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

Antrim Daffodil DayAntrim, N.H. "Daffodils grow very well in the acid soil of this Victorian-era village," Rainey says. "Five thousand bulbs have already been planted for this May 2 event. The master plan is for 20,000 bulbs within the next few years." Local resident and gardening guru Roger Swain, formerly with PBS' Victory Garden, will be the event's headliner. 603-588-3014,antrimcc.com

Harrogate Spring Flower ShowNorth Yorkshire, England "The Daffodil Society Northern Group shows here are fabulous," Rainey says. The popular event, running through Sunday, is affiliated with the North of England Horticulture Society, a group that was created as a northern alternative to London's Royal Horticulture Society. www.flowershow.org.uk/index.php?pagee=2

Blithewold Mansion, Garden & Arboretum Daffodil DaysBristol, R.I. "Vast fields of daffodils bloom from April 11 to May 3 at this serene seaside estate on Narragansett Bay, known for its 33 acres of gardens," Rainey says. Take a walk down Lover's Lane, a tree-canopied walkway to the water, and collect seashells. Be sure to return in the summertime when the rose gardens are abloom. 401-253-2707,blithewold.org

The New York Botanical GardenBronx, N.Y. "Three different daffodil collections — the Daffodil Valley, Daffodil Walk and Daffodil Hill — are among the tens of thousands at this 250-acre oasis in the city," Rainey says. The daffodils, which are on the grounds and will be in full bloom until May 1, are free for viewing all day on Wednesdays and 10 a.m.-noon on Saturday. Visit the Shop in the Garden for gardening and botanical books, plants and gifts. 718-817-8700, nybg.org

City of Belfast Spring FairBelfast, Northern Ireland "The Spring Flower Show of this fair (Saturday and Sunday) is held at a Georgian manor," Rainey says. "The building is part of Barnett Demesne, a former estate that is now parkland surrounded by the Belfast hills." Daffodils, bonsai and floral art as well as live animals, music and children's activities are part of this annual celebration that is a combination flower show and environmental event. www.belfastcity.gov.uk/parksandopenspaces/springfair.asp

Chicago Botanic GardenChicago "Half a million daffodils are blooming throughout the vast collections here," Rainey says. Evening Island, a popular 5-acre meadow garden, has thousands of them, as does Bird Island. The American Daffodil Society National Convention & Show, Saturday and Sunday, will bring in more for display, judging, and photo and design competitions. 847- 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org

Daffodil Society of Minnesota Spring ShowMinneapolis "Members of the Society are on hand during this wonderful show to answer questions and share their enthusiasm," Rainey says. It's easy to record varieties and take photos because the flowers are displayed on tables. Bachman's, the largest floral nursery operation in the state, provides their auditorium for the event, May 2-3. 612-861-7600, daffodilmn.org/eventcal.htm