A National Cherry Blossom Festival Experiance

By Carole Peck

Beyond Times Square

We may still be in the thick of winter but at Beyond Times Square we’re looking ahead to spring!

More specifically we’re looking forward to Mother Nature’s gift of beauty in our nation’s capital each spring – cherry blossoms!

It’s thanks to these beautiful blooms that we have the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC each year. For those that may not be familiar, let’s start with a little history lesson because these trees are not just pretty – they’ve got a cool backstory.

Over a century ago, in 1912, the mayor of Tokyo City gifted Washington DC a remarkable symbol of friendship. The gift? Thirty-two hundred Japanese cherry trees, spanning twelve different varieties. Thanks to this generous act, each spring the city blooms into a spectacular sea of pink. It took some time, 23 years in fact, for the first Cherry Blossom Festival to kick off. But boy, was it worth the wait! Now, every year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival transforms the city with unique events – from petal-themed parties to parades – each one a celebration of the flowers that bring a vibrant pink energy to life. This year the festival runs from March 20th through April 14th, coinciding with the typical bloom period from late March to early April.

At Beyond Times Square, we’re all about taking this special time of year and making it even more special with unique private experiences. And believe me, we’ve got some fabulous ideas to make your trip extra special because with us, it’s not just about seeing the sights – it’s about making memories that stay with you forever.

This year, we launched a fantastic new multiday experience designed specifically for those who want to explore the cherry blossoms in more out-of-the-box or unique ways. It’s our Washington DC Cherry Blossom Festival Multiday Experience and it’s completely customizable to your interests. Read on for the scoop – and a sample itinerary!

Your luxury adventure kicks off the moment you land. Beyond Times Square eliminates the need to look for a taxi or figure out directions. A friendly driver will greet you right

inside the airport, holding a sign with your name on it. Talk about VIP treatment - right? From there, you’ll head to a five-star hotel of your choice (we can provide you with some great recommendations!) to settle in.

Your first day is all about getting up close with the blooms – and that means you’ll start by viewing the blossoms from the seat of a bike. Picture this –you’ll cycle through the vibrant cherry blossoms on a path of your choice – you can choose from well-known areas like the National Mall or opt for off-thebeaten-path gems. Whichever you pick, our expert local guide will make the sights come alive with captivating stories making sure it’s not just a ride but a story-filled adventure.

As your private bike tour wraps up, it’s time to think about lunch. We won’t cover the cost but count on us to point you to some of the top lunch spots in the area. After lunch, you’ll head to the District Wharf to check out the blossoms via sport boat. Once onboard, you’ll cruise the Potomac River and Washington Channel with your licensed U.S. Coast Guard captain/tour guide for a unique view of the cherry blossoms – and those iconic monuments – while your captain entertains you with fascinating stories and historical tidbits. The view of the cherry blossoms and monuments from this vantage point? Unforgettable!

Day two is all about discovering the blossoms in off-thebeaten-path locations around DC. Your adventure begins when your luxury vehicle and expert guide arrive at your hotel. From there it’s off to sites like the United States National Arboretum, The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and more –as well as DC neighborhoods adorned with charming cherry blossom decorations.

On your last day, you’ll take in the beauty of springtime in the capital in a private limo pedicab. Your knowledgeable driver – who is also an expert guide – will pick you up and “pedal” you to the center of the “petal” action – the Tidal Basin and National Mall – where he’ll share insights and little-known facts on the festival as well as the iconic monuments and memorials that the blossoms surround.

We’re not done yet! The day will end with a visit to ARTECHOUSE for an interactive, cherry blossom-inspired exhibit that blends art, science and technology. ARTECHOUSE is like no other art exhibit you have ever seen and is even harder to explain once you have seen it. Let’s just say that thanks to the cutting-edge technology they use – it’s like stepping into the future of art and is super cool!

And when your DC cherry blossom adventure comes to an end, we’ll ensure your journey back is as smooth as your arrival with your private driver waiting to take you back to the airport in style.

As you can see, for those seeking a distinctive cherry blossom experience, we offer a variety of private, luxury options that deviate from say, more traditional ways of taking in the blooms, like walking or via a luxury vehicle – although those options are certainly available and come complete with a professional local tour guide should you prefer.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see these famous blooms in a way that’s tailored to your interests – making it your very own unique cherry blossom story!

Yes indeed, Beyond Times Square certainly has you covered with plenty of private experiences for your getaway to Washington DC during the National Cherry Blossom Festival – as well as year-round! In fact, these options are just a glimpse of what we offer in DC. For a comprehensive look at our customizable experiences contact our Experience Designers today and let us elevate your vacation from mere events to timeless memories!

PS - For those eager to track the peak bloom, the National Park Service’s online ‘Bloom Watch’ is an excellent resource!

All photos were submitted by Beyond Times Square.

For more information, visit https://btsq. com/