Julie's Journeys: Washington DC: Cherry Blossoms at the Tidal Basin March 26- April 10, 2011

As I noticed the daffodils blooming in my front yard, I got to thinking about the annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC. Living in the Mid Atlantic region for many years, I personally have had a half a dozen opportunities to check out the cherry blossoms.

As I further researched this event, I discovered that in 1912 the Mayor of Tokyo gave the United States 3,000 cherry trees as a symbol of friendship between Japan and the US. The first festival commemorating this gift occurred in 1935.

Picture I took at Tidal Basin.
Washington, D.C.

In addition to the blossoms, the National Cherry Blossom Festival has a parade, community art show at Union Station, Park rangers and festival organizers are also available to provide information on the cherry trees and festival events. For a fee a paddle boat can be rented to glide around the tidal basin. What I love best about the festival is there are so many photo opportunities to be taken with your loved ones! Another great place to visit during the festival is the Washington Monument. You can also bring a kite for you and your friends to fly.

Cherry Blossoms and the Washington Monument
Washington, D.C.

Kite flying at the National Mall.

Paddle boats at the Tidal Basin.
Washington, D.C.

If you are able to see the blossoms go during a weekday. Going to the festival on either a Saturday or Sunday, the pedestrian sidewalks around the tidal basin can be really crowded. I highly recommend taking the Metro into the city. The city is packed, many tourists from all over the world come to this annual event. In addition to the cherry trees look out for the Tulip Library.

Sign at the Tulip Garden.
Washington, D.C.

Pretty pink tulips at the Tulip Library.
Washington, D.C.

Red and yellow tulips at the Tulip Library.
Washington, D.C.

Lone Red Tulip at the Tulip Garden.
Washington, D.C.

Purple and pink tulips at the Tulip Library.
Washington D.C.

Pink tulip at the Tulip Library.
Washington, D.C.

Take time to see the White House!

I read online that National Cherry Blossom Festival Organizers will be encouraging and promoting the fundraising efforts for the latest victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. We are so blessed in our country, it is important to remember those who are struggling at the moment.

Besides the tidal basin, let me tell you about the best-kept secret if you want to avoid the crowds and still see spectacular cherry blossoms. Take a self- guided tour, which is free, at the National Arboretum located at 3501 New York Ave. The only drawback is that you can not get there by public transportation, you must drive to the Arboretum.