I have recently returned from checking something off my bucket list. Now that I am retired and have some free time in the spring we took a trip to Amsterdam for the annual tulip festival. The Amsterdam Tulip Festival at Keukenhof Gardens transforms the Dutch countryside into a vibrant spectacle of color each spring. Often called the "Garden of Europe," Keukenhof in Lisse, about 40 minutes southwest of Amsterdam, hosts one of the world's largest flower displays. It draws over a million visitors annually during its brief eight-week season and I can see why. The outside gardens were spectacular with indoor displays of forced (greenhouse grown) tulips of every variety on the market. There are early, mid and late season tulips but the indoor display at Keukenof had every variety blooming at the same time so you could compare color, size and type. Keukenhof's history traces back to the 15th century, when the grounds served as a kitchen garden, where the word "keukenhof" originates, for Countess Jacqueline of Bavaria near Teylingen Castle. In the 19th century, landscape architect Jan David Zocher designed the English-style park that forms its core today. The modern tulip festival began in 1950, when Dutch bulb growers created a showcase for their spring flowering bulbs. Today, it stands as an independent exhibition for the Dutch floricultural industry, emphasizing bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. This year, Keukenhof opens its doors from March 19 to May 10, which is similar to previous years. The 79 acre park features more than 7 million bulbs and around 800 tulip varieties and that is just the displays and gardens in the park. The flower fields surrounding the park are even larger than the park itself. These displays include historic cultivars from the 16th century alongside modern hybrids in every imaginable hue from fiery reds, soft pastels, bold purples, and even striped or fringed "parrot" tulips. The gardens feature 15 kilometers of winding paths, serene ponds, fountains, sculptures, snack bars, play ground and inspirational theme gardens. An authentic Dutch windmill offers panoramic views over the blooming fields. The experience extends beyond outdoor displays as other indoor pavilions host rotating flower shows throughout the season, featuring cut tulips, potted arrangements, hyacinths, orchids, and other blooms. Early in the season, when some outdoor tulips are still emerging, these exhibitions provide fragrant, artistic highlights. Visitors can rent bikes to explore surrounding bulb fields or take whisper boats for a gentle glide through the colorful landscape. When we were there in late March the tulips in the fields were just coming up but the hyacinths and daffodils were if full force. The peak blooming period typically occurs in mid to late April, when vast swathes of tulips reach full glory, creating photograph worthy carpets of color. Weather influences exact timing, as some spring's are colder than other, but that usually only means a one to two week shift. We planned our trip over a year ago and we were not disappointed. Even early in the festival and going on a Monday, the place was packed with visitors. Trip Advisor states that many days are already sold out in mid and late April, especially the weekends as there is a different special event every weekend during the tulip festival. As much as I hate large crowds, I think I will have to go back in some years to come for one of there weekend events like the tulip parade or Dutch heritage festival. Working every spring for forty-one years, one misses a lot and I have a lot to make up for.