Tip-Toeing Through the Tulips

It’s strange to say it since I do run a blog partially focused on travel, but we’ve done very little of it since we had Arielle. Alex had started a new job right before she was born in 2019 and other than taking some time off after her birth, he had very few days to escape on any kind of real vacation. Then just when he could take some time off, Covid hit so except for a quick weekend away to my uncle’s in the mountains of New Hampshire last August, we’ve basically been homebodies for two years. I think this is the longest stretch in years since I’ve been on a plane.

So it was wonderful when we had the opportunity to take a family day trip down to Wicked Tulips in Exeter, RI, a week and a half ago. It was a beautiful, 70-degree day and the sun was out. Arielle just loved tip-toeing through the tulips (more like running like a crazy person) in her pink sparkle boots. It was really special for me to witness this as my one and only other time at the tulip farm was when I was 8 ½ months pregnant with her. 

Next time I think we need to plan our day a little bit better. Prior to our time in the field, we had made a stop for lunch in Wickford, RI, an adorable little town filled with charming shops and delicious eats which I’ll be sharing more about later this month. Even though she had had a short nap on the way down, she started feeling a bit tired again halfway through picking tulips (or, in her case, picking up rocks). Eventually, she plopped down on the grass and pulled both her boots and socks off before attempting to run barefoot down a row of flowers. Alex snatched her up before she could though and carried her the rest of the way back to the entrance.

Just a few notes for anyone planning to check out Wicked Tulips in Exeter, RI, or their sister field that is just opening up in Preston, CT

Tickets are a timed entry but once you are in the field you’re allowed to stay in there for as long as you’d like. Children 3 and under are free while those between 4 and 17 are $3, and adults are $17. Adult tickets include 10 tulips that you pick yourself. If you buy your tickets online prior to arriving, which I’d highly suggest, there is a booking fee. 

Make sure that you bring your own basket or bucket to collect your tulips (if you are planning on taking pictures, make it something cute) and have some water waiting in the car for the way home, especially if you have a ways to go, like us. And while it’s wonderful to wear long, flowy dresses and picture-perfect summer hats, be prepared to get a little dirty. Arielle tripped and fell about a dozen times (granted she isn’t yet two) and each time she insisted on wiping her dirt-covered hands on mine. 

Also, as of our trip, you are required to wear a mask in the fields, unless you’re taking a picture or you’re with one of the professional photographers for a mini shoot. We felt very safe with their social distancing measures and there are portapotties with an actual sink available for handwashing pre-or post-visit. 

It was really our first chance to just enjoy the warmer weather as a family and I am so looking forward to more fun day trips and also visiting Wicked Tulips again next year. 

Make sure to check out more of our trip over on Instagram.