The Washington, D.C. region has long treasured cherry trees since they made their initial debut at the Washington Tidal Basin more than 100 years ago as a gift from Japan. Since that time, millions have visited Washington to see these spectacular trees in all their glory. Last year, in honor of its 10-year anniversary, National Harbor added more than 100 Okame cherry trees to its existing collection, bringing the number of trees it has to more than 200. Many of these are along the waterfront in the Waterfront District at National Harbor.
“The trees have been planted in mass around the waterfront so that residents, locals and visitors arriving by car, bus or boat will be dazzled by the site when they reach National Harbor,” said Deborah Topcik, director of marketing at National Harbor. “Cherry Blossoms are such a signature part of Washington, D.C. and we love extending that to National Harbor. They are a great sign of spring.”
This year, National Harbor is partnering with the Japan-American Society of Washington, D.C. for the annual Sakura Sunday event. This official participating event of the 2019 National Cherry Blossom Festival will occur on Sunday, April 14, 2019, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. At the free festival, guests can enjoy authentic Japanese Cherry Blossom bloom traditions including traditional Japanese picnicking with food available for sale, a sake, rosé and beer garden, a Japanese Market and Japanese-inspired music and entertainment. Additionally, The Capital Wheel will be pink throughout the festival.
National Harbor celebrates cherry blossoms beginning Saturday, March 30, 2019, from 7 to 11 p.m. with a kick-off event at MGM National Harbor. Cherry Blast has become an annual tradition of the National Cherry Blossom Festival as a fun party celebrating history and culture. Throughout April, the celebration continues at National Harbor with various offers throughout the destination including special cherry blossom spa treatments at Gaylord National’s Relâche Spa, themed cocktails and menu items at various restaurants and bars and overnight hotel packages. Visitors can unwind at National Harbor, stroll and shop along the tree-lined promenades; relax in one of two of the largest spas in the D.C. region (Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center’s Rêlache Spa or the spa at MGM National Harbor), or dine at one of the more than 40 restaurants. Visitors to National Harbor have easy access to the Washington D.C. Tidal Basin cherry trees via water taxis from National Harbor.
The MGM National Harbor will feature a jaw-dropping cherry blossom display in its Conservatory until the end of April. Situated just outside of the theater and hotel lobby, the Conservatory celebrates seasons through a highly talented horticultural team that creates magnificent displays.
“Not only is National Harbor the perfect place for visitors to stay when coming to D.C. to see the Tidal Basin cherry trees,” Topcik added, “But it’s a great destination for viewing our cherry blossom display and enjoying our many waterfront restaurants, hotels and shops.”
For more information about the National Harbor, visit: www.NationalHarbor.com.