How to Watch the D.C. Virtual Cherry Blossoms in 2021

Spring is almost here in the United States, and in the nation’s capitol, that means one thing: The cherry blossoms are about to burst. In a typical year, millions of tourists would flock from around the world to catch a glimpse of these gorgeous baby pink flowers in bloom, but this, of course, is anything but a typical year. But don’t worry flower fans, the National Cherry Blossom Festival organizers are here to ensure you can still enjoy the flowers no matter where in the world you are.

This year, festival organizers announced plans for a “hybrid” event, including plenty of online activities to keep people entertained at home. That includes its new BloomCam, meditation activities, a virtual run, and even a few celebrity performances hosted by actress Drew Barrymore.

“In keeping with the festival tradition we will unite the city and the region, engaging local businesses and restaurants and we’ll be in bloom with pink lighting and blossom decor,” Diana Mayhew, president and CEO of the festival, shared in a statement.

Video: How You Can Watch the D.C. Cherry Blossoms Bloom From Home (Travel + Leisure)

  • the inside of a building: 'COVID-free' Trains Will Soon Run Between Rome and Milan

    'COVID-free' Trains Will Soon Run Between Rome and Milan

    Travel + Leisure Logo

    Travel + Leisure

  • a seal lying in the snow: This Walrus Fell Asleep on an Iceberg and Woke Up in Ireland

    This Walrus Fell Asleep on an Iceberg and Woke Up in Ireland

    Travel + Leisure Logo

    Travel + Leisure

  • a large crowd of people standing in front of a building: New Disney World Service Turns Your Phone Into Your Park Ticket

    New Disney World Service Turns Your Phone Into Your Park Ticket

    Travel + Leisure Logo

    Travel + Leisure

  • a group of people standing on top of a mountain: These Are the Friendliest Towns in the U.S., According to Expedia Traveler Reviews

    These Are the Friendliest Towns in the U.S., According to Expedia Traveler Reviews

    Travel + Leisure Logo

    Travel + Leisure

  • a view of a city street: Los Angeles Reopening Indoor Dining, Museums, Breweries, More

    Los Angeles Reopening Indoor Dining, Museums, Breweries, More

    Travel + Leisure Logo

    Travel + Leisure

  • a plane sitting on top of a grass covered field: Introducing Norse Atlantic Airways — The Airline Picking Up Where Norwegian Left Off

    Introducing Norse Atlantic Airways — The Airline Picking Up Where Norwegian Left Off

    Travel + Leisure Logo

    Travel + Leisure

  • a train traveling over a bridge: The National Park Service Reveals Its Most Popular Sites of 2020

    The National Park Service Reveals Its Most Popular Sites of 2020

    Travel + Leisure Logo

    Travel + Leisure

  • a large building: Italy Heads Into Another Lockdown As COVID-19 Cases Surge

    Italy Heads Into Another Lockdown As COVID-19 Cases Surge

    Travel + Leisure Logo

    Travel + Leisure

  • text: Rothy's Just Launched Its First Ever Sale — Here’s What to Shop

    Rothy's Just Launched Its First Ever Sale — Here’s What to Shop

    Travel + Leisure Logo

    Travel + Leisure

  • diagram: Countries That Are Open to COVID-19 Vaccinated Travelers

    Countries That Are Open to COVID-19 Vaccinated Travelers

    Travel + Leisure Logo

    Travel + Leisure

  • Disneyland's Upcoming Dining Experience Will Include All of Your Park Favorites — Yes, Eve

    Disneyland's Upcoming Dining Experience Will Include All of Your Park Favorites — Yes, Eve

    Travel + Leisure Logo

    Travel + Leisure

  • Away Just Launched Two-toned Luggage — and It Might Be the Brand’s Most Stylish Collection

    Away Just Launched Two-toned Luggage — and It Might Be the Brand’s Most Stylish Collection

    Travel + Leisure Logo

    Travel + Leisure

  • a person sitting in a chair: Yeti Just Launched Its First Luggage Line — and It's Perfect for Adventure Travel

    Yeti Just Launched Its First Luggage Line — and It's Perfect for Adventure Travel

    Travel + Leisure Logo

    Travel + Leisure

  • the inside of a building: 'COVID-free' Trains Will Soon Run Between Rome and Milan
    'COVID-free' Trains Will Soon Run Between Rome and Milan
    Passengers will need to arrive an hour early for on-site testing.

    Travel + Leisure Logo
    Travel + Leisure

  • a seal lying in the snow: This Walrus Fell Asleep on an Iceberg and Woke Up in Ireland
    This Walrus Fell Asleep on an Iceberg and Woke Up in Ireland
    Experts say a nap gone wrong led to a very rare sighting.

    Travel + Leisure Logo
    Travel + Leisure

  • a large crowd of people standing in front of a building: New Disney World Service Turns Your Phone Into Your Park Ticket
    New Disney World Service Turns Your Phone Into Your Park Ticket
    Disney is adding a little extra magic to your next vacation with this new tech feature.



    Travel + Leisure Logo
    Travel + Leisure

UP NEXT

There will also be plenty of historical talks so everyone can learn more about just how these trees made their way to Washington D.C. too. As Lonely Planet explained, the month-long celebration honors the 3,000 cherry trees gifted to the city by Tokyo’s Mayor Yukio Ozaki in 1912. At the time, First Lady Helen Herron Taft and Viscountess Iwa Chinda, wife of the Japanese Ambassador, planted the first two trees. And, in 1965, First Lady “Lady Bird” Johnson accepted 3,800 more trees to add to the collection.

On March 1, The National Park Service predicted this year’s peak bloom period as April 2 – April 5, 2021. “The peak bloom date for DC’s cherry blossoms is defined as the day on which 70% of the blossoms of the Yoshino cherry trees that surround the Tidal Basin are open,” the festival website explained. Updates will be posted as the trees progress through their stages of bloom. See the full list of events, bloom predictions, and more, on the National Cherry Blossom Festival website here.

Source: Read Full Article