The Nantucket Daffodil Festival

With winter weather patterns pointing towards a warm and early spring, crowds and news stations gathered in the small town of Punxsatawney to watch the beloved Groundhog Phil decide this year’s fate. To many people’s despair, Punxatawney Phil spotted his shadow and hurried back into his hole; the folklore condemning us to 6 more weeks of winter. Nonetheless, plans are still being drawn up for this year’s spring on the beautiful island of Nantucket. Tourism in Nantucket peaks in July and August so if you want to stay away from the crowds, it’s best to visit before the masses flood in. Nantucket is simply gorgeous in the spring and contrary to Phil’s prediction, it is looking like warm weather is just around the corner. Every year since 1974 locals and visitors gather to celebrate the colorful bloom of the island’s favorite flowers, the yellow daffodils. In April, all of the brightly-colored buds open to paint the island’s road sides, yards, and shop windows as a warm welcome to spring. Nantucket takes pride in the fun and festivities that accompany this thawing of winter with a collection of events and parades called the Annual Daffodil Festival. Some of these events include: the Antique Car Parade, the Daffodil Tailgate Picnic, the Children’s Parade, the Daffy Hat Pageant, and the Dog Parade. The Antique Car Parade is a personal and festival-goer favorite, featuring over 100 antique cars decorated with the celebrated flowers. The winding drive around the island ends in a huge picnic with a variety of fantastic foods. Seeing the magical little island lit up with these flowers of tradition is a sight you won't want to miss this spring in Nantucket. Need a place to stay for the weekend? Try the Century House or the Sherburne Inn, bot within walking distance to town.

Ellen Studer
Bestweekends.com