PHOTO by L. Barnes for Visit Alexandria
Cherry Blossoms
There is nothing quite like viewing the cherry blossoms in full bloom — and you can see them without going into the District.
These parks are great places to enjoy the spring blossoms near Alexandria and avoid the crowds in D.C. The National Park Service has predicted the 2018 peak bloom dates to be April 8 - 12.
Green Spring Gardens - 4603 Green Spring Rd, Alexandria, VA 22312 (703)-642-5173. Visit an 18th century plantation house and stroll through the 9.5-acre garden. See cherry trees along with a variety of other spring flowers, a wooded stream valley with ponds, a greenhouse and a children’s garden. For more information, visit fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/green-spring.
River Farm - 7931 E Boulevard Dr, Alexandria, VA 22308 (703) 768-5700. Once a part of George Washington’s property, the farm is home to the American Horticultural Society headquarters and features a small grove of cherry trees near the front gates, four acres of meadows with colorful flowers on display and a children’s garden and play area. For more information, visit ahsgardening.org/about-river-farm.
Meadowlark Gardens - 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct, Vienna, VA 22182 (703) 255-3631. The 95-acre botanical garden is a prime place to take a walk in springtime as it offer unique ornamental displays and plant collections that wind along its meandering walking trails. Spring blooms include cherry trees, daffodils, tulips, magnolias, wildflowers, and more. For more information, visit novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens.
Food & Drink Offerings in Alexandria
If you love the cherry blossoms, you just have to eat them too. Alexandria Restaurant Partners participates in the National Cherry Blossom Festivals Cherry Picks and offers unique cherry-themed dishes during the celebration from March 20 to April 15 at Virtue Feed & Grain, Vola’s Dockside Grill, The Majestic and Lena’s Wood-fired Pizza & Tap.
Indulge in everything cherry, from a Chipotle-Cherry Margarita at Virtue Feed & Grain to a Pork Chop with Morrello Cherry Glaze at The Majestic to Cherry Clafoutis at Lena's. For more information, visit www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/visitor-information/cherrypicks.
More Family Fun Cherry Blossom Events
The signature National Cherry Blossom Festival events include the opening ceremonies, the Blossom Kite Festival, the Southwest Waterfront Fireworks display, the National Cherry Blossom Parade, the Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival and many more.
In addition to the festival events in Washington D.C., Virginia parks and historic sites offer cherry-centric activities. Check the schedule of activities at Sully Historic Site, Workhouse Arts Center, Meadowlark Gardens, and your other favorite local landmarks.
The festival runs from March 20 to April 15, 2018.
Beware the dates that the blossoms are completely open can easily change, so be sure to check for the most up-to-date forecast. Here below is a guide to making your cherry blossom season the most colorful.
Cherry Blossom Boat Cruises and Water Taxi Service
Alexandria offers boat cruises and water taxi services to make it easy to cross the Potomac to take part in the National Cherry Blossom Festival events. Traverse the Potomac River and see Old Town Alexandria from a different perspective.
In addition to viewing the blossoms and attending the signature events, return to Old Town to celebrate the arrival of spring as you explore the lively shopping, dining and art scenes. Take a stroll along the waterfront or cobblestone streets or hop on a bike and pedal north on the Mount Vernon Trail and across the Potomac to enjoy panoramic views.
Potomac Riverboat Company (www.potomacriverboatco.com) offers specially themed tours during the National Cherry Blossom Festival including the following:
30-minute water taxi between Old Town and the National Mall, disembarking just steps from the famous cherry blossoms on the Tidal Basin. The water taxi docks at Ohio & West Basin Drive SW, near the Tidal Basin, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial. March 24-April 15, 2018. Departing at 11:10 a.m., 1:35 p.m., and 4:30 p.m. Admission: starting at $28 round-trip for adults.
25-minute water taxi from Old Town to the new Wharf development in D.C. From the dock at The Wharf, it’s a 10-minute walk to the cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin. The water taxi docks at the Transit Pier, 950 Wharf St. SW, near the Tidal Basin, the National Mall, and Hains Point. March 1-December 31, 2018. Departing at 9:40 a.m., 1:05 p.m., 2:25 p.m., 3:45 p.m., 6:25 p.m., 7:35 p.m., and 9:05 p.m. Admission: starting at $20 round-trip for adults.
45 minutes one-way and approximately 90 minutes round-trip Cherry Blossom Monuments Cruise. View the iconic monuments, memorials and bridges and see beautiful cherry blossom trees as you glide past Hains Point and head to Georgetown. The cruise is offered during peak bloom on Saturdays and Sundays, March 24-April 15, 2018. Departing at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. Admission: starting at $30 round-trip for adults.
