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The Cherry Blossoms Are Out!
These beautiful pink and white blooms aren’t only in Washington, D.C.
THE FLOWERING cherry trees that line the Tidal Basin draw thousands of visitors to Washington, D.C., each spring. But there are other places to take in the blossoms’ beauty. Blooming cherry trees, which often come from Japan, are generally at their peak from late March to early April. Be sure to check the weather and blooming forecasts for the area you want to visit.
Portland, Oregon
The Japanese American Historical Plaza at Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park is lined with 100 blooming trees. West of downtown is Washington Park, where cherry blossoms can be seen throughout, as well as along the 12 miles of trails in Hoyt Arboretum inside the park.
Nashville, Tennessee
Take the 2½-mile cherry blossom walk from Public Square Park at the Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival or enjoy masses of blooming trees at Centennial and Shelby parks. Cherry blossom trees are found throughout the city. “They do really well in our climate,” says Ginger Byrn, director of the festival, which is free and will be held April 11.
San Francisco, California
Each spring, the Gardens of Golden Gate Park is awash in blooms. Trees can be found throughout the main park, and visitors can head to the oldest operating public Japanese garden in North America, the Japanese Tea Garden, where blossoms complement the picturesque pagoda, bridges, koi ponds and a dry landscape garden. Wander in silence as you contemplate the beauty, or cap off a 60-minute walking tour with a relaxing cup of tea at the Tea House.
Athens, Ohio
Each spring, throngs of people visit the campus of Ohio University to enjoy the cherry trees, gifted by Japan’s Chubu University. The 230 fragrant trees line grassy areas along the Hocking River, where visitors can stroll, bike or just lounge under the canopy of blooms. Two years ago, the university built a Japanese-style pavilion. —Jaimie Seaton