February 22, 2022
CONTACTS:
Claire Mouledoux, [email protected] or 703-652-5367
Rebecca Doser, [email protected] or 703-652-5363
Alexandria Announces Seasonal Cherry Blossom Experiences
D.C. Cherry Blossom Cruises, Food & Drink Specials and More
Alexandria, VA—Nothing is more symbolic of springtime in the D.C. region than cherry blossoms. This year, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the fluffy pink and white wonders in Alexandria, VA. Take a stroll along Old Town Alexandria’s picturesque streets lined with cherry blossoms and flowering trees and enjoy food and drink specials available for in-person dining or takeout. See the D.C. cherry blossoms from a Potomac River perch with high-speed water taxi tours or take a bike ride to the Tidal Basin. New this year, enjoy special cherry blossom-themed workshops at just-opened Shop Made in VA, and sip seasonal coffee from brand-new Turkish Coffee Lady. Don’t forget to check out highly anticipated return of The National Cherry Blossom Festival from March 20 to April 17, 2022. Find events that honor both American and Japanese cultures, such as the Torpedo Factory Art Center’s Cherry Blossom Jubilee.
Learn more about cherry blossom experiences in Alexandria at VisitAlexandriaVA.com/CherryBlossoms and find a list of cherry blossom tours, special events and food and drink offerings below.
Water Taxi
Water Taxi to the Wharf to See Cherry Blossoms
Wednesday through Monday, beginning March 18, 2022
Departures beginning at 12 p.m.; check website for details
Admission: Starting at $23 one-way; $39 round-trip for adults
Departs from the Alexandria Marina, 1 Cameron St., Alexandria, VA 22314
888-809-7109
cityexperiences.com/alexandria
Cruise from Old Town Alexandria to Washington, D.C., to enjoy the famous cherry blossoms from the water. City Cruises anchored by Hornblower offers a 25-minute direct water taxi from Old Town to The Wharf development in D.C. From the dock at The Wharf, it is a 10-minute walk to the cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin. The water taxi docks at the Transit Pier, 950 Wharf St. SW, near the Tidal Basin, the National Mall, Hains Point and a Capital Bikeshare station.
Washington Monuments Cruise to the Cherry Blossoms
Saturdays and Sundays, beginning March 19, 2022
Departures beginning at 11:30 a.m.; check website for details
Admission: Starting at $26 one-way; $42 round-trip for adults
Departs from the Alexandria Marina, 1 Cameron St., Alexandria, VA 22314
888-809-7109
cityexperiences.com/alexandria
Traverse the Potomac River from Old Town Alexandria and cruise past the cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C. on the Washington Monuments Cruise from City Cruises anchored by Hornblower. View and listen to the history of the iconic monuments, memorials and bridges as the D.C. region awakens to spring. See beautiful cherry blossom trees as you glide past Hains Point and head onward to Georgetown. The cruise is 45 minutes one-way and approximately 90 minutes roundtrip. It is offered Saturdays and Sundays beginning March 19, 2022, and throughout peak cherry blossom season. Riders also have the option to explore Georgetown and return on a later boat.
Bike Tours
Explore the Cherry Blossoms with Unlimited Biking
March 20 to April 12, 2022
Admission: Rentals start at $15; tours start at $44
Unlimited Biking: Old Town Alexandria, 421 King Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314
202-842-2453
unlimitedbiking.com
Pedal from Unlimited Biking: Old Town Alexandria along the Potomac River to the famous cherry blossoms of Washington DC with Unlimited Biking’s bike rental package that provides you with all that you need for your journey—maps, helmets, bike bags and locks. Hybrid bikes, road bikes, eBikes, kids bikes and kids attachments are available. Alternatively, join the famous “Washington DC.: Blossoms by Guided Bike Tour,” which integrates celebrating the natural beauty of our nation’s capital during the Cherry Blossom Festival, while visiting some of the best monuments and memorials around Washington D.C. 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 19 to April 17, 2022 (or as long as the cherry blossoms are in bloom)
Departures at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on weekends; by appointment on weekdays
Admission: $69 per bike ($10 for passenger riders on cargo or tandem bikes)
Pedego Alexandria, 210 North Lee St., Alexandria, VA 22314
571-312-5168
pedegoalexandria.com
Join a three-hour guided tour from Old Town Alexandria to the Cherry Blossoms, including a ride through the blossoms around East Potomac Park. The views of the blossoms from a Pedego are fantastic, and you don’t have to fight traffic or find a place to park downtown. Tours will run as long as there are blooms on the cherry blossom trees. Group tour sizes will be limited. 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 [email protected].
Special Events
Cherry Blossom Exhibition at the Torpedo Factory Art Center
April 2 to May 1, 2022; Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: Free
Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-746-4590
torpedofactory.org
Art lovers are encouraged to stop by the Torpedo Factory Art Center throughout April to view floral art displayed on all three floors. Participating artists will display their most colorful spring and cherry-blossom-inspired works in their studios from Saturday, April 2, until Sunday, May 1. Torpedo Factory Art Center is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Masks are required for all visitors regardless of vaccination status.
Cherry Blossom Jubilee at the Torpedo Factory Art Center
April 10, 2022, from 12 to 3 p.m.
Admission: Free
Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-746-4590
torpedofactory.org
Celebrate the cherry blossoms during the height of D.C.’s National Cherry Blossom Festival. After Saturday’s Cherry Blossom Parade in the District, stop by the heart of Alexandria the next day to enjoy cherry blossom-themed activities and other events. Kick off the celebrations at noon with a live performance by taiko drum group Nen Daiko on the waterfront side of the Art Center. Afterwards, view the Art Center-wide exhibition of cherry blossom-inspired works by resident artists and galleries while enjoying music and live art demonstrations from participating artists.
Retail Offers & Workshops
Picnic & Peonies’ Cherry Blossom Picnic Theme
March 20 to April 17, 2022
Admission: Packages starting at $249
Picnic locations available throughout Alexandria, VA
picnicandpeonies.com
Picnic & Peonies is Alexandria’s premier luxury picnic company, allowing people to celebrate special moments in a beautiful and safe way. These experiences can be indoors or outdoors for a gorgeous pop-up tablescape. Throughout spring, select the cherry blossom picnic theme for a showstopping pink-hued set-up, available at no additional cost.
Vintage Mirage Cherry Blossom Sale
March 22 to April 16, 2022
Vintage Mirage, 117 S. Columbus St., Alexandria, VA, 22314
703-535-8200
vintagemirage.com
This cherry blossom season, pick up deals across Vintage Mirage’s selection of contemporary consignment, vintage garments and jewelry. Shop online at vintagemirage.com and receive 10% off all purchases over $25 when you use the code “vintage10” at checkout.
“Sip and Paint: Cherry Blossoms” at Shop Made in VA
March 26, 2022, and April 16, 2022, from 3 to 5 p.m.
Admission: $35 per person
Shop Made in VA, 1121 King Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314
703-861-9498
shopmadeinva.com
Paint your own cherry blossom sprigs paintings with these paint-by-number prints and matching paints! What better way to ring in Cherry Blossom season than to paint your own floral masterpiece with this paint-by-numbers kit from Cate Paper Co. Your ticket includes the necessary materials and two glasses of wine.
Food & Drink Offerings
Common Plate Hospitality’s Cherry Blossom Cocktails and Murals
Available now through March 31, 2022
Augie’s Beer Garden, 1106 King Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314
Mason Social, 728 N Henry St., Alexandria, VA, 22314
commonplategroup.com
Visit Mason Social and Augie’s Beer Garden to see custom cherry blossom-themed murals painted by local artist @pamg0ham. Then, come inside to enjoy the Black Cherry Bellini with gold glitter or the Cherry Pie Old Fashioned.
Special Cherry Blossom Blend from Turkish Coffee Lady
Available now through April 30, 2022
Turkish Coffee Lady, 1001 King Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314
202-670-4360
turkishcoffeelady.com
The team at Turkish Coffee Lady is proud to present an authentic pistachio coffee experience with a cherry blossom-themed presentation. If you are looking for a unique coffee experience during the spring festivities, Turkish Coffee Lady welcomes you to their culture house in the heart of Old Town.
Winter in Tokyo Menu at Captain Gregory’s
Available now through March 31, 2022
Captain Gregory’s, 804 N Henry St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-577-9023
captaingregorys.com
The speakeasy’s menu will feature Japanese gin, whiskey, vodka along with sake cocktails. The menu will also feature inspiration from the region such as yuzu, plum, cherry and other flavors of the island.
“The Blossom” Cocktail at Lena’s Wood-fired Pizza & Tap
March 1 to April 17, 2022
Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap, 401 E Braddock Rd., Alexandria, VA, 22301
703-683-5330
lenaswoodfire.com
Lena’s will be adding a new signature cocktail to their menu for a limited time during Cherry Blossom Festival: The Blossom. A concoction of Rhum Barbancourt, plum-rose syrup, Luxardo, lemon juice and a floating edible blossom, it’s a refreshing way to welcome spring.
Cherry Blossom Cider from Lost Boy Cider
Beginning March 2, 2022, while supplies last
Lost Boy Cider, 317 Hooffs Run Dr., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-566-5737
lostboycider.com
Find a Cherry Blossom Cider from Lost Boy Cider, Northern Virginia’s first urban cidery, available in in-house cans, four-packs to-go and select stores such as Balducci’s and Wholefoods.
Cherry Blossom Sangria from Alexandria Restaurant Partners
March 15 to April 15, 2022
Ada’s on the River, 3 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
alexandriarestaurantpartners.com
Alexandria Restaurant Partners’ popular locations across Old Town will serve a seasonal sangria made with brut rosé, Blanc Vermouth, cherry juice and orange flower water. Available for dine-in and take-out at The Majestic, Mia’s Italian Kitchen and Hi-Tide Lounge.
Cherry Blossom Gelato at Dolci Gelati
March 20 to April 20, 2022, in limited supply
Dolci Gelati Old Town, 107 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA, 22314
571-290-0684
oldtowndolci.com
Dolci Gelati will bring back its popular Cherry Blossom gelato for the National Cherry Blossom Festival this year, offering a light, floral flavor that’s perfect for springtime. Dolci founder Gianluigi Dellaccio knows a thing or two about concocting delectable gelato flavors. 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.
ABOUT ALEXANDRIA, VA
Named a Top 3 Best Small City in the U.S. 2021 by the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, Alexandria hums with a cosmopolitan feel and a walkable lifestyle—a welcoming weekend escape next to our nation’s capital. Founded in 1749, Old Town Alexandria is the nation’s third oldest locally designated historic district, boasting more than 200 independent restaurants and boutiques alongside intimate historic museums and new happenings at the waterfront. At the heart of it all is bustling King Street, a walkable mile recognized as one of the “Great Streets” of America. Walk in the footsteps of George Washington and America’s Founding Fathers while learning about Black history and African American changemakers that have shaped the history of Alexandria and the U.S. Learn more at VisitAlexandriaVA.com.
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