Upstate New York Is Home To One Of America’s Best Flower Festivals

Spring is almost upon us here in Upstate New York. Sure, it officially started on March 20th, but warmer weather will need a few more weeks before reaching us up here.

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When it does, though, this region will turn into a paradise, and one area of Upstate New York is receiving national acclaim for how they ring in the springtime.

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The Rochester Lilac Festival

Everything blooms in spring, and flowers are no exception. Rochester, New York knows this, and every year they go all out. For 10 days in the month of May, Rochester turns Highland Park into a paradise, with over 500 varieties of lilacs blooming at the same time. It's quite a sight to see.

The festival is free to enter, and every year over 500,000 people from all corners of the earth descend on the city to enjoy the colors, smells, and live music. It's a one-of-a-kind experience, and America seems to agree.

Accolades for The Festival

As the festival grows, year by year, it gains more fame. Last year, it was named the fourth best flower-bloom festival in America by USAToday's polls. This year, it jumped all the way to #2 on the list, losing only to the Daffodil Festival at Gibbs Gardens in Georgia (a festival I've personally been to, and it's definitely worth the hype).

It was also named (though not ranked) by Time Out magazine, who praised the festival's history and scope, as well as the local support it gets every year.

This year, the festival will run from May 8th to May 17th at Highland Park in Rochester, NY.