Situated on 50 acres of hillside overlooking the Pacfic ocean are the Carlbad Flower Fields. Planted on the main fields are the Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers. Just below, towards the highway are the Carlbad Premium Outlets and up and over the hill is Legoland. As odd as the location may be, the Flower Fields have been there since 1965 and has been a popular tourist attraction due to its proximity to the highway. It was started by the Frazee family with seeds brought to the area by Luther Gage. Every year, these fields are open to the public for a limited time, generally during the spring when the flowers are in full bloom.
This year, the pattern of the fields has changed for the first time in 15 years. The new color pattern was designed by a professional colorist.
Surrounding the fields are other flower oriented attractions. One of the most notable is the historic Poinsettia Display where you can find the world famous Ecke poinsettias. Aside from the Poinsettia display, there are the antique tractor rides around the field, the “Artist” gardens, the American Flag of flowers, the Sweet Pea maze, the Cymbidium Orchid Greenhouse and Santa’s Playground to keep the kids busy.
During this visit, Canon happened to be sponsoring a mini-class on macro-photography. As with a free or low cost events (you need to pay admission to get into the fields, otherwise free), the barn was packed.
If you get hungry after walking the fields, two exits north on I-5 in downtown Carlsbad is an excellent italian restaurant, Vigilucci’s Cucina Italiana, where they claim to make everything fresh and to order. True to their word, I had special ordered a dish of pasta that was very well prepared. Highly recommended.
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Website Link: http:www.theflowerfields.com
Restaurant: Vigilucci’s Cucina Italiana
2943 State Street
Carlsbad, CA 92008
(760) 434-2500
I’m inspired by your photos – nice color and detail