Cherry Blossom Encore
Details
I know, it will be crowded, but we'd feel bad if we let the peak weekend for the cherry blossoms slip past. Things were just getting started on our visit last weekend, so let's go for one last look!
The route: From the Haupt Garden, we’ll walk west along the path in the Mall that runs parallel to Jefferson Drive, cross 14th St SW and veer left along the sidewalk in front of Washington Monument, cross Independence Ave SW in front of the Floral Library, and enter the path that runs along the shoreline of the Tidal Basin. We’ll walk clockwise around the shoreline of the Tidal Basin, past the Jefferson, FDR and MLK memorials to the Japanese Lantern and First Cherry Blossom Tree Planting. From there we’ll recross Independence Ave SW and walk north through the World War Two Memorial to circle the Constitution Gardens Pond before heading east past the German-American Friendship Garden to the National Mall, where we'll retrace our steps to the Haupt Garden.
The route is an easy clockwise loop of 4.3 miles of smiles and should take about an hour and a half. We may get slowed down by the heavy traffic, but that's ok - that's why we're doing a fairly short walk.
Google route map: http://tinyurl.com/kjz8vj9
How to get there: (Metro recommended) From the Smithsonian Metro Station, walk east 0.1 miles on Independence Ave SW toward 12th St SW, turn left and walk north into the garden, through the wrought iron gates flanked by the Freer & Sackler Gallery and the National Museum of African Art. The Smithsonian Institution “Castle” will be immediately in front of you at 1000 Jefferson Dr SW, Washington DC 20004.
Where to meet: We'll meet in the Enid A. Haupt Garden just south of the Smithsonian Institution Castle.
What to bring: Water, comfy shoes, and your furry friend if desired. (Leashes, please. NB: service animals only inside the Smithsonian Visitor Center.) The forecast is mostly sunny and a high of 78 degrees. (Seriously?!)
Administrative stuff: There are public restrooms, drinking fountains and a snack bar in the Smithsonian Institution. As a reminder, this is a kids-free zone, no one under 18 years of age is permitted.
Cost: None.
Notes:
• Cherry Blossom Cam: http://tinyurl.com/bvvg3ha
• National Cherry Blossom Festival: http://tinyurl.com/h37fr
• Smithsonian Maps and Directions: http://tinyurl.com/lckwzd8