The Festival
Washington D.C.'s National Cherry Blossom Festival generally lasts for two weeks each year, starting around the last weekend in March and the first week of April. The projected dates each year are decided upon by selected dendrologists and meteorologists who have cherry blooming down to a science. Visitors arrive to see the three thousand trees, a gift from the mayor of Tokyo, bloom. The Tidal Basin is the manmade body of water along the southern section of the National Mall, between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. The Jefferson and Roosevelt Memorials are positioned along the basin.
Stroll the Tidal Basin
Take the Washington Metro into the city from any of the Maryland or Virginia suburban Metro stations. Depart at the Smithsonian Metro station. Arrive at the National Mall early in the morning, preferably just after dawn. Early arrival allows for a casual, less congested stroll among the cherry trees. Remember that the National Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual happening and as the day progresses, the pathways, the memorials, museums and specific festivities can become crowded with a mass of people.
From the Smithsonian Metro, use the Washington Monument as a landmark, and walk westward to 15th Street. Follow 15th Street southward toward the basin. From this focal point, one can easily see the trees in bloom. Once among the cherry blossoms, note the paddle boats to the right. They won't open until mid-morning, but make a mental note of them.
There are several pathway options here: outer sidewalk, unpaved path, or a narrow sidewalk that traces the basin. Follow any path of choice toward the Jefferson Memorial. The only distraction may be an occasional Washingtonian out for an early morning jog and requiring right-of-way, but otherwise the cherry blossoms should be a peaceful and pleasant experience. The tree branches stretch in almost every direction, allowing the visitor close inspections of the blossoms’ pink hues. The entire stroll around the basin is approximately 1.5 miles in length, longer if a visit to the memorials is desired. While the Jefferson and Roosevelt Memorials are adjacent to the basin, the Lincoln, Korean, Vietnam, and World War Two Memorials are just a short walk away.
Kite Festival
Formerly affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution, the annual Washington D.C. Kite Festival has been absorbed and sponsored by the Cherry Blossom Festival. Kite enthusiasts from around the world gather at the Washington Monument, generally on the first weekend of the larger festival, and showcase the beautiful construction and design of their kites. Children are also invited to build their own flyable kites. The event takes place from mid-morning to late afternoon, but crowds gather early. One suggestion is to arrive early in the morning, plant a blanket at a designated area, and make the event a picnic day.
Cherry Blossom Parade
A culminating festival event, the Cherry Blossom Parade runs ten blocks along Constitution Avenue and is free to those who wish to stand along the parade route. Grandstand tickets are available and need to be purchased well in advance. The parade offers everything one would expect in a parade, with the emphasis on pink.
Paddle Boats
The Cherry Blossom Festival has ensured that participants can find exciting ways to celebrate this annual event. Daily exhibitions, family activities, as well as enticements by the Smithsonian museums, all equate to something quite memorable. However, an afternoon paddle boat trip on the Tidal Basin should not be missed. When the Mall becomes most congested, one can escape to the water, shared only with other boaters, migrating ducks, and scattered cherry blossoms. Rentals are by the hour, which is plenty of time to paddle across to the Jefferson Memorial or create a wake among the floating blossoms along the embankments. One option is to paddle beneath the Kutz Bridge for an amazing perspective of the Washington Monument.
The 2011 Cherry Blossom Festival begins March 26th with festivities happening throughout the National Mall area. It's highly suggested to make lodging arrangements in the Maryland or Virginia suburbs and use the Washington Metro to commute into the city. Parking spaces around the National Mall are limited. Please refer to the official website for more information.
http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/
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