The cherry blossoms are soft pink
One of the nice things about living in Northern Virginia is the arrival of springtime. And for the last 100 years, that means the arrival of the Yoshino Cherry blossoms.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival takes place in Washington DC where cherry trees seem to be all over. But the most spectacular site is at the Jefferson Memorial overlooking the Tidal Basin. It is a wonderful place to walk during the two week peak bloom period with spectacular views including the Washington Monument in the background.
Although we plan to go annually, somehow my family doesn’t always make it down… although it is an easy fifteen minute drive from Vienna, VA where we live. It typically takes a house guest to drag us down to appreciate what is right in our back yard.
The history is that President Taft’s wife, Helen, planted the first two Yoshino Cherry trees in 1912 with the wife of the Japanese Ambassador. There were close to 3,000 trees planted and some of the originals still survive today.
U. S. Park Police
Needless to say, the U.S. Park Police keep a very tight lid on traffic as thousands of people arrive daily to take in the sight. If you go early enough, then you may be able to snag one of the few street parking spots. Otherwise, take the Metro to the Smithsonian Station and walk over. You may want to walk over to the FDR Memorial while you are here.
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About Doug Francis
A few years ago I noticed that real estate sites seem to show the same MLS listings, so I decided to create a distinct real estate blog to share my local insight - if you already live here or are relocating. There are topics based on recent client experiences, buying custom homes, and more learned over the past twenty years. Take a few minutes and read a blog post or two to see if my approach matches your goals. I am a real estate agent with RE/MAX, have lived in Oakton and McLean, and live in Vienna Virginia. My goal is to provide you with intel into today's market, candor, practical advice, ideas to get you moving, some humor, geeky stats, the best coffee shop, some video, and a cool way to search for homes. Helping you understanding the process of making an offer, the sales contract and more will come when we meet. Yes, I live here. It is easy to reach me: 
The annual Cherry Blossom festival is always one of the highlights of spring here in the D.C. Metro region. I’m planning on heading out this weekend to check them out, I just hope they’re still in bloom by then!
Jonathan Benya´s last [type] ..St Charles High School in Waldorf- MD is Delayed- For Now&8230
Beautiful pics. I have lived in the area for four years and have managed to NOT make it into D.C. this time of year once. Like you we head in to site see only when family is around
summer and holidays.
Liz Benitez´s last [type] ..Sunday Afternoon 4-10-2011
Cherry Blossoms reminds me of Japan. It interesting story of the planting of yoshino cherry trees. And I found out that the Japanese consul in New York at that time broached the idea of making a gift of the trees to the U.S. government. Anyway, the pictures are very nice and I didn’t know that cherry blossoms are soft pink.