10 great places to bask in daffodils' golden glow

— -- Spring and hope are synonymous with daffodils. Join enthusiasts in their passion, also known as "yellow fever," and brighten your day with a visit to these dramatic displays and events. Chriss Rainey, accredited judge and an awards chairman with the American Daffodil Society (daffodilusa.org), also is chairman of the American Pie Eaters show (May 2 in Washington, D.C.). She shares her list of places to celebrate the season with Kathy Baruffi for USA TODAY.

Nantucket Island Daffodil FestivalNantucket, Mass. "Daffodils frame windshields and headlights and fill convertible seats in the parade at this delightful event," held today through Sunday, Rainey says. A 1927 antique firetruck, a 1973 Ford Mustang and a '40s Woody wagon are among more than 100 antique vehicles decorated like the hats of spectators along Main Street. Even the dogs sport floral collars for this social event. 508-228-1700, nantucketchamber.org/visitor/events.html

Fellows Riverside Gardens Daffodil Show Youngstown, Ohio "This show (Saturday and Sunday) is held at Fellows Riverside Gardens, the beautiful public botanical garden, at Mill Creek MetroParks," Rainey says. "Stroll along the outdoor walkways of the 12-acre formal garden to see more daffodils as well as early tulips and flowering shrubs." Plan on spending the day at this free, 4,400-acre destination park with scenic rambling roads, several lakes, a working farm, café, lily pond, grist mill and golf course. 330-740-7116, millcreekmetroparks.org

Meriden Daffodil FestivalMeriden, Conn. "In the middle of Connecticut, over 600,000 daffodils of various species are abloom in Meriden's Hubbard Park for this wonderful event (Saturday and Sunday)," Rainey says. Carnival rides, three stages of continuous music, a food tent, crafts and fireworks on Saturday night will all be part of the mix at that event, now in its 31st year. Wave to Little Miss Daffodil, an elementary school student crowned in a daffodil wreath. 203-630-4259, daffodilfest.com