When we moved to Washington DC in 2000, Wendy and I knew we were moving to an area rich in tradition, history and culture. We grew up in an area where we had an annual fair or festival that we might celebrate with our friends and neighbors, or family traditions that we took part in every year, but there were very few events that people from all over the country or even the world would flock to in Cleveland on an annual basis.
Upon our arrival, we vowed to be more than just residents of the city, but to also enjoy the things and events that make Washington, DC and its metro area a tourist destination.
One of the annual traditions we have grown to love is the springtime bloom of the Japanese Cherry Blossoms around the tidal basin and National Mall.
Yesterday on my way to work, I played tourist in my own town. Rather than take my usual route, I hopped off the bus early for a slow stroll to take in the sights of this year's centennial bloom. I took a whole bunch of photos and want to share them, as well as some of my sightseeing tips, with you.
This year marks an extra special milestone in the tradition of this yearly bloom as it's the 100th anniversary of the gift of a number of cherry blossom trees from the Japanese Emperor.
Prior to seeing it for the first time, I really didn't know what to expect. I thought, "Trees are trees and flowers are flowers, what's the big deal?" That thought fell by the wayside the first time I looked out over the tidal blossom while the trees were in their delicate "full bloom."
At their peak, the blossoms form a nearly consistent line around the rim of the tidal basin.
Resembling a mix of freshly spun cotton candy and a gently hued bag of cotton balls, the collection of trees rest on a backdrop of light green buds from the surrounding vegetation waiting for spring's arrival.
Some of the cherry blossoms are large, mature trees with gnarly haggered trunks that hoist their canopy up and over the gawkers and allow their flowers to spill gracefully into the water.
While others are new saplings, planted to fill a void or to replace a tree that had been damaged or had reached the end of its life.
Looking at one lone tree is beautiful...
...but the combination of hundreds in an unbreaking line brings me back year after year.
Through my years of trips to the Jefferson Memorial during this time of year, I've learned a few very useful tips that I will freely pass onto you.
Get there early. You'll rarely find a more consistently crowded event, but it seems like everyone comes out to see the blossoms after 11:00am. If you go in the morning, you'll be able to have a leisurely walk without competing with the big groups and tours. You'll also be able to bring your camera along and take some photos without someone standing in every single shot...pointing at a blossom.
Go off the beaten path. Though the trees surrounding the tidal basin and along the basin's walkway are some of the most plentiful and well trafficked, some of the most amazing trees are just beyond this area, and are often overlooked by most.
Take my favorite collection of trees, for example.
Situated along the Potomac River in the shadow of the 14th St. Bridge, these trees are large, tall, and sweeping.
Just a stones throw from the tidal basin, the grass is green, the trees unblemished, and the flowers hang over the ground looking closer to a weeping willow than your typical cherry blossom.
Respect the trees. All too often I see people climbing, hanging, pulling branches, picking blossoms, etc. The trees won't last forever, but we can all do our part to make them last as long as possible. The Park Service has placed a few friendly reminders to help us remember to be kind to this most delicate flowering tree.
Remember the other sights. The cherry blossoms are the main attraction for a few weeks, but there are a few great monuments all around them. While you're visiting the trees and taking in all of their beautiful blooms, don't forget to stop by the various monuments that you pass along the way. From the new Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial to the Jefferson Memorial, there are several wonderful things to see all around the tidal basin and in the adjacent areas.
Pay attention to the weather. If you see a nice day near or during peak bloom, take advantage of it. The blossoms are fragile, and if a rain or wind storm comes through during an evening, there's a good change a lot of the blossom petals will end up on the ground before you get to see them. If you have a sunny day that's a little on the cool side, be sure to wear warmer clothes. Since you are next to water and the Potomac, the temperature around the tidal basin tends to be a few degrees cooler.
Where to park. Oh, the subject of elusive parking. Parking around the tidal basin is very limited. There are a few small lots off of Ohio Drive, but these fill up rather quickly. The street parking along the Potomac gets packed too. When we drive down, it's typically during a weekend period, and we like to park along the 10th-13th Street area by the USDA building. This area usually has some metered parking available, and the walk to the tidal basin from this location really isn't that far.
The peak bloom period of the cherry blossoms is currently underway right now, so if you're nearby, or can make a short trip to DC during the week, it's the best time to see some of these beautiful blooms.
If you do make it down, here are my four favorite spots to wander.
- The inlet of the tidal basin on Ohio Drive and the Potomac River
- Just south of Independence Avenue and north of the tidal basin
- Around the Lincoln Memorial
- Just northeast of the Washington Monument in the small cherry blossom grove near Constitution Avenue
There are several other spots all around the area. Some are lesser known and have far fewer people around them. For a complete list, see the Parks Service Cherry Blossom Guide.
For more information on the festival, as well as updates on the events and peak bloom period, be sure to see the official National Cherry Blossom Festival website.
I hope you've enjoyed my photos, and I really hope the tips I've provided will prove quite useful if you're taking a trip down to see the blooms. If you have any good tips or viewing spots you particularly enjoy, or just a story about your trip to see the Cherry Blossoms, be sure to share them with us. Though we've been going for 12 years, I know we've not seen all there is to see.
