The tulips at Holland Ridge Farms in Cream Ridge have become one of New Jersey’s most photographed spots in the spring. The farm itself is so popular, that it was recently named home to the best tulip festival in the country!
Beyond the whopping 8 million colorful tulips to take in, there are plenty of other things to keep you and your crew entertained during a visit, starting with opening day for the tulips on April 11 and Dutch Fest from April 17-20.
So what goes into transforming the 300+ acre farm into a dreamy spring scene of rainbow tulips straight out of Holland? “You would think an event of this size would take an army, but in reality, there’s less than 10 of us who work year-round to bring it all together,” says Patrick Marini, Holland Ridge’s creative manager.
Marini says bulbs are ordered during the summer for the following spring. “We make sure to only order the most colorful and most hardy varieties that will grow well out in the flower fields,” he says. “As soon as sunflower season ends, we start planting the millions of tulip bulbs. Over the winter they grow roots and form flower buds, while we start planning out new photo props and improvements to the farm and event. We love that we have so many returning visitors who make our tulip event their yearly family tradition.”
What’s New This Spring
There’s a new windmill on site that came straight from Holland, and you can celebrate its grand opening during Dutch Fest. It’s 100 feet tall, and is visible from the New Jersey Turnpike!
To keep it authentic, there will be a 15-piece brass band from the Netherlands, freshly-made stroopwafels and poffertjes, a selection of Dutch cheeses to taste and buy, floral-themed cocktails, photo props, pictures with Volendam ladies in their traditional outfits, and a tented picnic area with Dutch elements.
Marini says events are a natural next step, given what he calls an “incredible energy” at the farm. “In the Netherlands, they call it ‘gezellig.’ This loosely translates to being sociable, friendly and enjoying the company of others. It’s more of a feeling to describe the culture of Holland and Holland Ridge Farms.”
We know you’re planning your outfits for some sweet spring pictures, since the farm is a hotspot for photo shoots, from engagements and wedding pics to maternity and anniversary shots and beyond.
You can ride around the farm in a chauffeur-driven gator to get a more up-close-and-personal experience. Rentals are for up to four people, can be rented any day of the week, and cost $150 for 1 hour 45 minutes. Returning this year is a bus service from Port Authority in NYC to the farm on the weekends.
There are other perks the farm offers, too. You can order and ship tulip boxes across the country. There’s new merch this year, including tees, sweatshirts and hats to show off your “happy place.” And you can book an 8-day tour package to Holland through a partnership with Holland Ridge.
Here are a few things to know if you’re planning a visit to see the tulips:
U-pick tulip season will be in full bloom! Tickets are $20 per person and must be purchased online in advance. Dates run through May 4, and do include weekdays. Kids younger than 3 are free. Some activities have an additional fee. Flower picking is $1 per stem.
Plan to arrive on or as close to your arrival time as possible given the crowds. Visitors typically spend around 3 hours at the farm. Aside from the gorgeous photo ops, there will be food trucks, farm animals, a feeding zoo, a picnic area, pony rides, a tractor-pulled hayride, Dutch souvenirs, a bakery, a tulip planting museum, and of course, u-pick flowers. The farmers and makers markets will be set up every weekend. Dog & Ram Distillery will serve floral-themed cocktails on the weekends, in addition to mocktails and gourmet soda.
Wear comfy shoes since you’ll be doing lots of walking and if the kids have seasonal allergies, be sure to pack some extra tissues.
Come hungry. The bakery and gift shop will be open every day. A food truck calendar will be posted on the website so you know what types of food are in store for you.
Parking is free. There are multiple entrances and exits for visitors to enter the farm and checkout with their flowers. However, sometimes parking can be overwhelming so be prepared to wait for a spot.
Holland Ridge Farms is located at 108 Rues Road in Cream Ridge. Follow the farm’s latest updates @hollandridgefarms on Instagram.
- Jennifer Amato contributed to this story.
See the beauty of the u-pick festivals via our Instagram page.
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