Kids & Family

Cherry Blossoms: Beyond the Tidal Basin

Viewing cherry blossoms and celebrating spring in Fairfax County.

With the peak cherry blossom blooms beginning and lasting through Friday, Fairfax County residents may want to take a look at options beyond the crowded Tidal Basin. If you want to see what Fairfax County has to offer in celebration of horticulture and Japanese culture, take some time to visit the locations and events described below.

Garden Tours

: 7931 E. Boulevard Dr., Alexandria, Va. 22308 
A former estate located on 25 acres of gardens and lawns alongside the Potomac River south of Alexandria, River Farm serves as the headquarters of the American Horticultural Society (AHS). It is also open to the public for various community events, children's programs, weddings and special occasions, as well as general visits. Admission is free. (Be sure to call ahead: (703) 768-5700; the AHS Web site says River Farm is open beginning in "early April.")

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens: 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna, Va. 22182
More than 100 cherry trees surround the 95-acre complex which also includes a garden with seasonal blooms. Part of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, there is an admission fee to enter Meadowlark, which you can check here, although children under age 6 are admitted free. Admission to the park closes at 5:30 p.m. during March, 6:30 p.m. in April. A special tip from the garden: Check out the daffodils near the Woods Gazebo and Lake Carolyn irises and cherry trees.

: 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, Va. 22312
Green Spring Gardens offers an array of trees, plants and flowers that were donated to Fairfax County in 1970 by the Straight family, who purchased the land in 1942.

Cultural Events

Celebrate Japanese Culture at on March 31
Make an elegant Shoji table lamp with wood and rice paper. Materials are supplied, and refreshments of Japanese teas and sweets will be served. From 10 a.m. to noon. Fee is $35 per person (adults only please). To register, call (703) 642-5173.

Children’s Cherry Blossom Celebration at on April 5 through 6
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Gift of the Cherry Trees at Green Spring Gardens. The day includes hands-on activities from origami to finding the flowering cherry trees in the gardens. From 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Fee is $6 per person (free for children 2 and younger). To register, call (703) 642-5173.

Japanese Art and Culture Day at the on April 21 in Lorton 
Enjoy performances, workshops, and demonstrations focusing on Japanese culture from 12 Noon-4 p.m. on April 21. The Japan-America Society of Washington, D.C., also will host a a kimono fashion show, traditional children's games, and more. That evening, the Workhouse Film Institute will present a Japanese Film Festival double feature, including an anime matinee (4:30 pm) followed by a 7:30 p.m. screening of a film for more mature audiences. $5 for each film; $8 to see both. Due to limited seating, advanced purchase of tickets is encouraged. For questions or to order tickets, please call (703) 584-2900 or order online.

Find out what's happening in McLeanwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

March 31 through April 22 Dinner for the Washingtons Tour at the
In honor of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, visitors who participate in the new “Dinner for the Washingtons” walking tour will receive a taste of cherry punch, adapted from Martha Washington’s recipe, through April 22. The one-hour walking tour showcases food, hospitality, and dining at Mount Vernon. It ends in Mount Vernon’s greenhouse with a special 18th-century cooking demonstration and tasting. This special tour costs $5 per tour in addition to Estate admission. Dinner for the Washingtons is offered at 11 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays only. Tickets are available online at www.MountVernon.org or in person at the estate.

March thru April “Japan’s Gift to Nature: Oriental Brush Painting” exhibit at  Oriental Brush Paintings by Darlene Kaplan will be on display in two free exhibits running through April 29.

Find out what's happening in McLeanwith free, real-time updates from Patch.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here