Governor Hochul Celebrates Start of Spring Season With Launch of New York Blooms Report

Governor Kathy Hochul 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 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.”

ESD Vice President and Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, “Spring has sprung in New York and we are excited to offer a new way to showcase the depth and breadth of our beautiful floral attractions and events. The New York Blooms Report is a fantastic new tool that can assist in planning a spring getaway around flower displays at botanical gardens, farms, and historic sites across the state. We invite everyone to utilize the report and interactive map to find their favorite floral attraction to visit this spring. Then grab a farm fresh meal, choose from a variety of cozy accommodations, and enjoy other fun springtime festivities while taking in the fresh air and blooms, making it easy to love New York.”

Additionally, New York State Parks and Historic Sites will offer an array of opportunities to enjoy the changing season in the Empire State. From spring-themed hikes and bird walks to maple sugaring demonstrations to hidden egg hunts, State parks and historic sites offer a variety of family-friendly activities and unique ways to enjoy the great outdoors. Visit the State Parks calendar of events for more information and registration details: parks.ny.gov/events

In 2024, New York State Parks is celebrating its Centennial, and visitors are encouraged to take in the Centennial Challenge. The challenge includes a list of 100 activities to get outdoors and discover state parks. Visitors who complete 24 out of 100 activities earn a commemorative Centennial prize, as well as an entry into a random drawing for additional prizes. For more information, visit parks.ny.gov/100/challenge

New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said, “Discover what many New Yorkers already know: Visiting a state park is a fun and affordable way to get away – in every season of the year. As we celebrate our Centennial in 2024, I encourage New Yorkers to visit us and see all that New York State Parks and Historic Sites have to offer."

Governor Hochul recently announced that New York State welcomed a record 291.5 million visitors in 2022, the largest number of visitors in New York State’s history, generating more than $78.6 billion in direct spending and $123 billion in total economic impact. The Governor has continued to support state tourism through I LOVE NY marketing efforts to encourage travel throughout New York and tens of millions of dollars in direct support to tourism organizations and venues for tourism-related marketing efforts and capital projects.

SOURCE: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-celebrates-start-spring-season-launch-new-york-blooms-report