Cherry Blossom Experiences Planned In Alexandria For 2021

ALEXANDRIA, VA — As cherry blossom season approaches, various experiences will happen in and around Alexandria.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic continuing, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the picturesque blooms in 2021. The festivities include cherry blossom-themed food and drink specials, tours, special events, hotel packages and more.

Many experiences will coincide with the National Cherry Blossom Festival from March 20 to April 11. The National Park Service expects peak bloom around April 2 to 5.

SEE ALSO: DC Cherry Blossom Festival: Peak Viewing, Online Gifts, BloomCam

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.

Cherry Blossom Festive Cocktails at Bugsy’s: Through April 12

Bugsy’s Pizza Restaurant and Sports Bar, 111 King St., Alexandria, VA, 22314

Bugsy’s will offer cherry blossom-themed cocktails such as the Bugsy’s Blossom II with cherry vodka and the tropical-inspired Cherry Margarita. Orders are available for dine-in or takeout.

Cherry-Themed Specials from Café 44: Into spring 2021

Café 44, 44 Canal Center Plaza Suite 401, Alexandria, VA 22314

Throughout the spring, enjoy cherry blossom-inspired offerings from Café 44, including a cherry, jalapeño and prosciutto flatbread, cherry mojito and more.

Cherry Blossom Cider from Lost Boy Cider: March 1 to March 31

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

Throughout March, try the new Cherry Blossom Cider from Lost Boy Cider, Northern Virginia’s first urban cidery.

Cherry Blossom Cocktail from Sheraton Suites Old Town: March 11 to April 11, Wednesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Sheraton Suites Old Town, 801 N St. Asaph Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314

Visit Sheraton Suites Old Town during cherry blossom season for a craft cocktail made with Silver Tequila, lime and grapefruit juice, grenadine and maraschino cherries.

Cherry Blossom Sangria from Alexandria Restaurant Partners: March 15 to April 15, 2021

Ada’s on the River, 3 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria, VA, 22314; The Majestic, 911 King St., Alexandria, VA, 22314; Mia’s Italian Kitchen, 100 King St., Alexandria, VA, 22314; Theismann’s Restaurant and Bar, 1800A Diagonal Rd., Alexandria, VA, 22314; Vola’s Dockside Grill, 101 N Union St., Alexandria, VA, 22314

Visit an Alexandria Restaurant Partners location in Old Town for a seasonal sangria made with Wycliff brut rosé, Lustau blanc vermouth, cherry juice and orange flower water. Available for dine-in only while supplies last.

Cherry Blossom Package at Sheraton Suites Old Town: March 18 to April 21

Sheraton Suites Old Town, 801 N St. Asaph Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314

Enjoy cherry blossom season in D.C. while staying at the Sheraton Suites Old Town from March 18 to April 21, 2021. A Cherry Blossom cocktail for two is offered with every night stay. To learn more, call 703-836-4700 or visit marriott.com/hotels/travel/wassi-sheraton-suites-old-town-alexandria.

Cherry Blossom Package at The Alexandrian Old Town Alexandria, Autograph Collection and Morrison House Old Town Alexandria, Autograph Collection

The Alexandrian Old Town Alexandria, Autograph Collection, 480 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; Morrison House Old Town Alexandria, Autograph Collection, 116 South Alfred St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Book the Cherry Blossom Package and receive two signature Cherry Bounce cocktails upon arrival, as well as complimentary valet parking during your stay. This package is available to book for stays from March 18 to April 21. For more information, call 703-549-6080 or visit thealexandrian.com and morrisonhouse.com.

Water Taxi to the Wharf to See Cherry Blossoms: Starting March 19, Wednesday through Sunday with departures starting at 1:30 p.m.

Departs from the Alexandria Marina, 1 Cameron St., Alexandria, VA 22314

Admission: starting at $13 one-way; $21 round-trip for adults

Take the water taxi from Old Town Alexandria to Washington, D.C., to see the famous cherry blossoms from the water. Potomac Riverboat by Hornblower has a 25-minute direct water taxi from Old Town to The Wharf in D.C., which is a 10-minute walk to the cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin. Water taxis are operating at half capacity with a mask requirement and physical distancing.

Cherry Blossom Rides with Pedego Electric Bikes Alexandria: March 20 to April 11 (or as long as the cherry blossoms are in bloom), departures at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on weekends and by appointment on weekdays

Pedego Alexandria, 210 North Lee Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

Admission: $69 per bike ($10 for passenger riders)

Pedego Electric Bikes will offer two to three-hour guided tours from Old Town to the cherry blossoms, which includes rides through East Potomac Park. Pedego bikes offer an up-close look at the blossoms without the exertion of regular bikes or the stress of parking and traffic. Tours are subject to weather, safe riding conditions and bike availability. Riders must be at least 16 years old. Child seats, passenger bikes and a tandem are available to accommodate younger participants. Helmets and bike locks are included. Bikes and equipment will be sanitized, and masks are required in the store, during outdoor check-in, and at viewing stops. Contact Pedego Alexandria for a private group tour.

National Cherry Blossom Festival Flavor Pass: March 20 to April 10

Various locations throughout Alexandria, VA and Washington, D.C.

Admission: $30 per person

Blue Fern Travel’s Fork Tours is offering a Flavor Pass for specials and discounts at some of the best restaurants in and around D.C. and Alexandria, including King Street’s NiceCream. The Cherry Blossom Festival Flavor Pass is good for the duration of the Cherry Blossom Festival. Flavor Passes will be mailed beginning on March 8. Guests are encouraged to share their experiences on social media. Blue Fern Travel will be keeping track and reward the person who visits the most Flavor Pass spots with two tickets for a Fork or Fizz tour, valued at $178.

Cherry Blossom Gelato at Dolci Gelati: March 20 to April 20

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

Dolci Gelati's popular Cherry Blossom gelato will return for the National Cherry Blossom Festival this year. Dolci founder Gianluigi Dellaccio was appointed as 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. Supply is limited.

Cherry Blossom Celebration at Captain Gregory’s: March 26 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; rain date March 27

Captain Gregory’s, 804 N Henry Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

Captain Gregory’s will host an outdoor patio cherry blossoms celebration with Beam Suntory. Guests will enjoy a mobile highball cart, themed décor and more. Captain Gregory’s “Winter in Tokyo" menu will be available for dine-in or takeout. The menu includes a selection of Japanese spirits such as Suntory whiskey, Roku gin, Haku vodka, sake, yuzu and other Japanese staples like sochu, paired with dishes like edamame and crab hush puppies. Cocktails to-go are available from sister shop Elizabeth’s Counter’s grocery section. Reservations are required for the Cherry Blossom Celebration.

Cherry Blossom Exhibition at the Torpedo Factory Art Center: March 31 to May 2, Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

Admission: Free

Stop by the Torpedo Factory Art Center to see floral art displayed on all three floors. Participating artists will display their most colorful spring and cherry-blossom-inspired works in their studios from March 31 to May 2. The Torpedo Factory Art Center is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visitors are asked to follow Virginia Safer at Home guidelines, including social distancing between households, wearing face coverings indoors and frequent handwashing for 20 seconds or use of hand sanitizer.