The National Cherry Blossom Festival

Feel that tickle in your nose?

To locals, that itch signals that the area's cherry blossoms are in full bloom in the Washington, D.C. area and now's the time to enjoy them.

The great thing about the National Cherry Blossom Festival is that you don't have to do anything special to enjoy it. You can go to the Tidal Basin and other major monuments and see them in full bloom. But you'll also find cherry trees throughout the Washington D.C. Metro Area. Many neighborhoods have undertaken cherry blossom tree plantings in recent years so they're abundant and should be in bloom for at least another two weeks.

If you want more of the scheduled fun, though, there are daily events and activities over a three-week period. Perhaps the grandest event is the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade from 10 a.m. to noon (rain or shine!) on Saturday, April 10. The parade goes for about two hours. A great place to watch is Constitution Avenue, the main site of the festivities. Giant balloons, floats, musicians and other performers will also entertain.

Watching is free, of course, but get there early. More than 100,000 spectators gather annually for the event.

If you want to get a better view, $17 will get you a grandstand seat located on Constitution Avenue between 15th and 17th streets not far from The Washington Monument. Buy them at www.ticketmaster.com.

HelloWashingtonDC Tip: You can recoup most of the money you spend on a grandstand seat. Madame Tusaauds wax museum, 1025 F. St., NW, Washington, D.C. offers $5 admission (a $15 savings) to grand stand ticket holders. The great news is you have until May 15 to get the savings. Just hand onto that stub! Find out more about Madame Tussauds' at www.madametussauds.com or by calling 888-246-8872.

- by Nancy Dunham, Washington Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)