There just aren't enough words that can ever describe the view of the Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC when they are in bloom. It feels like walking under huge mounds of cotton candy. The air is sweet with the smell of the blossoms and the waves of pink seem to go on for ever. Mark your calendars now for March 27 to April 11, 2010 for the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. Peak bloom dates for 2010 are projected to be April 3rd and 4th. However it is to early for the National Park Service to give a 100% accurate projections on the official peak bloom days.
Top off the beautiful trees with the views of the Jefferson Memorial and the Washington Monument and you have the best of both nature and history in front of your eyes. It doesn't matter where you are from or where you may be going; everyone smiles, photos are taken and picnics are shared.
The history of the Cherry Trees in Washington DC go back to 1912 when the then First Lady and the wife of the Japanese Ambassador planted the first two trees on the north side of the Tidal Basin. In all Japan sent over 3000 trees which were planted mostly around the Tidal Basin with others in Hains Point and on the grounds of the Washington Monument. Today the city has over 3700 Cherry trees that provide the show that thousands of people from around the world come to see once a year.
Taking a few hours every year to enjoy the sight of the trees and join the throngs of people reminds me of how great living in this city can be. With everything Washington DC offers we often forget in our busy lives to take in the beauty of the day. So mark your calendars now to make sure you don't miss the spectacular display that the National Cherry Blossoms provide to the Nations Capitol. You will be glad you did!
I have been to this event once in my life. I had a great time.
I was to DC once but never to this festival...sure looks like a nice time...maybe next trip there!
Hi Cindy, I have family in Manassas and Vienna and I have to say I've never been there during the Cherry Blossom time. It is so beautiful though. One day :)
Cindy, What a setting for a festival. The backdrop must really be incredable, the history is amazing.
Cindy...I have been attending this festival every year for over one half a century. I remember setting up my easel one year when Bob Ryan predicted snow during the festival. I can recall teenage dates, walking the tidal basin at sunset. So many times, the not-so-gentle breeze of April has created a blizzard of pink blossoms swirling against a beautiful azure blue sky.
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Cindy, this is something that I look forward to every year. This year The Cherry Blossoms will be an especially welcoming sight here in D.C. after the harsh winter storms we've endured.
Cindy, my wife always make attempts to get to this, but you know how it is when you live close by, but now you have inspired me to definately get it done this year...
Cindy,
I want to come. I was in Washington D.C. with the Girl Scounts when I was a Junior in High School. We were there when Martin Luther King Jr. was shot. There was a BIG traffic jam and very scary! I would love to come back and see everything through different eyes!
Cindy: My husband and I made a rare appearance in DC at Hains Point last weekend. I was envisioning the area in bloom with the Cherry Blossoms. It's always so lovely.
Cindy- Great calendar reminder. This is a perfect time to be in DC. We usually jump on the metro after getting my car towed one year!
Harry-you have to brave a few crowds but it an experience that everyone should have in their lifetime.
Kristin-but seeing the Cherry Blossoms in full bloom on your "bucket" list.
Jackie-you need to come down one year and see them. Worth the trip.
Nick-the setting and history together are what make the event so special.
John-you are so right. I'lll admit there have been a few years where I've blown off the walking the Tidal Basin but not anymore.
Brian-every sign of spring this year will be celebrated. It was a long cold winter!
Gerry-you aren't that far away! Make a day of it. You won't be disappointed.
Carra-the trick is to go early and take public transportation. You can walk from a multitude of locations. Driving around the tidal basin is only going to make you crazy :-)
Chris Ann-Haines Point isn't the same since The Awakening went across the river to National Harbor.
Elllie- a few years ago I drove with some friends. We did find a parking space but I vowed never again. If the weather is nice it is worth the walk.
Hi Cindy, We are within 4 hours from DC but have not yet been there during Cherry Blossom festival. Hope to do it some day.
It's like walking through a fairyland. Truly joyous!
Gita-if you find yourself coming to DC let me know.
Shirley-I can't imagine not having a smile on your face as you walk through around the Tidal Basin when the trees are in bloom.