Right now is when Road Trips Gardeners should be headed toward Wilmington, North Carolina. That’s because the 70th annual North Carolina Azalea Festival takes place today (April 5, 2017) through Sunday (April 9, 2017) — with the biggest events set for the weekend.

Certified by the Azalea Society of America as an official “Azalea City”, Wilmington is a flowering showcase during early spring when azaleas dominate the landscape in shades of red, pink, and purple.

The Azalea Garden Tour sponsored by the Cape Fear Garden Club takes place Friday through Sunday for the 64th year, with gardens open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.

Historic Wilmington Foundation’s 50th annual Azalea Home Tour is Saturday and Sunday.

There’s also a two-hour parade beginning at 9:30 a.m. Saturday in downtown Wilmington, complete with flower-laden floats, marching bands, clowns, local pageant winners and celebrity guests.

(Photo courtesy of Cape Fear Garden Club)