A Cherry Blossom Weekend in D.C. Without the Crowds
Photos via Flickr/Ron Cogswell and by Perry CooperOn March 27, 1912, First Lady Helen Taft and Viscountess Chinda, wife of the Japanese ambassador, planted two cherry trees, a gift from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo, on the north bank of the Tidal Basin. An additional 2,998 trees soon followed and, subsequently, countless visitors over the past century.
Each spring, an estimated 1.5 million people trek to the nation’s capital to see the blush beauties in bloom during the annual Cherry Blossom Festival, a three-week affair (March 20-April 12) that includes Japanese art exhibitions, musical performances, a kite festival and a “pink tie” gala.
Adore flowers but abhor crowds? Fear not. Here are three ways to see Washington, D.C., in its most ethereal state without getting trampled by tourists.
1. Rise With the Sun
You know the proverb. Early birds definitely get their rewards (in this case, personal space and selfies free of photo bombs). Before 8 a.m., the only people you’ll have to contend with are couples posing for engagement pictures and exercisers. On that note: if you’d like to incorporate a workout into your sight seeing, check out Pacers, which organizes Saturday morning fun runs around Hains Point, the Tidal Basin and the National Mall to see the cherry blossoms in all their regal glory.
Your head start will also pay off in terms of finding a table for brunch. Go northwest on Pennsylvania Avenue to Founding Farmers. The menu features a tempting selection of pancakes (red velvet, carrot cake and bananas foster, for instance), benedicts and special treats, such as black pepper maple bacon and “hangover hash” (poached eggs with chili and pimiento cheese).
The Newseum Photo by Tom Hendrick
This leaves you the entire afternoon to explore the city. Meander down Massachusetts Avenue for a tour of mansions along Embassy Row. Or visit the Gallery Place/Penn Quarter area, which is chock full of museums that rival the more famous Smithsonian Institution, but don’t attract the same foot traffic. Among them: The National Portrait Gallery, The International Spy Museum and The Newseum.
2. See How the Other Half Lives
Just west of Georgetown sits Foxhall Village, an affluent neighborhood featuring mostly Tudor-style homes built in the 1920s. Cherry trees line the streets of this historic area, which residents describe as “D.C.’s best kept secret.” Getting here requires just a short ride by cab or bus.
Enjoy an alfresco lunch at Jetties. Choose from a variety of artisan sandwiches and salads, such as the Nobadeer (roasted turkey and stuffing with cranberry sauce on sourdough) or the Brant Point Salad (Romaine, artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives, grape tomato, cucumbers, red onions, feta, tossed in red wine oregano vinaigrette).