Cherry Blossoms are Announcing Spring
Cherry blossoms are heralding spring. We love blogging about all the amazing things there are to see and do in the Hershey, PA area and beyond. Our region includes Hershey, Lancaster, PA, Lebanon, PA, the beautiful Lebanon Valley and Mt. Gretna, Harrisburg and right here in Annville, PA your Hershey Bed & Breakfast.
We often have Guests who enjoy staying with us and using Annville Inn as a “base camp” for daytrips to outlying areas 45 minutes to three hours away.
Today’s blog is about one such day trip to see cherry blossoms that are heralding spring. Depart Annville Inn in the morning to arrive in Washington, D.C. before lunch. Therefore, enjoy the afternoon there, and leave for “home” to Annville Inn in the early evening.
Upon your return: You will ease into blissful relaxation in beautifully appointed Guest rooms. Enjoy the luxury of our quiet countryside location, as well as Rosalie’s famous breakfasts. You won’t want to miss our Gardens & ponds, movie theatre, and other special rooms such as the conservatory.
The world-famous cherry blossoms usher in both the beginning of Spring for Washington, D.C and a huge, month-long party that brings electrifying events, parades, and cultural performances.
When to go: Late March, Early April. This year, the peak bloom for the iconic pinkish white flowers is predicted to come between March 28 and 31 according to the National Park Service. The National Park Service cares for the city’s 3,500 trees.
The overall Cherry Blossom Festival will run from March 20 through April 13.
“Peak bloom” is when 70% of the iconic cherry blossoms open on the Yoshino cherry trees around the Tidal Basin. The full blooming period lasts from several days to up to two weeks. (Depending on weather conditions.)
Where to see the Cherry Blossoms
The Tidal Basin, which provides great photo ops near the Jefferson Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. The majority of blossoms are located in this area. They are also along the shoreline of East Potomac Park, which extends all the way to Hains Point.
Additionally, small clusters of trees bearing cherry blossoms can be found along the National Mall, northwest of the Lincoln Memorial and around the Washington Monument. Outlying areas in Washington: National Arboretum, Anacostia Park, Dumbarton Oaks in Georgetown, Stanton Park and Oxon Run Park.
How to Experience
Zip around the reservoir with a two-hour cherry blossom bike tour. Alternately, take it slow with a tour around the city. Tours are peppered with D.C.’s must-see landmarks.
We always recommend parking your car and walking to the blossoms. Rosalie can provide Guests excellent advice from a “local” about things to see and do. Likewise, she can also suggest places to eat and also, where to park your car!
Special note about access this year only: Visitors this year will have to contend with slightly diminished access to the Tidal Basin, home to the highest concentration of the trees. The National Park Service is in the midst of a three-year renovation project to shore up the basin’s aging seawall in time for next summer’s anniversary. Parts of the area may be fenced off.
Special Dates This Year
Organizers this year have added an event to honor the city’s most famous tree — a memorial pedal-boat race March 20.
A host of events, include the annual kite festival March 29, National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade® and Petalpalooza®. The Petalpalooza celebration with music and fireworks will be April 5. The Cherry Blossom Festival Parade is on April 12. Japanese Street Festival will be April 12 and 13.
History: The cherry blossoms date back to a 1912 gift of 3,000 trees from the mayor of Tokyo. The Japanese government remains involved in their care and in the annual festival celebrations.
A new “Tree Gift” from Japan: Fumito Miyake, minister for public affairs at the Japanese embassy, said his government’s decision to contribute an additional 250 trees would be a “birthday present” in advance of next summer’s celebration for the 250th anniversary of American independence.