April 17, 2007
Cherry Blossom Time in Washington
No experience of Washington, DC, can be complete without seeing the annual Cherry Blossom display. Each spring since 1912, the Japanese cherry trees have bloomed along the Tidal Basin. The original 3,000 cherry trees were a gift from Japan. A few of the original trees survive today. The beautiful display of pink and white blossoms is best enjoyed by a walk around the Tidal Basin.
The best time to view the trees is as close as possible to their peak bloom, usually sometime in late March to mid-April. The National Park Service publishes the estimated time for their blossoming. (Se the web site posted above.) But, you have to be quick. A late cold snap or thunderstorm could bring a sudden end to the spectacle. Traffic is impossible during cherry blossom season and parking nonexistent. The best way to view them is to take Metro to the Smithsonian station and exit at Independence Avenue, next to the Department of Agriculture building. Then, walk up Independence Avenue, across 14th Street, and on up to Maine Avenue. On the corner, you'll see the Washington Monument off to the right with blossoms below it. Directly ahead is the Tidal Basin.
A pathway leads all around the Tidal Basin. To the left, the path leads over Outlet Bridge and then to the West Basin and the Jefferson Memorial. This is an opportunity to visit the Jefferson Memorial if you have not seen it before. (Or, maybe not, as the crowds are large there.) Paddle boats can be rented to venture out on the Tidal Basin and view the blossoms while afloat.
To the right, the path leads over Kutz Bridge, along Independence Avenue again, to West Potomac Park. West Potomac Park is a favorite lunchtime destination at this time of year. Office workers, visitors, and families are all here to take in the sight and enjoy lunch amid the cherry trees. At this point you are on the opposite side of the Tidal Basin from the Jefferson Memorial. The path leads on past more trees to Inlet Bridge, completing the circle to the Jefferson Memorial. A Japanese stone lantern and a stone pagoda along the way compliment the scene.
A free printed trail guide provided by the National Park Service can be picked up at several points along the chery blossom path. Park rangers also give frequent interpretive tours of the blossom area.
The flowering cherry trees are found not only along the Tidal Basin, but also around the Washington Monument and on Capitol Hill.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the arrival of the blossoms with theme parades, food, music, and performances. Chery Blossom Festival web site:
http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/cms/index.php?id=390
The best time to view the trees is as close as possible to their peak bloom, usually sometime in late March to mid-April. The National Park Service publishes the estimated time for their blossoming. (Se the web site posted above.) But, you have to be quick. A late cold snap or thunderstorm could bring a sudden end to the spectacle. Traffic is impossible during cherry blossom season and parking nonexistent. The best way to view them is to take Metro to the Smithsonian station and exit at Independence Avenue, next to the Department of Agriculture building. Then, walk up Independence Avenue, across 14th Street, and on up to Maine Avenue. On the corner, you'll see the Washington Monument off to the right with blossoms below it. Directly ahead is the Tidal Basin.
A pathway leads all around the Tidal Basin. To the left, the path leads over Outlet Bridge and then to the West Basin and the Jefferson Memorial. This is an opportunity to visit the Jefferson Memorial if you have not seen it before. (Or, maybe not, as the crowds are large there.) Paddle boats can be rented to venture out on the Tidal Basin and view the blossoms while afloat.
To the right, the path leads over Kutz Bridge, along Independence Avenue again, to West Potomac Park. West Potomac Park is a favorite lunchtime destination at this time of year. Office workers, visitors, and families are all here to take in the sight and enjoy lunch amid the cherry trees. At this point you are on the opposite side of the Tidal Basin from the Jefferson Memorial. The path leads on past more trees to Inlet Bridge, completing the circle to the Jefferson Memorial. A Japanese stone lantern and a stone pagoda along the way compliment the scene.
A free printed trail guide provided by the National Park Service can be picked up at several points along the chery blossom path. Park rangers also give frequent interpretive tours of the blossom area.
The flowering cherry trees are found not only along the Tidal Basin, but also around the Washington Monument and on Capitol Hill.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the arrival of the blossoms with theme parades, food, music, and performances. Chery Blossom Festival web site:
http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/cms/index.php?id=390
Reflecting Pool
One of the original 1912 trees i…
Blossoms around the Washington M…
Cherry Blossom Close-up
Tidal Basin
Tidal Basin and Washington Monument
Gift of Trees banner
Me amid the Cherry Blossoms
Cherry tree plaque
Cherry blossom trail guide
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