The Netherlands’ most famous display of tulips and other bulb-flowers occurs at Keukenhof Gardens, where millions of bulbs explode with color over the course of two months. Which means if you’re not there from mid-March to mid-May, you miss out. A charming alternative is Tulpenland (Tulipland), an hour north of Amsterdam, a small attraction opened in 2012 by the large bulb company Fluwel. The family-run enterprise paid attention to every detail, making this a high-quality low-key attraction, and because it’s off the beaten path, you’ll encounter mostly Dutch tourists. Visitors first follow a wooded drive decorated with antique bulb-picking baskets to the colorful cafe and gift shop, which doubles as the entrance. From there, a path decorated with willow branches takes you by informational displays, with fascinating factoids for young and old. Near the area displaying historic farm equipment, kids can ride toy tractors around a course. Adults, meanwhile, will enjoy a nearby tulip-themed art exhibit. Compact but colorful tulip beds are scattered throughout Tulpenland, and bulbs bloom from spring to fall thanks to Fluwel’s greenhouses.
TULPENLAND Belkmerweg 65, Sint Maartenszee, Netherlands. www.fluwelstulpenland.com. Admission $8-$10, March-October.