Unfortunately, cherry blossoms don't last very long, but this guide will help you catch the best bursts of pink.
Macon, Georgia (March 20-29)
Of all festivals, the one in Macon, Georgia tops the list in turning the spring event into a multi-entertainment fiesta. The city boasts of 300,000 Yoshino cherry trees and turns the event into a festival that includes parades, historic tours, amusement rides, crafts shows, food fairs, and fireworks.
Macon is a music city-- birthplace of the kazoo and home of the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. The city was also the hub of Southern rock music in the late 1960s and 1970s. During the cherry blossom festival, top national and regional recording artists from every genre as well as military bands will perform every night. The festival also includes fashion shows, gala balls, and dancing in the streets.
Of course, you can't have a southern event without a southern belle. This year, Rachel Cozart will reign as the queen of Cherry Blossom Royalty, attended by four princesses, who will serve as ambassadors to the festival. Check out a day-by-day schedule of events at the festival's website.
Washington, D.C. (March 28- April 12)
The blooming of cherry trees in the capital city of Washington, D.C. is perhaps the most symbolic of all cherry blossom festivals in the United States. The trees were a gift from Japan in 1912 and line the city's Tidal Basin. Compared to trees in other cities, the trees in Washington tend more towards white than pink.
The festival includes a variety of cultural events-- ranging from those for families (kite festival, family day, parades) to more fancy dinner cruises and galas for romantic dates. Since the cherry trees are from Japan, Washington's festival hosts several Japan-themed events, including a sushi and sake evening, lantern-lighting ceremony, and Japanese street festival.
Weather conditions make it difficult to predict the exact date of full bloom, but this year's forecast has the peak bloom date at April 4. To be on the safe side, it is best to check with the city's website regularly for changes in dates and festival event details.
Philadelphia, PA (late March- mid April)
Philadelphia's cherry trees were first planted in 1926 when the Japanese government gave a present of 1,600 trees in honor of the 150th anniversary of American independence. An additional 1,000 trees were planted between 1998-2007.
Although there are several locations, the best way to view the blossoms is to follow the riverbank between the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Falls Bridge. The area around the Horticulture Center and Memorial Hall have the largest groves of cherry trees.The month-long festival includes various arts, music and food events.
San Francisco, CA (April 11-12, 18-19)
San Francisco hosts the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival, which first started in 1967 at the time of the Vietnam War amid a growing awareness for the Japanese American community. Compared to other cherry blossom festivals in the U.S., this one focuses strongly on Japanese cultural heritage and pride.
The streets of Japantown become a live stage for two weekends, as the festival features dancing, singing, martial arts demonstrations, and a food bazaar with traditional Japanese cuisine and cooking demonstrations. The festival also hosts a golf tournament, all proceeds of which go into funding the event.
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