Cherry Blossom Season: Tours, Food And More Planned In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — As DC area residents await the forecast for the peak bloom of the cherry blossom trees, various experiences and special events have been announced for cherry blossom season in Alexandria.

From experiences to food and drink specials, Alexandria doesn't miss the mark on one of the region's busiest times for visitors. Many events coincide with the National Cherry Blossom Festival from March 20 to April 16 in Washington, DC. Stay tuned for Wednesday when the National Park Service announces the expected peak bloom timeline.

Visitors can see cherry blossoms along Old Town Alexandria's streets as a less busy alternative to the Tidal Basin's cherry blossoms. There are also options to see the cherry blossoms on water taxis or bike rides to the Tidal Basin.

Other notable events including Lost Boy Cider's new cherry blossom-themed party, cherry blossom-themed workshops at Shop Made in VA and the Torpedo Factory Art Center’s returning Cherry Blossom Jubilee.

Below are the key experiences to enjoy around Alexandria, organized by start date. Visit Alexandria has more information on cherry blossom season at VisitAlexandriaVA.com/CherryBlossoms.

Picnic & Peonies’ Cherry Blossom Picnic Theme: Feb. 24 through spring

Cost: Packages starting at $249 for two

Location: Picnic locations available throughout Alexandria, VA

Picnic & Peonies, a luxury picnic company in Alexandria, offers pop-up picnic experiences indoors and outdoors. This spring, Picnic & Peonies is offering cherry blossom-themed picnics and tablescapes. These setups come with fun cherry blossom blooms and colorful spring décor.

Winter in Tokyo Menu at Captain Gregory’s: Now through April 30

Location: Captain Gregory’s, 804 N. Henry St., Alexandria, VA 22314

Celebrate the Japanese origin of the cherry blossoms with Captain Gregory’s Winter in Tokyo menu, featuring all sorts of Japanese spirits, flavor profiles and citrus. Reservations at the speakeasy are encouraged.

Cherry Blossom Cider from Lost Boy Cider: Beginning March 1 while supplies last

Location: Lost Boy Cider, 317 Hooffs Run Dr., Alexandria, VA 22314

Lost Boy Cider’s annual release, "Cherry Blossom,” features Japanese cherries, Shenandoah apples and jasmine flowers.

Cherry Blossom Cocktail at RailBird Kitchen: March 1 to April 30

Location: RailBird Kitchen, 804 N Henry St., Alexandria, VA, 22314

RailBird will be offering a cherry blossom cocktail as part of its spring menu, featuring Japanese barley shochu, junmai nigori sake and cherry blossom syrup with rose hips and lime. The cocktail will be on the menu alongside the rest of RailBird’s Japanese-influenced small plates and cocktails.

“Cherry Blossoms in Bloom” Package at The Alexandrian: March 1 to April 30

Location: The Alexandrian Old Town Alexandria, Autograph Collection, 480 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314

This spring, stay at The Alexandrian and enjoy the “Cherry Blossoms in Bloom” package, which includes two round-trip Water Taxi tickets and two in-room signature cherry blossom-themed cocktails.

“Cherry Blossoms in Bloom” Package at Morrison House: March 1 to April 30

Location: Morrison House Old Town Alexandria, Autograph Collection, 116 S Alfred St., Alexandria, VA 22314

This spring, stay at Morrison House and take advantage of the “Cherry Blossoms in Bloom” package, which includes two round-trip Water Taxi tickets and two in-room signature cherry blossom-themed cocktails.

Cherry Blossom Party at Lost Boy Cider: March 10, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Location: Lost Boy Cider, 317 Hooffs Run Dr., Alexandria, VA, 22314

Head to Alexandria’s signature cidery for a celebration showcasing the Cherry Blossom cider, made with Japanese cherries, Shenandoah apples and jasmine flowers, plus anticipate the debut of a special sake. Enjoy cherry blossom-themed décor, a performance from traditional Japanese dancers from the Regional Onoe Schools of Dance in D.C. and hands-on activities.

Cherry Blossom Cocktail from Alexandria Restaurant Partners: March 13 to April 16

Locations: Ada’s on the River, 3 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria, VA, 22314; BARCA Pier & Wine Bar, 2 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria, VA, 22314; The Majestic, 911 King Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314; Mia’s Italian Kitchen, 100 King Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314; Vola’s Hi-Tide Lounge, 101 N Union St., Alexandria, VA, 22314

Alexandria Restaurant Partners’ locationsOld Town will serve a seasonal Shizen cocktail made with Sakenoto Jumai Sake, Marashino liquer, grapefruit juice, simple syrup and grapefruit soda.

Vintage Mirage Cherry Blossom Sale: March 14 to April 1

Location: Vintage Mirage, 117 S. Columbus St., Alexandria, VA, 22314

This cherry blossom season, pick up deals across Vintage Mirage’s selection of contemporary consignment, vintage garments and jewelry. Enjoy 20 percent off clothing, jewelry and accessories ($25 minimum). Shop online at vintagemirage.com and receive 10 percent off all purchases over $25 when you use the code “vintage10” at checkout.

Monuments Sightseeing Cruise by the Cherry Blossoms: Fridays to Sundays, beginning March 17

Cost: Starting at $22 one-way; $35 round-trip for adults

Location: Departs from the Alexandria Marina, 1 Cameron St., Alexandria, VA 22314
This sightseeing cruise highlights the cherry blossoms in DC as well as the history of DC's monuments, memorials and bridges. The cruise lasts 45 minutes one way or 90 minutes round trip. Riders have the option to explore Georgetown and return on a later boat.

Water Taxi to the Wharf to See Cherry Blossoms: Beginning March 18

Cost: Starting at $23 one-way; $37 round-trip for adults
Location: Departs from the Alexandria Marina, 1 Cameron St., Alexandria, VA 22314

This 25-minute water taxi from Old Town Alexandria does to the Wharf in DC. From the dock at 950 Wharf St. SW, it's a 10-minute walk to the Tidal Basin's cherry blossoms.

Explore the Cherry Blossoms with Unlimited Biking: March 17 to April 16

Cost: Rentals start at $15; tours start at $44

Location: Unlimited Biking: Old Town Alexandria, 421 King Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314

Pedal from Old Town Alexandria along the Potomac River to DC's cherry blossoms Unlimited Biking's bike rental package. This package includes maps, helmets, bike bags and locks. Hybrid bikes, road bikes, eBikes, kids bikes and kids attachments can also be requested. Another option is the Washington DC.: Blossoms by Guided Bike Tour, which features monuments and memorials around DC. Cherry Blossom tours are two hours long, run multiple times daily during season and begin from Unlimited Biking: Washington DC at 998 Maine Avenue SW.

Cherry Blossom Guided Tours with Pedego Electric Bikes Alexandria: March 20 to April 16 (or when the cherry blossoms are in bloom) (by appointment on weekdays)

Cost: $69 per bike ($10 for passenger riders on cargo or tandem bikes)

Location: Pedego Alexandria, 210 North Lee St., Alexandria, VA 22314

This three-hour guided tour goes from Old Town Alexandria to the cherry blossoms in DC, including a ride through the blossoms around East Potomac Park. Tours will run as long as there are blooms on the cherry blossom trees. Group tour sizes will be limited. Riders must be at least 14 years old to ride alone. Weekend tours fill up quickly, so contact Pedego early to make your reservations. Call 571-312-5168 or email info@pedegoalexandria.com.

Common Plate Hospitality’s Cherry Blossom Menus and Art Installations: March 20 to April 17

Locations: Augie’s Beer Garden, 1106 King Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314; Mason Social, 728 N Henry St., Alexandria, VA, 22314; Urbano 116, 116 King St., Alexandria, VA, 22314

Common Plate Hospitality plans to bloom with the cherry blossoms this year, launching exclusive menus and art installations in all three of its Old Town Alexandria locations. Be sure to stop by Augie's Mussel House for a photo with their cherry blossom mural and grab a sake-inspired cocktail. Head to Old Town North for a casual lunch at Mason Social and enjoy artwork surrounding the walls. Just one block from the waterfront, don’t miss Urbano 116's selfie station themed for the season with blossoms and enjoy delectable treats.

Special Entrée at Hank’s Oyster Bar: March 20 to April 16

Location: Hank’s Oyster Bar, 818 N St. Asaph St., Alexandria, VA, 22314

To celebrate cherry blossom season, Hank’s Oyster Bar will offer a special entrée: Pan-seared New Zealand lamb loin, Israeli couscous, baby carrots, Mediterranean spices and a topping of cherry-mint sauce.

Special Seasonal Package from Turkish Coffee Lady: March 20 to April 16

Location: Turkish Coffee Lady, 1001 King Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314

In honor of the cherry blossom season, Turkish Coffee Lady will offer a creamy pink drink, a rich and milky beverage derived from the powdered tubers of orchids. Guests can purchase a special seasonal package that includes the cherry blossom drink, a pistachio or walnut baklava and Turkish delights with fruit flavors.

Cherry Blossom Gelato at Dolci Gelati: March 20 to April 16 in limited supply

Location: Dolci Gelati Old Town, 107 N Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA, 22314

Dolci Gelati will bring back its popular Cherry Blossom gelato for the National Cherry Blossom Festival this year. Dolci founder Gianluigi Dellaccio was appointed a Global Gelato Ambassador by the Italian Gelatoers Association in January 2018 and won "Best Gelato Flavor" at the Inaugural Gelato Festival America in November 2017. The gelato is available in-person, for pickup and delivery.

Workshop: DIY Cherry Blossom Sugar Scrub with Lux Butter at Shop Made in VA March 26, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost: $45 per person

Location: Shop Made in VA, 1121 King Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314

Dominique from Lux Butter will help you learn how to make a cherry blossom-scented sugar scrub. She will talk about the importance of natural ingredients and their purpose, self-care and taking time for yourself. Tickets are available through Eventbrite.

Workshop: Cherry Blossom Candle Making with The Burning Wic at Shop Made in VA: April 1, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost: $45 per person
Location: Shop Made in VA, 1121 King Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314

Learn about The Burning Wic, soy wax and its benefits, and make your own candle and wax melts. The afternoon will be filled with fun, trivia and giveaways. Participants will take home their own cherry blossom-scented candle. Tickets are available through Eventbrite.

Workshop: Cherry Blossom Alcohol Ink Wreath with The Gorilla and The Pig at Shop Made in VA: April 2, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost: $70 per person

Location: Shop Made in VA, 1121 King Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314

Come learn how to make your own cherry blossom wreath to bring some of that spring cheer into your home with no allergies attached. During this course, you will learn some basics of using alcohol ink on synthetic paper, cutting out your own flowers from your artwork and using real branches to build your wreath. Each wreath is 10 inches. The branches will vary which can make your wreath slightly larger if desired. There will also be a synthetic branch option as well as additional embellishments to add to your wreath. Tickets are available through Eventbrite.

Cherry Blossom First Thursday in Del Ray: April 6, 6 p.m.

Cost: Free

Locations: Various locations in Del Ray, Alexandria, VA 22301

First Thursdays, Del Ray's monthly street festival, kicks off on Thursday, April 6, with a cherry blossom celebration. Visit Mount Vernon Avenue for live music, a scavenger hunt featuring themed hand-painted windows, children's activities, and more.

Shades of Sakura Workshop: Floral Crown with Fern & Folly at Shop Made in VA: April 13, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and April 15, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost: $65 per person

Location: Shop Made in VA, 1121 King Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314

Come learn to make a fun floral crown and welcome the Sakura season. All tools, materials and in-season florals will be provided. Go home with a beautiful crown for your hair and the skills to make it again. Tickets are available through Eventbrite.

The Late Shift Art Night: Cherry Blossom Jubilee at the Torpedo Factory Art Center: April 14, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Cost: Admission: Free

Location: Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N Union St., Alexandria, VA 22314

In partnership with the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Torpedo Factory Art Center invites visitors to explore the celebrated cherry blossoms through art demonstrations, music and interactive activities among three floors of open studios and galleries.

Cherry Blossom Brunch at King & Rye: April 15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: King & Rye, 480 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314

Celebrate spring and the cherry blossoms with a special menu at the southern-infused Old Town brunch destination.