National Harbor Celebrates Cherry Blossoms, March 17 To April 17 With The Region’s Earliest Blooming Cherry Tree Waterfront Display

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md.— National Harbor has become known for its spring display of hundreds of cherry trees lining the waterfront. The trees bloom each year in March and are some of the earliest blooms in the D.C. region.

To celebrate the spectacular display, National Harbor is hosting a Cherry Blossom Celebration beginning March 17 through April 17. The month long celebration will be filled with entertainment, hotel room packages, food and drink specials, classes and more.

“We are delighted to have become a destination for viewing cherry blossoms,” said Jackie Saunders AVP Marketing at National Harbor. “Because our trees bloom early, we provide visitors with an extended opportunity to view and celebrate cherry blossoms in the Washington, D.C. region.”

National Harbor’s more than 200 trees are Okame cherry trees—recognizable by their masses of striking pink flowers. They are more tolerant to cold than most other types of cherry trees and are early bloomers with flowers lasting up to three weeks. They also grow about two feet a year and are very desirable for areas that want quick, hardy, spectacular color. In a region that is known for its cherry blossom displays and celebrations, the trees at National Harbor have quickly become a large draw.

While National Harbor is again an official participant of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, the property has expanded its offerings and created a month celebration including its popular Sakura Sunday event taking place on Sunday, April 3. Sakura Sunday will feature free cultural activities including Japanese inspired art, music and dance, culinary delights and much more! Art in Bloom artist Josue Martinez who has a gallery at National Harbor will update his chair in time for the festival.

During the same timeframe, National Harbor will light up every night as The Capital Wheel and lights throughout the property turn pink in honor of the celebration.

Hotels and shops at National Harbor will have a variety of specials and displays. MGM National Harbor will have its beautiful conservatory installation that includes cherry blossoms. In the Waterfront District, shop windows will be creatively decorated to celebrate the cherry blossoms and retailers will feature a wide array of cherry blossom promotions. Some of the classes that will take place during the celebration include origami, cherry blossom painting, flower making, Japanese gardens and more.

For more information on National Harbor and cherry blossom activities and offerings, go to https://www.nationalharbor.com/cherryblossom/. Events and activities will be added to the schedule in the coming weeks.

National Harbor Celebrates With Special Cherry Blossom Cocktails and Treats through April 11

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md.— National Harbor’s famous waterfront cherry trees are now in full bloom and the whole property is celebrating this gorgeous display with a wide array of activities and special events including Sakura Sunday every Sunday through April 11. Each Sakura Sunday will feature free cultural activities including Japanese inspired art, yoga and meditation classes and much more.

While The Capital Wheel lights up in brilliant pink every night and lights throughout the property turn pink, many of National Harbor’s restaurants, bars and food retailers are celebrating with special cocktails such as the Blossom Blast Cocktail at Voltaggio Brothers at MGM; Sakura Fling, a cherry blossom tini, at the Westin; Cherry Blossom Spritz at Bond 45; Silver Blossom available at Bar Harbor in Hyatt Place; Whiskey Cherry Coke at TAP Sports Bar at MGM and Strawberry Mochi from Ginger at MGM. Treats include Cherry Cheesecake from National Market at MGM, Cherry Pink Lemonade cheesecake from The Furlough Cheesecake, Cherry Blossom Messysicles from Messy Treatz, Crème Brulee cheesecake with cherry drizzle and fresh cherries from Bar Harbor at Hyatt Place and Cherry Truffles from Savannah Candy Kitchen.

Hotels and shops at National Harbor have a variety of specials and displays. MGM National Harbor has its amazing conservatory spring garden installation. In the Waterfront District, shop windows have been creatively decorated to celebrate the cherry blossoms; Muse Paintbar is holding three special cherry blossom inspired painting classes. BrookieGirl Bath + Body Care has cherry blossom body care products.

National Harbor is thrilled to participate in National Cherry Blossom Festival’s Art in Bloom, a community-wide visual art exhibition featuring 26 over sized cherry blossom sculptures. “Cherry Blossom Swirl Freestyle” by artist Josue “Cortino” Martinez is situated along the Potomac adjacent to the Plaza at the entrance of Freedom Pier.

For more information on National Harbor and cherry blossom activities and offerings, go to https://www.nationalharbor.com/cherryblossom/.

Discover Virginia Gardens & Events During The National Cherry Blossom Festival®

FAIRFAX, Va. -- Visitors are encouraged to explore beyond the Tidal Basin during this year's National Cherry Blossom Festival®, as Fairfax County, Virginia is home to numerous beautiful gardens, cherry trees, and official Festival events. Celebrate Japanese culture and heritage at several exhibits, stroll cherry-tree lined, lakeside gardens, or get hands-on at a multitude of events during the 2020 National Cherry Blossom Festival®, taking place March 20 – April 12. Peak bloom dates are expected March 27 – 30, 2020. For up-to-date information, visit http://www.fxva.com/cherryblossom.

Key Fairfax County events and exhibits for this year's Festival include:

March 20 to April 12 - Fairfax County's Festival Central at the Fairfax County Visitor Center
The official Fairfax County Visitor Center in Tysons Corner Center (on 2nd level outside Nordstrom) is "Festival Central" in Fairfax County. The public is invited to stop in for free souvenirs, Festival schedules and the latest information on activities throughout the region. On March 28, the Center will host its annual National Cherry Blossom Festival® Day with a special event from 1pm – 3pm with craft demonstrations, free gifts, and more! (http://www.fxva.com/plan-your-trip/visitor-center; 703-752-9500)

March 28 – Spring Fling Tour through the Woods at Frying Pan Farm Park
Take a spring trek on Frying Pan Farm Park's nature trail to experience the changes of the season. Visit special stations throughout the trail to build a fairy house, keep a tally of all the birds seen at the park, search for critters, and enjoy Japanese teas at the historic Frying Pan Meeting House. Stop by the Indoor Arena first for a map and instructions. Admission is free. (https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/frying-pan-park; 703-437-9101)

March 29 – Cherry Blossom STEM Day at the Lab at Children's Science Center Lab
Visitors to the Children's Science Center Lab can learn about cherry blossoms and the Festival through hands-on activities and experiments inspired by the flower throughout the entire lab. The Lab is open from 10am – 6pm. Admission is $13/person. Lab located inside Fair Oaks Mall. (https://childsci.org/; 703-648-3130)

April 4 & 5 – Art Blooms at Mosaic
Spring has sprung at Mosaic! Stop by Strawberry Park from 11am – 6pm for Art Bloom, where we celebrate the Cherry Blossom season with an art show, live entertainment, a farmers market, kids activities, and a handmade and vintage gift fair with URBNmarket. Free to attend, additional items available for purchase. (https://mosaicdistrict.com; 703-992-7832)

April 5 – Tour of the Bonsai Pavilion and Bonsai Care Demonstrations at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
Visit Meadowlark Botanical Gardens' new Bonsai Pavilion and learn about this ancient and fascinating art from members of the Northern Virginia Bonsai Society. This special event will occur from 1pm – 4pm. Garden admission is $6. (https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens; 703-255-3631)

April 11 – Second Saturday Art Walk: Cherry Blossom Bonanza! at the Workhouse Arts Center
Enjoy art work inspired by the spring blooms in all of the Workhouse galleries, grab a specialty cocktail at the themed bar, participate in a scavenger hunt, snap photos with the newly-decorated LOVEworks sign, and admire the property's own cherry trees during the Second Saturday Art Walk. The Workhouse will feature extended hours for the Art Walk (6-9pm), though the building and Lucy Burns Museum open at 11am. Admission is always free. (http://www.workhousearts.org/; 703-584-2900)

In addition to these cultural events and activities, visitors can plan self-guided tours of the region's most splendid gardens, including these not-to-miss sites (check with the individual gardens for hours of operation):

• River Farm, a historic 25-acre site on the banks of the Potomac River that was once part of George Washington's original five farms and is now the headquarters of the American Horticultural Society.
• Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, a 90-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, 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.

For more details on National Cherry Blossom Festival® signature events, peak bloom dates, special deals and offers from the hospitality community, and even more, visit http://www.fxva.com/cherryblossom.

Visit Fairfax (http://www.fxva.com) is the official tourism organization for Fairfax County, Virginia. Charged with destination marketing and tourism promotion, it is directed by many of the County's top tourism and hospitality leaders. Be sure to follow us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/visitfairfaxva), Twitter (@VisitFairfax), and Instagram (@VisitFairfax) for all Fairfax County events and activities this Spring! Hashtag: #FXVA

The National Cherry Blossom Festival® is the nation's greatest springtime celebration. The 2020 Festival, March 20 - April 12, includes nearly four spectacular weeks of events featuring diverse and creative programming promoting traditional and contemporary arts and culture, natural beauty, and community spirit. Visit nationalcherryblossomfestival.org or call 877.44.BLOOM for more information, or check out Facebook (CherryBlossomFestival), Twitter (@CherryBlossFest) and Instagram (@CherryBlossFest).

SOURCE Visit Fairfax [Fairfax County Convention & Visitors Corp.]