The National Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual two-week event that celebrates springtime in Washington, DC as well as the 1912 gift of the cherry blossom trees and the enduring friendship between the people of the United States and Japan. The cherry blossoms are the ultimate sign of springtime in Washington, DC and throughout the vibrant neighborhood of Georgetown, Japanese inspired artwork and designer specials enliven the cultural celebration. The 2010 National Cherry Blossom Festival runs from March 27 to April 11, 2010.

While flowers bloom on the Tidal Basin, so do the magnificent gardens of Georgetown. Dumbarton Oaks, the 19th century Federal-style mansion, boasts over 10 acres of gardens and pathways lined with cherry blossom trees. Beginning March 15, the gardens are open daily from 2 to 6 PM. Admission for adults is $8, and $5 for seniors, students and children. The entrance to the gardens of Dumbarton Oaks is located at R and 31st Streets, NW. For more information please call 202.339.6450 or visit their web site.


Another Georgetown mansion with exquisite gardens, Tudor Place, is hosting a Cherry Blossom Tea on Wednesday, March 31 at 1 PM and Wednesday, April 7 at 1 PM. Japanese tea blends will be served along with tea sandwiches, scones and desserts. After the tea party, guests are invited to stroll the five acres of gardens. Reservations are required and the ticket price for members is $20 and $25 for non-members. Tudor Place Historic House and Garden is located at 1644 31st Street, NW, between Q and R Streets. For more information please call 202.965.0400 or visit their web site.

The Cherry Blossom Printable Party Invitations and Cherry Blossom 4 Bar Letterpress Stationery from Paper Source are perfect for a springtime soiree. The specialty paper store also features Cherry Blossoms Vellum Gift Wrap and Japanese Decorative Papers with Yuzen Cherry Blossom Clusters for card making, invitations and scrapbooking. Paper Source, located at 3019 M Street, NW. For more information or reservations please call 202.298.5545 or visit their web site.

With spring comes the sales and Poppy Metals is hosting its first ever from April 1st to April 4th. All of the jewelry, including one-of-a-kind pieces and commissions from designer Heidi Hess, will be 25% off. Poppy Metals is located at 3235 P Street, NW. For more information please call 202.290.1377 or visit their web site.

Designer Rebecca Taylor’s looks will be on display and 15% off at Urban Chic on March 26, 12–8 PM. Guests will enjoy treats from Georgetown Cupcakes, cherry blossom inspired drinks, a chance to win Rebecca Taylor goods and a free gift with purchase. Newly opened restaurant Il Canale will host the after party with wine and brick oven pizza from 8 PM to 11 PM. Urban Chic is located at 1626 Wisconsin Avenue, NW. Please call 202.338.5398 or visit their web site for more information.

Need a cherry blossom keepsake? Photographs of the cherry blossoms by DC photographer Richard Latoff will be available to purchase at L’Eclat de Verre for a special price of $35 when framed with the store. All custom frame orders are 20% off from March 27th to April 10th. L’Eclat de Verre is located at 3336 M Street NW. For more information please call 202.333.6840 or visit their web site.

Cross Mackenzie Gallery is hosting a reception for photographer John Brown on April 23 and will feature the artist’s collection, Wisteria, throughout the seasons. Visit johnbrownphotography.com to learn more about the artist. Cross Mackenzie Gallery is located at 1054 31st Street, NW. For more information please call 202.333.7970 or visit their web site.

The Artist Loft presents a special spring exhibition of artwork inspired by Washington’s cherry blossom trees. Canvas art pieces by local artists and Homayoun Yeroushalmi will be on display throughout the festival. The Artist Loft is an artist studio and gallery located at 1419 Wisconsin Avenue, NW. The loft is open every day from 12 PM to 5 PM. To contact the artist please call 202.333.8333 or visit the artist's web site.