Headed to the Capital Region to see the famous cherry blossoms this year? Don’t miss these Cherry Blossom-themed experiences in Northern Virginia from official National Cherry Blossom Festival events and seasonal beverages to expansive gardens and more. 

 

1. Enjoy Official National Cherry Blossom Festival Events at these Northern Virginia Spots 

Art in Bloom Sculpture CC Water Park

While the National Cherry Blossom Festival will be largely virtual this year, residents of the D.C. region are invited to decorate their porches, yards, and windows with blossoms and blooms as part of the Petal Porch Parade (March 20th- April 11th). Among the Loudoun participants are Great Country Farms and Bluemont Vineyard, whose front porches will be decked out with cherry and apple blossoms grown on the property. In Alexandria, you can check out the Del Ray Business Association’s Petal Porch Party as their April “First Thursday in Del Ray” event. Also in partnership with the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Blue Fern Travel’s Fork Tours will be offering the National Cherry Blossom Festival Flavor Pass redeemable for specials and discounts in Alexandria and around D.C. during the duration of the festival.

 

Fairfax County presents several official events celebrating Japanese culture and heritage from floral design workshops to interactive art installations, to tea programs and bonsai tours. Keep tabs on this year’s exclusive events at www.fxva.com/cherryblossom


Visit Virginia Highlands Park between March 19 and April 11 to find many exciting Cherry Blossom Festival events and activities. Kick off the spring season in style with live music, Pink Zumba, barre classes, kite flying, and pet photo sessions. Don’t miss out on the Cherry Blossom-themed art installations throughout the park and National Landing area. Visitors can see both National Cherry Blossom Festival “Art in Bloom” sculptures at Crystal City Water Park and the Long Bridge Park Esplanade.

 

2. Discover Seasonal Craft Beer, Cider, Wine & Spirits 

blossoms along the road at Wheatland Spring Farm & Brewery

Featuring more than 40 breweries, 45 wineries, and a variety of unique distilleries, Northern Virginia offers visitors an array of opportunities to sip and savor delicious craft beverages made throughout the region. The Steins, Vines & Moonshine Trail, and The LoCo Ale Trail are just two of the boozy-themed trails visitors can choose to explore while visiting the Capital Region. 

 

Or, head to Alexandria to visit Lost Boy Cider, Northern Virginia’s first urban cidery, featuring a brand new cherry blossom cider throughout the month of March.

 

3. Indulge Your Sweet Tooth with Cherry Blossom-themed Treats

A cup of Cherry Blossom Gelato from Dolci Gelati

Artisan Confections in Arlington specializes in high-quality, hand-made chocolates that are elegant in both design and flavor. They thoughtfully select the best ingredients – from French Valrhona chocolate to organic mint grown on a Maryland farm – to craft smooth, delicate confections that are so fresh they have a shelf life. During the annual Cherry Blossom Festival, visitors can find special cherry-themed chocolates. 

 

Dolci Gelati in Alexandria is bringing back its popular Cherry Blossom gelato for the National Cherry Blossom Festival this year, offering a light, floral flavor that’s perfect for springtime. Discover other cherry blossom-themed food and drink specials in Alexandria. 

 

4. Head Outdoors to Explore Cherry Trees, Spring Flowers and More

Tulips Burnside Farms

Visitors can experience D.C.’s Countryside in Prince William, VA where Burnside Farms is just one of the great outdoor attractions to explore. With over eight acres of colorful spring flowers, visitors can experience a variety of activities, photo opportunities and, of course, pick-your-own flowers to bring home at the family-owned flower farm just miles outside of Washington, D.C.

 

Or, head to the historic five-acre formal terraced garden at Oatlands Historic House and Gardens in Leesburg. First established in the early 1800s, this garden features boxwood parterres, statuary, a teahouse, a rose garden, and a reflecting pool. Many of the plantings and original elements are still around today and the site welcomes thousands of visitors annually. 

 

Enjoy some of Fairfax County’s most splendid gardens this season. Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is a 95-acre oasis featuring more than 100 cherry trees surrounding a lovely lake, plus an extensive shade garden, native wildflowers, gazebos, birds, butterflies, seasonal blooms and the very unique Korean Bell Garden. Green Spring Gardens is not just a beautiful park, but also an outdoor classroom, national historic site, and museum featuring a wooded stream, a valley with ponds, a native plant garden, over 20 thematic demonstration gardens, and a greenhouse filled with tropical plants. 

 

See cherry blossoms this side of the Potomac, escape to secret gardens and pose in front of colorful murals for the ultimate spring Instagram adventure in Alexandria, VA or explore these under-the-radar cherry blossom viewing sites if you venture into D.C.

 

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