As winter’s grip loosens and springtime’s gentle embrace awakens the land, Washington County, New York, transforms into a vibrant tapestry of sights, smells, and sounds! From the verdant landscapes of rolling hills to the fields of flowers and friendly farm animals, the county offers a multitude of opportunities to immerse oneself in the beauty of the season.

Whether you’re looking for a hands-on experience, unique shops or simply a scenic drive through the springtime countryside, you’ll find it all in Washington County, NY.

So, let’s explore some of the best ways to experience springtime in the upper Hudson Valley!

Pictured: Pollinator garden at the Hudson Crossing Park

Naturally, many of the best places to experience springtime are waiting in the great outdoors! While many of our parks and Main Streets come bursting to life with blooms in the spring, there are several locations that have grown into springtime hotspots.

One great place to experience flowers blooming and birds singing is the Hudson Crossing Park, located on an island in the Hudson River between Washington and Saratoga counties. Their pollinator garden is home to a plethora of native plants that bloom throughout the year, so you’ll likely see something new each time you visit. Plus, as a designated site on the NYS Birding Trail, you’ll also see (and hear!) many unique species, from migrating waterfowl to stationary songbirds.

If you love birds, you won’t want to miss a visit to the Livingston Brook Heron Rookery! While there are no trails on this 25-acre preserve, it is one of NY State’s Watchable Wildlife locations because of the spectacular views it gives even from the side of the road. After all, this area provides a prime nesting location for up to a dozen Great Blue Herons each spring! Grab your binoculars and stop by, then explore other top locations for wildlife watching!

Another local favorite spot is the lushly landscaped 9-acre grounds of The Georgi Park and Museum. There, you’ll find a beautiful array of flowers leading the way to the banks of the Battenkill. However, their famous hydrangea orchard blooms a little later in the year in August and September, so be sure to plan another trip.

Pictured: Baby dwarf Nigerian goat at Sperry Family Farm in Argyle, NY

In addition, there’s another unforgettable part of spring that’s abundant in Washington County: baby animals!

If you love goats, you absolutely won’t want to miss Sperry Family Farm’s Barn Full of Goats experience through Airbnb. There’s no better way to get up close and personal with these friendly, fuzzy critters. Don’t forget to check out their farm store to stock up on their farm-made goat milk soap, lotions and more!

In Hudson Falls, you’ll find Dove Haven Farm, who offers more ways to make friends with goats! Whether you schedule a farm visit to pick springtime flowers or a goat yoga session to enjoy with your friends, you’ll love exploring all this beautiful farm has to offer.

But that’s not all! For those of you who love highland cows, Tiashoke: Farm, Store & More offers their “Hanging with the Highlands” experience from April to December. This fun hands-on activity allows you to brush the highlands’ long coat, as well as snuggle with and feed snacks to these gentle giants.

Pictured: Maple syrup being made at Wild Hill Maple in Salem, NY

During the spring months, Washington County businesses host many unique events for visitors to enjoy! Here are some of the can’t-miss annual events held each March, April and May:

• Maple Weekends – On the last two weekends in March, local sugar shacks invite guests in to see the maple syrup-making process, sample their goods and purchase sweet treats like maple candy, maple tea and more. Some local producers even host extra fun activities like pancake breakfasts, horse-drawn wagon rides and children’s craft activities!
• Southern Adirondack Homesteading Festival – Learn everything ag at this weekend-long event held at the Washington County Fairgrounds in late April. If you’ve ever wanted to level up your skills in homesteading, this is the event for you. Come learn from local farmers and see if you’ve got what it takes!
• Washington County Fiber Tour – Sheep, alpacas, angora rabbits and more! Meet ’em all on this unique driving tour held the last weekend in April. It’s a great chance to shop local fiber and farm-made items while enjoying some of the best views throughout the county.
• Art + Ag Tour – On the first Sunday in May, you’ll find a dynamic driving tour combining artwork and agriculture, featuring many of our county’s top-rated agritourism destinations as well as world-class local artists.
• Washington County Antiques Fair – Also held the first weekend in May, the twice-annual Antiques Fair gathers over 200 of North America’s top antiques dealers in one place to sell their antiques, collectibles, crafts and flea market items.

Pictured: The roadside Hand Melon Market farm stand in Greenwich, NY

Additionally, since Washington County is agricultural to the core, it’s no surprise you’ll find many incredible plant nurseries and greenhouses in our area. Each of them carries a wide variety of beautiful blooms and ornamental flowers, perfect for sprucing up your own home or garden.

One of the best options is not only a greenhouse in the springtime, but also a working farm! Enjoy a hands-on experience in Gardenworks Farm’s Pick Your Own Healthcare garden, with many different flowers, herbs, fruits and vegetables available throughout the year. Plus, their renovated barn is now home to a bustling marketplace, offering artwork, gifts and locally-made pantry products as well as dried flowers for all your crafting and decor needs.

A florist, nursery and landscape design company, Mandy’s Spring Nursery has steadily grown into one of the best places in the region to purchase healthy and hardy plants. Their 200-acre farm in Granville is also home to the Gables & Gardens event venue, a classic timber frame barn popular for weddings and special events alike. On the other hand, The Garden Barn in Fort Edward offers beautiful spring blooms and hanging baskets, as well as gifts, home decor, furniture, a tasty local cafe and much, much more. Additionally, the world-famous Hand Melon Farm operates a market in Greenwich, NY that sells nursery plants and delicious produce that’s been enjoyed by presidents and movie stars alike.

More Destinations for Springtime Flora

Of course, there are many more great places to see, smell and purchase springtime blossoms! You can also check out the greenhouse at Laura’s Garden, the farm stand at Butternut Ridge Farm, or visit Lavender Field Farm, Coral’s Corner & Cones and ACA Lawnscape Supply. Plus, in late May, Lavenlair Farm opens their u-pick peony fields, with lavender to follow later in the season!

Last but not least, you can also taste the unique flavors of Washington County by picking up some single-origin honey from local apiaries such as Slate Valley Farms. Both online and in their farm store, you’ll find their popular wildflower honey, as well as maple syrup infused with other delicious flavors like hibiscus. They’re also home to the Slateville Retreat, a cabin and fire tower rental offering simply stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

If you’re looking for comfortable yet unique accommodations, you’ll find many great options within our charming small towns and rural farmland!

In the heart of Salem, you’ll find the Yellow Door Inn. This historic Victorian home has all the modern comforts, as well as gorgeous and inviting landscaping to enjoy just outside your front door.

Further north in Granville lies Andelyn Farm, a rustic campground featuring a historic cabin for rent, as well as luxury glamping yurts and scenic sites to pitch your own tent. Guests are welcomed to explore their farm’s natural environment, which includes woodlands, wildflower meadows, ponds and more.

For even more great rentals, explore our variety of bed & breakfasts, inns, vacation rentals and beyond!

Looking for more ways to experience the best of springtime in Washington County, NY?

Washington County, NY is a beautiful & welcoming destination for all ages and interests! With its miles upon miles of trails, one-of-a-kind shops, award-winning restaurants, local theaters and lively craft beverage community, the county has everything you need for your most memorable trip yet.

So come on down and explore all that Washington County has to offer! And while you’re here, check out one of our many interesting local events, unique places to stay, unforgettable experiences and more.