Weekly Report Will Help New Yorkers Identify the Best Places to See Lilacs, Roses, Tulips, Magnolias and Cherry Blossoms at Over 30 Partner Attractions Statewide – Interactive State Map Available Here
Governor Hochul Also Reminds New Yorkers of Spring-Themed Hikes, Maple Sugar Programs, and Nature Programs at New York State Parks – Calendar of Upcoming Events Available Here
Builds on Governor’s Commitment to Supporting New York’s $123 Billion Tourism Industry
Governor Kathy Hochul today celebrated the start of spring with the launch of the New York Blooms Report, a weekly report to help New Yorkers identify the best places to see roses, lilacs, tulips, cherry blossoms, and magnolias at more than 30 partner attractions across New York State. The reports, managed by I LOVE NY and designed to encourage and help travelers plan a spring getaway, feature on-site information from staff at a variety of botanical and public gardens, farms, State Parks and historic sites across New York. The first reports are online starting today, March 20, and will update every Wednesday afternoon through June, exclusively on iloveny.com/blooms. Governor Hochul’s announcement marks the start of spring tourism in New York and builds on the Governor’s commitment to supporting New York’s $123 billion tourism industry.
“Spring is an exciting time in New York as the temperatures get warmer, the birds return from their winter migration, and the flowers bud and bloom in both our own gardens and in the many parks and botanical gardens throughout the state," Governor Hochul said. "I encourage residents and visitors to stop and smell the roses – and a host of other flowers— while also discovering all that our parks, farms, historic sites and gardens have to offer.”
The new New York Blooms Reports will be compiled weekly using the on-location field observations from the arborists, gardeners and caretakers at over 30 sites throughout the state's 11 vacation regions. The reports track the stages of bloom for each of this year's five selected blooms, ranging from "no activity yet" to "full bloom" to "past peak/done blooming." Partner sites will also share photos to be featured in the report, and information about any unique or exciting flowers in their given locations. Additionally, reports will provide news about springtime flower events to encourage travel, from renowned celebrations like the Rochester Lilac Festival and Albany Tulip Festival, to smaller garden shows and exhibitions. A full listing of Blooms Report partner sites is available here.
The New York Blooms Report will also be supported by digital and social media advertising efforts, featuring examples of the picturesque spring flowers. Travelers are invited to share their best New York State flower photos on social media using the #NYBloomsReport hashtag for a chance to be featured on the I LOVE NY website and official social media accounts, reaching more than two million followers on Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Threads.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “The new Blooms Report is I LOVE NY's latest offering to help New Yorkers and travelers plan a spring getaway to explore the state. Tourism supports local jobs and businesses, which generate and help to sustain regional economic growth. Spring is the perfect opportunity to visit different parts of the state to enjoy the floral offerings and seasonal festivals, and experience firsthand the communities that make New York a diverse and unique destination.”
Read the full press release here.