2010 Peak Bloom Dates Announced
Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at 9:42AM I have no doubt that Spring means well, with the first of our tulips starting to poke their heads up and the Post's annual peeps contest is in full swing. But I'm not buying it, Winter will not let us go quietly. Old Man Winter has been relentless this year, putting us on the ropes and working us over systematically as we try to stagger up. So I'm not going to let my guard down, no matter how many more beautiful, 60 degree days we get. That bag of salt and snow shovel are staying on my front porch until someone brings me the head of Winter for my inspection. I'm taking no chances.
My curmudgeonly ranting aside, at some point Spring will push through, and wind-swept piles of snow will be replaced by even larger mounds of tourists. I'm talking, of course, of the Cherry Blossom Festival, which is scheduled for March 27th to April 11th. But wait, there's more! Last week, the Park Service announced their best guess as to the peak bloom date, when 70% of the Yoshino trees will be in bloom. Despite speculation that our heavy snowfall would push the date back, they are estimating peak bloom will fall somewhere between April 3-8, or right about on the average date of April 4. Update you calendars accordingly.
Now, I harrumph over the blossoms every year, and yet I end up going and enjoying myself immensely. They are worth visiting DC for, with the understanding that their is no guarantee, especially for a zen-like experience such as watching the blossoms fall. But if you're looking to make this year your once in a lifetime visit, you might want to hold off a year or two. The best viewing areas, around the Tidal Basin, will be somewhat disrupted by two fairly intense construction projects. The first is the ongoing construction of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the second is the long overdue repair of the seawall near the Jefferson Memorial. But if you don't mind a couple of cranes in your shot, come on down.
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Not to mention that I was downtown today and the Carousel on The Mall was up and running! Spring is almost here!