1. The Beauty of Daffodil Days in Newport
2. Daffodil Days Events and Attractions
3. Best Places to View Daffodils
Newport, Rhode Island, has long been known for historic mansions, sailing, famous residents, and a gorgeous coastline — but it was never recognized for daffodils. That is, until the city’s tree warden was inspired by the fields of daffodils in Aberdeen, Scotland, and decided to recreate the beauty back in the U.S.
More than 15 years have passed since that moment, and today, daffodils have become synonymous with spring in Newport. These cheerful yellow blooms signal the arrival of spring and welcome visitors eager to partake in Newport’s “Daffodil Days,” when over 1.3 million daffodils beautify the city.
Daffodil Days (also known as Daffy Days) occur throughout April, showcasing the bright yellow flowers all around Newport. The festivities commence on April 1 with opening ceremonies and a “Daffy Dog Paw-rade.” Following this, on April 8, bikers dressed in yellow traverse Newport’s daffodil-laden fields before concluding their ride at Ballard Park, which boasts more than 20,000 blooms. The Newport Rhode Races — featuring a full marathon, half marathon, and 5K run — are scheduled for April 15, starting from Easton’s Beach, home to 25,000 daffodils. Furthermore, from April 14 through April 23, Daffodil Days coincide with Newport Restaurant Week, providing opportunities for both foodies and flower enthusiasts to enjoy special deals at local eateries.
As the month proceeds, a daffodil-themed gala will take place at the Audrain Automotive Museum. Additionally, there will be a “Driving Miss Daffodil” event, featuring a parade of decorated cars and drivers cruising through Newport’s daffodil hot spots. Notably, on April 25 and 27, the Green Animals Topiary Garden will display an impressive array of daffodils amongst its topiary creations, including sculptures shaped like animals such as a camel, giraffe, and ostrich.
Every Sunday in April, Castle Hill Inn, with its 34,000 daffodil bulbs planted on the property, hosts a jazz brunch on the lawn, allowing guests to enjoy a delightful meal with views of the blooming flowers.
Newport’s iconic spring blooms are visible throughout the city, yet there are seven official daffodil fields where visitors can fully appreciate the splendor of the blooms that blanket the open spaces in vibrant color. These include a flower field along the cliff walk near Salve Regina University and a daffodil field situated across from Newport’s renowned Easton’s Beach (the starting point for the Newport Rhode Races).
Visitors during Daffodil Days are encouraged to enjoy and photograph the stunning flowers, but it is essential to refrain from picking them.
