Cherry blossoms in Del Ray (Staff photo by James Cullum)
Cherry blossom bike ride from Pedego Electric Bikes (Courtesy of Pedego Electric Bikes)
As cherry blossom season gets into full swing in the D.C. region, Alexandria will try to draw visitors with its own cherry blossom-themed events.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off Friday (March 20) and runs through April 12. According to the National Park Service’s prediction, the Tidal Basin’s famous cherry blossom trees could reach peak bloom from Sunday, March 29 to Wednesday, April 1. The start of the festival coincides with the first day of spring on March 20.
Here are the cherry blossom season events and experiences around Alexandria:
Cherry Blossom Pop Up at Hotel Heron
When: March 19-21, March 26-28, April 2-4, April 9
Francis Hall inside Hotel Heron will host a pop-up with overhead florals and a special cocktail menu. Some menu highlights include the Ruby Glitter Cherry Spritz (cherry, rosé, prosecco and citrus), Cherry Bourbon Garden (bourbon, basil, ginger and cherry) and Spicy Cherry Margarita (jalapeño, lime and cherry layered over tequila).
699 Prince Street
Pedego Electric Bikes’ Cherry Blossom Guided Tours
When: March 20-April 12
This three-hour guided e-bike tour takes riders from Old Town Alexandria to the cherry blossoms around D.C.’s East Potomac Park. Tours are estimated to run March 20 to April 12 — or when the cherry blossoms are blooming. Tours will fill up, especially on weekends. Special group times can be reserved in advance. Solo riders must be 14 or older.
210 N. Lee Street, Suite 102
Cherry Blossom Water Taxi
When: March 20-April 12
City Cruises will offer a water taxi from Old Town Alexandria to the Wharf, which is within walking distance of the Tidal Basin’s cherry blossoms. Reservations are available in advance, or at the in-person ticket booth depending on availability.
Alexandria Marina, 1 Cameron Street
Old Town Bloom Together Spring Preview
When: March 20-22
Old Town Boutique District will host this shop-and-stroll event to give customers a look at new spring collections. Shoppers can obtain a Bloom Together passport to collect stamps at participating stores. The more shops they visit, the better their chances are to win gift card prizes. Shoppers who visit at least 10 or 15 participating stores are entered to win a $500 or $1,000 gift card, respectively, to the boutique of their choice.
Around Old Town Alexandria
Cherry Blossom Sightseeing Cruises
When: Saturdays and Sundays, March 21-April 12
City Cruises’ Monuments Sightseeing Cruise offers a chance to see the D.C. cherry blossoms on the trip from Old Town Alexandria to Georgetown. Guests have the option of booking a 90-minute round-trip cruise or a 45-minute one-way trip to Georgetown.
Alexandria Marina, 1 Cameron Street
Made in ALX’s Cherry Blossom Watercolor Workshop
When: Sunday, March 22, 12 p.m.
Join this guided watercolor class to get comfortable with painting in watercolors. Participants will get a pre-drawn image of a spring picnic alongside the Tidal Basin under the cherry blossoms. They will leave with a completed painting, a set of watercolor paints and a brush or two to continue painting at home.
415 King Street
Shop Made in VA’s Sip & Bloom: A Cherry Blossom Tea Blending Workshop
When: Saturday, March 28, 3-5 p.m.
During this interactive workshop, participants will create a tea blend using botanicals and ingredients provided on site. The event also includes sampling a curated selection of spring-inspired teas, learning about herbs and their wellness benefits and playing tea-themed games. Spots are limited.
1121 King Street
Bloom with Intent at Torpedo Factory Art Center
When: April 1-30
“Bloom with Intent” celebrates spring’s arrival at the Enamelist Gallery (Studio 28) in the Torpedo Factory Art Center.
105 N. Union Street
Purry Blossom Weekend at Mount Purrnon Cat Cafe + Wine Bar
When: April 4-5
Celebrate the season at Mount Purrnon with cherry blossom-themed food and drink specials all weekend. Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Adults only will be permitted from 6-8 p.m. on Saturday.
109 S. Alfred Street
Shop Made in VA’s Intro to Needlepoint: Cherry Blossom Edition
When: Saturday, April 4, 11 a.m.
Learn to stitch on a cherry blossom hand-painted canvas during this workshop. The instructor will share techniques, materials and tips to help participants get their needlepoint creations underway. Supplies are provided. Beginners and all experience levels are welcome. Spots are limited.
1121 King Street
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