America’s East Coast may be famed for spectacular fall foliage, but Autumn isn’t the only time the region’s trees put on a show. Springtime is cherry blossom season – and nowhere looks better at this time of year than Washington DC.
In 1912, the Mayor of Tokyo gifted 3,000 cherry trees to the American capital, many of which were planted along the National Mall and Reflecting Pool. Their shimmering blooms bring post-winter colour to this, one of the country’s greatest landmarks. Such is the flowers’ significance that they are welcomed each spring with the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which coincides with the period in which the petals are at their peak (this year’s event runs from 20 March until 13 April).
Discover more about the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Washington DC.
To get the best from the season, specialist tour operator Bon Voyage recommends pairing a flower-filled DC city break with a self-drive tour along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Routinely voted as America’s favourite drive, this 469-mile trail runs through the Appalachian Highlands and connects Shenandoah National Park with Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains. Along the way, the route takes in pioneer history, epic vistas and charming small towns such as Charlottesville, Virginia, where Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and James Monroe all practised law before going on to become the third, fourth and fifth Presidents of the United States.
Bon Voyage’s all-new America’s Favourite Drive itinerary costs from £2,225 per person and includes flights (from London, Manchester or Glasgow) into Washington and home from Atlanta, 13 nights’ accommodation in cosy and characterful inns or B&Bs, car hire and a personalised road book with detailed directions and travel tips.
Call 0800 316 0194 or visit www.bon-voyage.co.uk
