This is one of my favorite times of the year in the Washington D.C. area. It's the best time to come visit Washington. To be honest, it may even be reason enough to move here (okay, I've got my own self-interest in mind, since I sell homes in Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia).
I'm talking of course about the arrival of the beautiful Cherry Blossoms!
According to the official website of the National Cherry Blossom Festival,
"The blooming of the cherry trees around the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C. has come to symbolize the natural beauty of our nation's capital city. The famous trees, a gift from Japan in 1912, signal Washington’s rite of spring with an explosion of life and color that surrounds the Tidal Basin in a sea of pale pink and white blossoms. Thousands of city residents and visitors from across the nation and around the world come here to witness the spectacle, hoping that the trees will be at the peak of bloom for the Cherry Blossom Festival."
This year, the experts (are there really Cherry Blossom experts? I guess so) are predicting that the Cherry Blossoms will be in bloom from March 28th through April 11th, with the peak bloom between April 1st and April 4th.
If you've never been to D.C. and seen the Cherry Blossoms in full bloom, you are missing out indeed. It looks like a sea of pink cotton candy. Families, friends, lovers, tourists, and office workers alike, take time out of their hectic days to leisurely stroll along the Tidal Basin in view of the Jefferson Memorial and the Washington Monument. Having a picnic under the shade and beauty of the Cherry Blossoms is a fantastic way to while away a Spring afternoon.
Reserve early and paddle around the Tidal Basin on a paddle boat made for two. Attend the 43rd Annual Smithsonian Kite Festival on the National Mall this Saturday, March 28th. Participate in the Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run on April 5th. The day before, on Saturday the 4th, enjoy the Cherry Blossom Parade -- always a favorite.
The Cherry Blossoms are Coming! The Cherry Blossoms are Coming!
Are you?
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Brian - I have lived here my whole life and have not been to see the Cherry Blossoms since I was a Cub Scout, oh, around 1960 or 61. People still do that?
Congrats on the new position in McLean... not that I didn't know some weeks ago, but congrats!!
Brian - It must be breathtaking! The photos are amazing. I have never seen the blossums there in DC, and one of my friends is up there with his wife. They wanted a vacation and the cherry blossums were on their bucket list! Sorry to be a Florida gal, but do these blossums have a wonderful smell too?
Brian - The photos of the cherry blossoms are beautiful and so colorful...I have never had a chance to visit D.C. but would love to someday just to see the cherry blossoms in bloom.
Beautiful cherry blossoms Brian...I love them!
There they are! I love it when those come out - they can really brighten up the town!
Brian:
Really good post, but the photos are just gorgeous. We have a big Cherry Blossom Festival down in Macon. Your post made me think about it.
I've never managed to be in D.C. for the cherry blossoms. Probably would just make me sneeze, but I enjoyed your pictures.
I have been to D.C. ONCE for the cherry blossoms and you are so right - it is an AMAZING SIGHT!!! I want to someday travel to Japan to see where it all started...
Brian-I did a drive by on Sunday to see how the blossoms were coming. My daughter is arriving today from the UK and we have plans to be among the crowds this weekend.