Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington D.C.

The cherry blossoms that bloom around Washington D.C. are fairly well-known... for good reason.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival happens every spring, in Washington D.C. It is to commemorate the Japanese cherry trees that Japan gave to the United States in 1912.

The entire Tidal Basin area is laid out so that as you walk among the blooms you find yourself passing several monuments and statues.

There is a 300 year old stone statue, placed to commemorate the signing of the Japan-US Treaty of Amity and Friendship in 1854. One year later, a stone pagoda was gifted as well.

While the best views in my opinion are from the Tidal Basin, you can make your way in a loop around to the museums, various monuments and even to the White House and Capitol. But... expect crowds.

A few tips:

• Try to attend during the Kite Festival, which is scheduled and posted here. You will see kites being flown in the National Mall and at the Washington Monument. 
• You can bring your own kite, or buy one while there from the many kite sellers. Great activity for kids!
• If there were ever a moment I wanted a 'selfie-stick', it was at the White House. 
• I just stayed away from the mass of people and sent in my tall husband. And don't even bother trying if you are bringing a stroller or anything other than your own body. 
• Do what we did when it comes to parking..... don't drive to Washington D.C. 
• Drive to a nearby metro station and park there. Then enjoy the very clean and quick ride into the center of the city. We drove to the Branch Avenue station and it was a half hour ride. It will be a bit more crowded than usual, but I definitely recommend considering it. Parking is free at Metro-operated lots on weekends and federal holidays.

Resources:
     National Park Service- Cherry Blossom Festival
          -https://www.nps.gov/subjects/cherryblossom/index.htm
     Wikipedia- History of the National Cherry Blossom Festival
          -https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Cherry_Blossom_Festival
     Cherry Blossom Peak Bloom Forecasts
          -http://cherryblossomwatch.com/peak-bloom-forecast/
     National Cherry Blossom Festival website
          -http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/


So tell me...
Have you visited Washington DC for the Cherry Blossom Festival?
Where do you live, and is there a place near you that showcases these trees?

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Here's what I wrote for the letter "C" in 2014:
Candid Camera- NYC Subway

"Some people travel to and from work and never look up from their iPhone. Today I'm posting all the photos I've taken on the NYC Subway, that you might've missed otherwise.

I have a long commute, so grab a coffee and get comfy.

Also, Tom kind of photobombed one of the below photos. Do you see him?" 

Click the link to read the rest...

This post was brought to you by the A-Z Challenge:

                 
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