Washington, DC, Cherry Blossoms
Every spring, Washington, DC, is covered in pink blossoms, as its thousands of cherry trees bloom. The National Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual event that celebrates not only these beautiful trees, but also what they symbolize--friendship, peace, and harmony. The year 2012 is a particularly exciting one, as it is the 100th anniversary of the cherry blossom trees' arrival in Washington, DC, after the mayor of Tokyo, Japan gifted them to the city.
DC Cherry Blossoms History.
In the early years of the 20th century, Eliza Scidmore, an accomplished American traveler and scholar, traveled to Japan, and found delight in that country's native cherry trees. She suggested to First Lady Taft that a donation from Scidmore of some of these trees would be a lovely addition to Washington, DC. By 1912, the government of Japan made a donation on its own of over 3,000 cherry blossom trees. Mrs. Taft and the Viscountess Chinda, wife of Japan's ambassador to the United States planted the first two trees in a ceremony in West Potomac Park on the banks of the Tidal Basin in March of that year.
National Cherry Blossom Festival.
Each year, when the trees start to flower with startling beauty, Washington, DC, celebrates its stunning signature cherry blossom trees. A gift from Japan, the trees are symbols of the friendship between Japan's capital city of Tokyo and the U.S.'s capital city of Washington, DC, as well as the overarching relationship between the two countries. Over a period of several days, a variety of activities commemorate the gesture of friendship. These events include interactive exhibits, family fun activities, the Blossom Kite Festival, the Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival, live musical and dance performances, a lavish parade with colorful floats, balloons, and marching bands, and of course, fireworks!
DC Cherry Blossom Centennial 2012.
One hundred years ago, the mayor of Tokyo made a gesture of good will to the citizens of Washington, DC, with a gift of beautiful native Japanese cherry blossom trees. These hardy trees have lived through an entire century-decades of changing seasons and history in the making. In the spring of 2012, Washington, DC, celebrates the centennial anniversary of this amazing gift of friendship. In recognition of this centenary, the National Cherry Blossom Festival has been extended from its usual 2 weeks to a spectacular 5-week run, held from March 20 to April 27.
DC Metro Transportation.
There are several options for getting to and from the National Cherry Blossom Festival events in Washington, DC. Since car parking will be at a premium, consider walking, riding your bicycle, or taking public transportation. The DC Metro provides access to almost all of the Cherry Blossom Festival destinations. American Inn is conveniently located just 4 short blocks from the Bethesda metro station, which is a direct ride to downtown Washington, D.C. on the Red Line. Both the Metrobus and the Metrorail will be serving Festivalgoers. The Metro stations with the best access to the cherry blossoms are Smithsonian Station (blue and orange lines), and L'Enfant Plaza (blue, yellow, and green lines).
Cherry Blossom Festival Hotel.
At the American Inn of Bethesda, you'll find comfortable accommodations and top-quality service, all at a convenient location. You'll be just one quick trip, on the DC Metro Red Line, away from downtown Washington D.C. and all of the sights and sounds of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
