New Yorkers believe they have the best in everything, but one New Yorker says she can concede this: the Philadelphia Flower Show rates among the top shows she’s been to anywhere. If you love flowers, foliage, gardening – get to Philadelphia March 11-19, 2017.

The Philadelphia Flower Show

The annual Philadelphia Flower Show hits town in March and it is a great way to spend a day. The show has special events for kids, adults, and even dogs. This year, the show celebrates “Holland: Flowering the World.”

If you are a gardener or enjoy strolling through botanic gardens, the show is nirvana. Since the northeast is not really a place to see many outdoor blooms this time of year, the show is a true harbinger of spring. You can feel winter’s gloom slipping away as you see all the colorful displays.

Here are a few of the highlights of the Philadelphia Flower Show:

Zero Waste

Subaru continues its commitment to the environment and its zero waste program with an exhibit on composting, using recycled materials and drought-resistant native plants.

Make a snack

A trail mix bar challenges guests to make a bag of healthy snacks of nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate to munch on as you tour the show.

Feed a Butterfly

The young and young at heart can check out Butterflies Live! In this exhibit, walk around a simulated butterfly habitat (think warm & humid – you might want to layer) and feed butterflies.

Family Day

The last of the show, March 19, is a special Family Day, with extra kid-friendly activities. The Teddy Bear Tea Party welcomes kids and their favorite stuffed animals; a separate ticket is required.

Not Just for Kids

The Railway Garden “Holland in Your Backyard” features large-scale model trains and a trolley, and demonstrates what you can create in a small backyard, perfect for city gardeners. There are also windmills and canals.

Adults Only

There are free wine and hard liquor tastings at the Fine Wine & Good Spirits exhibit, part of the World Market. There is also a Pop Up Beer Garden.

And to really enjoy some garden zen, check out the new Garden Spa, which offers a massage chair, mini facials, and skincare product samples, along with a drink of the day, for an extra fee.

Crafts Table

At a make and take area, kids and adults can make floral crafts to bring home.

Buy your tickets online to save a few dollars. The butterfly exhibit, railway garden and make & take crafts cost extra. The show is at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in downtown Philly.