Wander through a lively sea of tulips, where feelings bloom as brightly as the flowers surrounding you. This date is a perfect pick to make full color memories.
The Background
Since 2012, Burnside Farms has brought the Netherlands to Virginia. Their Festival of Spring is one of North America’s longest running celebrations of its kind. Take in the stunning landscapes as you stroll through over 150 types of tulips and +30 breeds of daffodils. Your ticket includes 5 tulips, so you can continue to enjoy at home.
The Standout Features
Here’s why this date is a great pick:
- Memorable Reminder – Every time your date looks at their tulips on their table, they’ll think of you. Plus, you can offer them your flowers to give them a full bouquet! The result is an unforgettable gesture they won’t forget.
- Relax in Nature – Smelling the flowers and being outside reduces stress and improves your mood. Both sow the seed for a better experience.
- See How They Think – How does your plus one make decisions, even small ones like which flower to pick? Learning their point of view is a great insight into how they work.
- Turn Up The Romance – A picturesque stroll through flower fields is straight from a movie. Let sparks fly amidst the stunning backdrop.
The Experience
Date Lead Up - Plant the Seed
As we turn the corner, I see rolling candy cane-striped hills in the distance. When I step into the massive dirt parking lot, the colors are even more vibrant. After scanning our tickets at the front, the kind woman tells us we get five free tulips with each ticket. Eager to start, we enter to find wicker baskets of every shape and size.
Soon, I select the perfect one to hold my flowers. Basket in hand, I skip towards the fields like Beauty and the Beast’s Belle. Along the way, we discover a sea of authentic Netherland wooden shoes. Then, we snap a quick pic in our colorful clogs before arriving at the main event.
Date Main Event - Watch it Bloom
Folks, this place is gorgeous. We wander between lines of tulips, scouting out the ones we’ll take home. It’s hard to choose between the deep reds, bright yellows, blushing pinks, dazzling whites. My favorite reminds me of a sunset with purple petals fading into an orangish-red center.
When I finally put one in my basket, I’m now Julie Andrews from The Sound of Music. The atmosphere is so delightful that it feels like a musical. Everywhere I look, people are laughing, taking pictures, and basking in the surrounding beauty.
Sculptures dot the fields to give photos an added oomph. Whether you get a shot by a windmill or in a giant clog, the technicolor background makes each a keeper. I’ve chosen my tulips. Now, it’s my date’s turn. He’s so captivated by the bright red ones that he chooses five of them. I laugh as we admire our 10 tulips nestled in our woven baskets. As I pick up a few more, I toss in a dandelion. I can’t help myself.
Next, we walk to the picnic tables inside a nearby rustic barn. Soon we hear the gentle pitter-patter of raindrops on the roof. Their calming rhythm creates the perfect backdrop to our conversation. We share the table with a new mom with an adorable baby. The infant is staring wide-eyed at our apple slices as if she’s discovered a fluffy unicorn. Noting her interest, my date offers the snack to the mom as I note his thoughtfulness.
Date Wrap Up - Admire the Bouquet
When we’re done, the cheery staff wraps our flowers and tells us dandelions and tulips should be separate for 48 hours. Dandelion secretions can harm tulips, so beware! While my date and I discuss this age-old dandelion-tulip rivalry, he grabs an apple butter jar from the assortment of local goodies on the way out.
When we get to the car, my smooth date hands me his stems. “They’re all for you,” he says, to my surprise. For the next week, each time I see my bouquet, I remember our wonderful day together and smile. Like the flowers in the field, I notice my feelings growing a little more.
The Planning
No need to do all the planning yourself. Here are the highlights, though always double check!
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Best for... | ✔ First date ✔ A few dates in ✔ Steady couple |
| Seasons | Runs 3 weeks from March to April. Keep checking the announcements bar at the top of the website for the start of this season's bloom. |
| Typical Hours | Open Mon-Wed: 9am - 8pm, Thurs-Sun: 7am - 9pm |
| Duration | 1-2 hours |
| Cost | Weekdays: $19, Weekends: $21, Early bird & sunset tickets: $23-25. All tickets include 5 tulips! If advanced purchase tickets are sold out, log on at 6am for same-day tickets at a slightly higher cost. Early bird 7-9am Thurs-Sun, sunset tickets daily from 4-8pm (or dusk - whichever comes first). |
| Website | |
| Address | Bunrside Farm 11008 Kettle Run Rd. Nokesville, VA 20181 |
| Driving Distance | 1 hour from the heart of DC |
| Attire | Dress in layers as it may be chilly. Wear shoes you don't mind getting muddy and can walk in. |
| To Bring | Water to stay hydrated and consider packing a picnic! |
| Contact Information | Fill out this Contact Form |
| Special Features | Check out their summer sunflower fields and winter Christmas tree selection. |
| Special Considerations | No dogs are allowed. Tickets are only available online. There are no tickets to purchase at the event. |
| Reschedule Policy | You can change your ticket date/time until 11:59pm the night before your ticket date for a $1.05 fee. Make the change here. |
The Pre- & Post-Date Options
If you want to keep the date going, we have a cheat sheet to guide you to your next destination. You can visit these places before or after your date.
Make this list your own. The map shows the tulip farm (purple), as well as bonus date options (green) in one place. Before you go, though, always check times in case something’s changed.
- The Black Sheep Restaurant (12 min drive): Built in 1929, this refurbished dairy barn boasts vaulted ceilings, warm rustic details, and aging barrels. Local ingredients combine with live entertainment to produce an exceptional dining experience. Come for the comfort food, stay for the drinks. Open Mon- Thurs: 11am – 10pm, Fri: 11am – 11pm, Sat: 10am – 11pm, Sun: 10am – 9pm.
- Crossroads Tabletop Tavern (17 min drive): Savor American tavern classics made from scratch for your table. With a game night almost every day of the week, fun starts here. While there, pick from a host of local alcohols, including their famous “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butterbeer.” Open Mon-Thurs: 12pm – 11pm, Fri: 12pm – 12am, Sat: 10am – 12am, Sun: 10am – 11pm.
- Doug’s Deli & Taproom (18 min drive): Pop in for a sandwich or salad that’s expertly paired with one of their hand-selected craft beers. Don’t miss Thursday night Trivia and other events at this family-owned joint. Open Sun-Tues: 11am – 4pm, Wed-Thurs: 11am – 9pm, Fri-Sat: 11am – 10pm.
- Battle Street Bistro (18 min drive): From Cajun chicken and Greek fries to a Brie club sandwich, enjoy their eclectic menu on their expansive rooftop. Open Mon-Thurs: 10am – 9pm, Fri: 10am – 10pm, Sat: 9am – 10pm, Sun: 9am – 3pm.