Carol Jean Stalun Photography for Visit Alexandria
The National Park Service (NPS) just released its 2021 cherry blossom peak bloom prediction for 2021: April 2 - April 5.
The prediction varies year to year based on weather conditions, but it is typically between the last week in March and the first week of April, according to the NPS Bloom Watch webpage.
Last week, Visit Alexandria announced an exciting lineup of local experiences to celebrate cherry blossom season including hotel packages, cherry-blossom inspired food and drink specials, tours and events. Check out the list below.
Want to learn more? Be sure to check out VisitAlexandriaVA.com/CherryBlossoms.
Water Taxi
Water Taxi to the Wharf to See Cherry Blossoms from the Water
Wednesday through Sunday, beginning March 19, 2021
Departures beginning at 1:30 p.m.; check website for details
Admission: starting at $13 one-way; $21 round-trip for adultsDeparts from the Alexandria Marina, 1 Cameron St., Alexandria, VA 22314
888-809-7109hornblower.com/alexandria
Cruise from Old Town Alexandria to Washington, D.C., to enjoy the famous cherry blossoms from the water. Potomac Riverboat by Hornblower offers a 25-minute direct water taxi from Old Town to The Wharf development in D.C. From the dock at The Wharf, it is 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, Hains Point and a Capital Bikeshare station. Or, stay on the boat for a round-trip viewing experience from the river. Water taxis are operating at half capacity; masks and physical distancing are required.
Bike, Walking & Food Tours
Cherry Blossom Rides with Pedego Electric Bikes Alexandria
March 20 to April 11, 2021 (or as long as the cherry blossoms are in bloom)
Departures at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on weekends; by appointment on weekdaysAdmission: $69 per bike ($10 for passenger riders)
Pedego Alexandria, 210 North Lee St., Alexandria, VA 22314
571-312-5168
Pedego Electric Bikes will offer two to three-hour guided tours from Old Town to the cherry blossoms, including riding through East Potomac Park. Pedego bikes offer an up-close-and-personal view of the blossoms, without the exertion of regular bikes or the stress of traffic and parking. All tours are subject to weather, safe riding conditions and bike availability. Individual riders must be at least 16 years old. Child seats, passenger bikes and a tandem are available to accommodate younger participants. Helmets and bike locks are included. Credit card and ID are required for rentals. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to the departure time. Group size will be limited. All bikes and equipment will be sanitized. Masks are required in the store, during outdoor check-in, and at viewing stops. Contact Pedego Alexandria to reserve a private group tour.
National Cherry Blossom Festival Flavor Pass
March 20 to April 10, 2021
Admission: $30 per personVarious locations throughout Alexandria, VA and Washington, D.C.888-697-2693forktours.com
Taste the District with the Cherry Blossom Festival Flavor Pass from Blue Fern Travel’s Fork Tours. Your Flavor Pass is redeemable for specials and discounts at some of the best restaurants in and around D.C. and Alexandria, such as King Street’s NiceCream, where ice cream is made-to-order before your eyes with liquid nitrogen used as a freezing agent. The Cherry Blossom Festival Flavor Pass is good for the duration of the Festival, allowing you to experience as many restaurants as you’d like. As you taste your way around the city and support local businesses, share your adventures on social media. We’ll be keeping tabs and will reward the person who visits the most Flavor Pass spots with two tickets for a Fork or Fizz tour, valued at $178. Hard-copy Flavor Passes will be mailed, beginning March 8, 2021.
Cherry Blossom Pop-Up History Tour with Discover Alexandria
To be announced one week in advance; two pop-up tours to occur during peak bloom weekend
Admission: $15 per adult; $8 per child; $12 for military, veterans and students
Tour departs from the Alexandria Visitor Center, 221 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314
Discover Alexandria’s Cherry Blossom Pop-Up History Tour will occur twice during the weekend of peak bloom. The 75-minute tour offers the best of both worlds, combining local history with great cherry blossom sightseeing. The tour dates and times will be announced approximately one week in advance via Discover Alexandria’s website and social media platforms. To help stop the spread of COVID-19, all guests will be required to wear masks, sign a waiver and maintain proper distancing throughout the duration of the tour. Reservations are required and can be made online.
Special Events
Cherry Blossom Celebration at Captain Gregory’s
March 26, 2021, from 5 to 10 p.m.; rain date March 27, 2021Reservations required
Captain Gregory’s, 804 N Henry St., Alexandria, VA 22314703-577-9023captaingregorys.com
Captain Gregory’s will host an outdoor patio celebration of the cherry blossoms in partnership with Beam Suntory. Enjoy a mobile highball cart, themed décor and more. Savor Captain Gregory’s “Winter in Tokyo” menu in-person or celebrate the Japanese blossoms at home with takeout. The menu includes a selection of Japanese spirits such as Suntory whiskey, Roku gin, Haku vodka, sake, yuzu and other Japanese staples like sochu, alongside savory dishes such as edamame and crab hushpuppies. Cocktails to-go are available from sister shop Elizabeth’s Counter’s grocery section.
Cherry Blossom Exhibition at the Torpedo Factory Art CenterMarch 31 to May 2, 2021; Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.Admission: FreeTorpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA 22314703-746-4590
Art lovers are encouraged to stop by the Torpedo Factory Art Center throughout April to view floral art displayed on all three floors. Participating artists will display their most colorful spring and cherry-blossom-inspired works in their studios from Wednesday, March 31, until Sunday, May 2. Torpedo Factory Art Center is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Those who wish to visit are asked to adhere to current Virginia Safer at Home guidelines, including maintaining a social distance with people from different households, wearing face coverings indoors and frequent handwashing for 20 seconds or use of hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
The Late Shift Online: Cherry Blossom Jubilee by the Torpedo Factory Art Center
April 9, 2021, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Admission: Free
Virtual703-746-4590
Torpedo Factory Art Center welcomes the start of spring with The Late Shift Online: Cherry Blossom Jubilee. This family-friendly celebration is a free virtual satellite event for D.C.’s National Cherry Blossom Festival. The program will be live on the Art Center’s Facebook page and archived on YouTube.
Food & Drink Offerings
Cherry Blossom Festive Cocktails at Bugsy’s
February through April 12, 2021
Bugsy’s Pizza Restaurant and Sports Bar, 111 King St., Alexandria, VA, 22314
703-683-0313
In addition to their one-of-a-kind pizzas, Bugsy’s will offer cherry blossom-themed cocktails to savor this season. Sip options including Bugsy’s Blossom II, in which cherry vodka takes center stage, along with the tropical-inspired Cherry Margarita. Available in-person and to-go.
Cherry-Themed Specials from Café 44
February into spring 2021
Café 44, 44 Canal Center Plaza Suite 401, Alexandria, VA 22314571-344-9100
Throughout the spring, enjoy cherry blossom-inspired offerings from Café 44, from a cherry, jalapeño and prosciutto flatbread to a refreshing cherry mojito and more.
Cherry Blossom Cider from Lost Boy Cider
March 1 to March 31, 2021
Lost Boy Cider, 317 Hooffs Run Dr., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-566-5737
Throughout the month of March, find a brand-new Cherry Blossom Cider from Lost Boy Cider, Northern Virginia’s first urban cidery.
Cherry Blossom Cocktail from Sheraton Suites Old TownMarch 11 to April 11, 2021; Wednesday through Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m.Sheraton Suites Old Town, 801 N St. Asaph St., Alexandria, VA, 22314703-836-4700marriott.com/hotels/travel/wassi-sheraton-suites-old-town-alexandria
Visit Sheraton Suites Old Town during cherry blossom season to savor a themed craft cocktail made with Silver Tequila, lime and grapefruit juice, grenadine and maraschino cherries.
Cherry Blossom Sangria from Alexandria Restaurant Partners
March 15 to April 15, 2021
Ada’s on the River, 3 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria, VA, 22314
The Majestic, 911 King St., Alexandria, VA, 22314
Mia’s Italian Kitchen, 100 King St., Alexandria, VA, 22314
Theismann’s Restaurant and Bar, 1800A Diagonal Rd., Alexandria, VA, 22314
Vola’s Dockside Grill, 101 N Union St., Alexandria, VA, 22314alexandriarestaurantpartners.com
Alexandria Restaurant Partners’ popular locations across Old Town will serve a seasonal sangria made with Wycliff brut rosé, Lustau blanc vermouth, cherry juice and orange flower water, available while supplies last. Available for dine-in only.
Cherry Blossom Gelato at Dolci Gelati
March 20 to April 20, 2021, in limited supplyDolci Gelati Old Town, 107 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA, 22314571-290-0684oldtowndolci.com
Dolci Gelati will bring back its popular Cherry Blossom gelato for the National Cherry Blossom Festival this year, offering a light, floral flavor that’s perfect for springtime. Dolci founder Gianluigi Dellaccio knows a thing or two about concocting delectable gelato flavors. Dellaccio was appointed a Global Gelato Ambassador by the Italian Gelatoers Association in January 2018 and won "Best Gelato Flavor" at the Inaugural Gelato Festival America in November 2017. The gelato is available in-person, for pickup and delivery.
Hotel Packages
Cherry Blossom Package at Sheraton Suites Old Town
Enjoy cherry blossom season in D.C. while staying at the Sheraton Suites Old Town from March 18 to April 21, 2021. Enjoy a Cherry Blossom cocktail for two with every night stay. To learn more, call 703-836-4700 or visit marriott.com/hotels/travel/wassi-sheraton-suites-old-town-alexandria.
Cherry Blossom Package at The Alexandrian Old Town Alexandria, Autograph Collection and Morrison House Old Town Alexandria, Autograph Collection
Coming to the area to take in the beauty of Cherry Blossom Season? Book our Cherry Blossom Package and receive two signature Cherry Bounce cocktails upon arrival so you can “cheers” to the season. Also, receive complimentary valet parking during your stay. This package is available to book for stays from March 18 to April 21, 2021. To learn more, call 703-549-6080 or visit thealexandrian.com and morrisonhouse.com.
