Leaving behind the chill of winter and traveling to a beautiful locale ushers in the delights of bright colors, fresh floral scents, and welcoming breezes. These charming springtime destinations will enlighten both mind and spirit and fill you with the warmth of the season.
1. Washington, D.C.
As March turns to April in Washington, D.C., softly scented winds blow away the lingering gray of winter. The bountiful blossoms of more than three thousand cherry trees fill the nation’s capital with pastel splendor. Petals of the purest white and faintest pink create a stunningly memorable entry into the long-awaited season.
2. Holland, Michigan
Welcome to the charming town of Holland, Michigan—a bit of the Netherlands tucked into the American Midwest. Throughout this close-knit community, picturesque windmills and colorful blankets of tulips serve as constant reminders of the founding fathers’ Dutch roots. On Windmill Island, the 262-year-old DeZwaan (The Swan) Windmill stands sentinel over numerous varieties of this signature spring flower that is celebrated at the annual Tulip Time Festival.
3. Charleston, South Carolina
In a city where genteel hospitality reigns supreme, a sense of graciousness is also found in its many exquisite outdoor spaces. A balmy climate and nearly three hundred years of outstanding botanical and horticultural history combine to make the Festival of Houses and Gardens in Charleston, South Carolina, a divine destination.
4. San Francisco, California
Though the weather is consistently temperate year-round, spring is an especially lovely time to visit San Francisco, affectionately known as The City by the Bay. The area holds endless charm, from specialty restaurants and cafes to glorious gardens and the iconic “Painted Ladies” houses lining the downtown sloping streets.
5. Lisse, Netherlands
Frolic through a sea of blossoming tulips in Keukenhof Garden, a destination in the Netherlands known as the Garden of Europe. Rooted in humble origins, the locale is tucked in the charming Dutch town of Lisse. During the fifteenth century, Countess Jacoba van Beieren used the grounds for hunting and collecting herbs. Keukenhof Castle was built in 1641, and over time the estate expanded. During the mid-1800s, the gardens were reconfigured in the English style, shaping the park where 1,600 varieties of bulbs sprout each season.
6. Christchurch, New Zealand
In a departure from the arrival of springtime in the Northern Hemisphere, March for New Zealanders— or Kiwis, as they are often called—means a steady tempering of summer’s sweltering heat. A gentle breeze drifts from Pegasus Bay, cooling Christchurch and coaxing produce to the perfect ripeness for harvest. Days remain balmy, but nights are crisp, and glorious color drapes the landscape as leaves transform yet roses linger.
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