friend’s suggestion, evening hours allowed warm sunset lighting for photos and going on a Monday avoided the weekend crowds and traffic. The experience was perfect.

National Geographic even named the festival as one of the top spring trips in the world. Who knew! I’m so glad I went and I’d love to go back next year.