Last week, we dropped everything we were doing (honeycomb quilt projects included), and headed out for our annual tip-toe through the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival. I'm always a bit surprised by the growing popularity of this place and how much things have changed since we first visited it over twenty years ago. At that time the farm was more or less just a nursery and somewhat struggling financially, but all that changed when the tulip fields were opened to the public and word got out. Currently, about 3,000 people (worldwide), visit the farm daily during the tulip season. That number may double on the weekends, especially if it's a sunny one. There are outdoor food courts, grassy areas with picnic tables, kiddy swings, artisan booths, duckie races, a cow train made out of painted barrels and pulled by a tractor (Oregon style), a tube slide, a rock wall and zip line, among other attractions, and a well-stocked indoor gift shop. Nice for families and something for everyone.
But, the tulips are still the main attraction and the reason we drive all the way out here, along winding country roads, criss-crossing rivers and farms; a beautiful drive, and one that we always enjoy and look forward to. Since tulips have a short season of bloom, only lasting about a month or so, we mark our calender and keep our fingers crossed that the day we visit is an overcast one for the best photographs. There's been a lot of wild storms here lately, but luckily we arrived on a "good day" under cloudy skies, between the downpours.
Just acres and acres of gorgeous tulips! I managed to take over three hundered photos in about an hour. And I wasn't the only one. More pictures from Ginger; she even included the names of the flowers. Bless her heart. Yes, it was a very good day. (Bulbs are available on the website.)
For all lovely stitchers, my tea towel "two lips" pattern is here.
Oh my that looks like so much fun!
Posted by: pam | April 14, 2013 at 09:28 PM
What a lovely outing. Tulip fields = color and happiness.
Posted by: Lorrie | April 15, 2013 at 01:12 PM
We were there yesterday and I just blogged about it too.. fun fun.. it was my FIRST time there, if you can believe it! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
Posted by: Teresa Kasner | April 15, 2013 at 01:38 PM
Gorgeous!
Posted by: Debbie | April 16, 2013 at 06:53 AM
Teresa, I tried to leave a comment on your blog, didn't look like it went thru. I seem to have trouble leaving comments on most blogs now, especially blogger, so have given up!! Your pix are GORGEOUS btw. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: vicki haninger | April 16, 2013 at 12:59 PM
My favorite flower! We had pink tulips at out wedding 30years ago!
Posted by: Paula McElrath | April 21, 2013 at 11:07 PM