Virginia Tulip Farms Draw Crowds for Spring Bloom Season

Family farms in Albemarle and Augusta counties turn tulip fields into seasonal attractions that connect visitors with agriculture.

ALBEMARLE COUNTY, VA (RealVirginia) — In Virginia, spring is bringing more than warmer weather.

Two family farms are turning fields of tulips into seasonal destinations, drawing visitors from across the region and creating a new way to connect agriculture with the community.

At Chiles Peach Orchard in Albemarle County, Henry Chiles and his sister, Ally Whitmer, are carrying on a family farming legacy that spans more than 100 years.

Just over the Blue Ridge Mountains in Augusta County, thousands of tulips are also helping continue the legacy of Bill Patterson’s family operation, Endless View Farms.

Their biggest weekend is expected to draw more than 1,500 visitors, all coming out to see the tulips in full bloom.

Both families say much of the work for this year’s festival began last fall, long before the first flowers opened in the spring.

Related Stories
RFD-TV farm legal expert Roger McEowen digs into the details on how to make your rural property dreams a reality — and avoid a living nightmare.
Some sustainability shifts are not particularly challenging and can be implemented with resources already available to farmers and ranchers on their operations.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold, President of the University of Nebraska, joined RFD-TV to discuss coping strategies for those aching joints.
FarmHER Katey Jo Evans of The Frozen Farmer joins us for a sneak peek of the latest episode of Dirt Diaries: The FarmHER + RanchHER Podcast.
As we gear up for the big event, Team BUBBA’s Brent Chapman of Kansas joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to talk preparation, teamwork, and the state of competitive bass fishing.
Once a year, Army crew chiefs and Black Hawk mechanics undergo live aerial gunnery training—loading, firing, and practicing the teamwork they’ll need in real missions.

Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The latest USDA price projections are raising new questions about crop payments and ARC calculations.
The Byrum family says bringing the next generation back to the farm is helping strengthen both the operation and the family bond.
Bredenkamp discusses industry support, Senate challenges and the push for expanded E15 access.
Dr. Derrell Peel says long-term price relief will depend more on rebuilding the U.S. cattle herd than increasing imports.
The Iowa cattle operation was recognized for its focus on soil health and sustainable farming practices.
Public lands advocates say the repeal could ease regulatory pressure on ranchers.
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
Join popular polka performer Mollie Busta as she hosts the weekly “Mollie B Polka Party” on RFD Network! The one-hour program features the nation’s top polka bands and a wide variety of ethnic styles, recorded on location at music festivals across the country.
Enjoy traditional country music from modern-day troubadours The Malpass Brothers. Each episode stars the brother duo of Chris & Taylor Malpass along with a featured celebrity guest– and loads of clever humor.
Twisted Skillet brings a straightforward, hands-on approach to kitchen television, rooted in food and fire. Hosted by Texas chef Sean Koehler, the series explores open-fire outdoor cooking techniques, regional ingredients, and the people who raise, prepare, and inspire the food found across America.
Brought to you by Gus Arrendale & Springer Mountain Farms, join dynamic bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent as they welcome scores of fabulous bluegrass, country, and gospel music acts as special guests. Loads of laughs, your favorite guests galore, and lots of good times are guaranteed. Don’t miss all the fun!
RFD-TV’s newest music series, “On the Record,” presented by John Deere, takes viewers on a journey through the heart of country music. Hosted by renowned broadcaster, Suzanne Alexander, the show features long-form interviews with today’s biggest artists and the veterans who inspired them. “On the Record” also gives viewers a front row seat to intimate performances and exclusive music video releases, highlighting the broad scope of Nashville’s talent.