Cherry Blossoms along the Tidal Basin.

Washington, DC’s world-famous cherry trees, with their soft white and pink blossoms bursting in unison, will be at their peak – and at their most magnificent – through April 3rd, with the blossoms forecast to remain on the trees at least through the 7th. So there’s no better time to enjoy this spectacular display than now, before they float away for another year.

The plantings of the cherry trees on the north bank of the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park originated in 1912 as a gift of friendship to the United States from the people of Tokyo, Japan. In a ceremony in March of that year, First Lady Helen Taft and Viscountess Chinda, wife of the Japanese Ambassador, planted the first two of these trees. In 1965, Lady Bird Johnson accepted 3,800 additional trees of 16 varieties.

Heralding the arrival of spring (and spring break!) the cherry blossoms annually cast their characteristic pink and white petals over not only the Tidal Basin but also events and activities throughout the DC area. Timed in conjunction with the peak blooming period, dozens of activities - festivals, parades, even cherry-inspired cuisine - are scheduled, most as part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival (March 26 - April 10).

Here’s a handful of can’t-miss events; for the complete Festival schedule, visit www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org

Through April 10: Blossoms by Bike River Ride

Celebrate the arrival of spring on two wheels with a bike ride among the sea of blossoms that surround the Potomac Tidal Basin to East Potomac Park and beyond. With tours that leave from downtown DC locations at the Old Post Office Pavilion (12th Street, NW) and Union Station (1^st Street and Massachusetts Avenue, NE), or Old Town Alexandria (One Wales Alley, Alexandria, VA), everyone will want to take a guided ride among the blossoms. Bike and Roll offers a variety of rides and times, both weekdays and weekends, but advance reservations are strongly recommended. $22-$42 www.bikethesites.com

Weekends Through April 10: Bloomin’ Junior Ranger Activity Tent

Children, ages 6-12, can join park rangers for fun hands-on activities. Make a paper lantern, color a picture, or write a Haiku poem. Complete three of the many activities to earn a Bloomin’ Junior Ranger badge or earn your badge by participating in a special one-hour educational program offered at 3 p.m. Admission: Free. Friday - Sunday: 10:30 am- 5 pm; Special Activity: 3 pm. Jefferson Memorial parking lot, in West Potomac Park. www.nps.gov/cherry

Weekends Through April 10: Lantern Walks

See the blossoms in a new light. Guided by festive lanterns, Park Service rangers will lead you on an evening walk around the Tidal Basin. This two hour, two-mile tour provides the time to explore a wide range of information about the flowering cherry trees at a leisurely pace. Admission: Free. Friday - Sunday: 8 pm. Walks commence at National Park Service Tent located at the Tidal Basin Welcome Area. www.nps.gov/cherry

Through April 17: Exhibit: Ikebana International

Enjoy spring flowers with a Japanese twist! The Washington D.C. Chapter of Ikebana International will exhibit flower arrangements representing a variety of ikebana schools and styles. The installation will change several times during the exhibit, so plan several visits to see them all. Master teachers from four different schools will give free ikebana demonstrations in the museum’s Lecture/Demonstration Center (April 2, 3, 10, and 16 from 1-2:30pm). Admission: Free. 10 am – 4:00 pm. Special Exhibits Wing at the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, located on the grounds of the US National Arboretum, 3501 New York Avenue NE Washington, DC www.bonsai-nbf.org

April 9: Cherry Chit-Chat Runs

Exercise body and mind on this 3.5 mile morning run around the National Mall. Join a park ranger to explore the history, beauty, and culture of the cherry blossoms. Routes and stops vary, but don’t forget your water! Admission: Free. 8 am. Runners meet at Washington Monument inside circle of flags. Approximately 1 hour. www.nps.gov/cherry

April 9: National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade

Floats, marching bands, giant helium balloons and international performing groups will wind their way down one of America’s most popular avenues. 10 am-noon, rain or shine. Parade runs along Constitution Avenue, NW between 7th and 17th Streets. Free along parade route; reserved grandstand seating available for $17. Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000. Information: 877-44-BLOOM or www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org

April 9: Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival

A showcase of culture, crafts and cuisine, this Festival features martial arts demonstrations, restaurant offerings, a Japanese beer garden, vendors selling traditional crafts, pop culture must-haves and more. 11 am-6 pm. Admission: $5; 12 years or younger are free. The Festival will be centered at 12th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. For festival information and tickets: www.sakuramatsuri.org

Best Times To View: weekdays, early morning and early evening (prepare for heavier crowds on the weekends). The National Cherry Blossom Festival, its partners, participants and supporters invite you to join us as we Stand With Japan. This will be an opportunity for people to unite and connect, as well as contribute to the Festival’s Japan relief efforts, directly supporting the American Red Cross and their Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami fund. Visit www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org For festival information and tickets: www.sakuramatsuri.org

Black leather on blue jeans meets brilliant shining chrome. Bushy goatees, graying ponytails, bandannas and black berets, barrel chests and tattooed arms, young and old, vets and non-vets—it is a yearly reunion for these men and women who ride their motorcycles to our nation’s capital en masse, a half- million strong to honor veterans of past wars and memorialize those who never returned. Their name: Rolling Thunder. Their mission: to promote legislation that will increase veterans’ benefits, and resolve the POW/MIA issue from all wars; to provide financial support, food, clothing and other essentials to veterans and their families.

They will gather together over Memorial Day Weekend, this their 24th year, proudly flying the stars and stripes beside the stark black POW/MIA flags from the backs of their polished Harleys, Sportsters and Softails, Fat Bobs and Low Riders, Electra Glides and Road Kings. Club names will be emblazoned on their t-shirts: The Freebirds, The Avengers, the Buffalo Soldiers, and the Legion Fighters.

A candlelight vigil at the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial will kick-off the weekend-long event on Friday, May 27th at 9:00 p.m. A wreath laying ceremony will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 28^th, at the U.S. Navy Memorial, 701 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. On Sunday, May 29^th, vets will assemble in the Pentagon parking lot beginning at 7:00 a.m., and depart for Washington, D.C. and the “Ride to the Wall” at noon. A musical tribute to all veterans, living, deceased, and missing in action will take place at 1:00 p.m. on the stage, located at the Reflecting Pool across from the Lincoln Memorial. Speakers and veterans’ advocates from across the nation will continue the tribute at 1:30 p.m.

Rolling Thunder, Inc. is a nonprofit organization with over 88 chartered chapters throughout the United States and members abroad. The group began in 1988, taking their name from the continuous U.S. bombing of North Vietnam from 1965 to April of 1972 known as Operation Rolling Thunder. Rolling Thunder members sponsor search missions into Southeast Asia, log thousands of hours at local VA hospitals, providing moral support to nursing home veterans and patients suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Members continue to expend over half a million each year educating the public (including speaking to youth groups about the honor of serving their country) and increasing awareness about the POW/MIA issue and other injustices suffered by veterans.

The deafening roar of the Harleys’ Ride to Freedom has become a Memorial Day tradition in Washington, D.C., a sound not unlike the bombing campaign against North Vietnam. The thundering procession of vets rumble over the Memorial Bridge, descend down the street past the Capital, where political policy dictates the fate of American soldiers. Rolling Thunder will likely continue its yearly tribute until America has accounted for all its missing servicemen.

Tips for attending Rolling Thunder:

• Best viewing spots for the demonstration are located along the Arlington Memorial Bridge and Constitution Avenue.
• Streets will be closed along the route from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Parking is limited. Public transportation is strongly encouraged.

April 2011 marks the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War and with it the commemoration of the sesquicentennial (2011-2015) provides fresh opportunities for a new generation of Americans to rediscover the war – “this mighty scourge,” as Abraham Lincoln described it – and how it changed the course of a nation.

It may be fair to say that the heart of the Civil War story is to be found in Washington, DC, and without doubt the war had a profound impact not only on this city but almost every community located in its neighboring states of Virginia and Maryland.  The many sesquicentennial commemorative events planned throughout the area will help provide an objective lens through which this pivotal period of US history can be focused as well as a unique opportunity for history buffs and visitors alike to experience the conflict for themselves.

Over the next four years, numerous events will pay homage to the battles fought and the lives lost in combat. Here are some of the area’s best:

April 6: “Alexandria, Virginia: Southern Town, Yankee Citadel”

In this insightful lecture, James Barber - historian at the National Portrait Gallery, project coordinator for the Smithsonian’s Civil War web site and author of the book “Alexandria in the Civil War” – introduces his audience to the Alexandria experience. He will discuss events leading up to the Union occupation of the city, how the Federal presence transformed the Southern port into a major base of operations for the Union war effort and the resulting impact on the community. Admission: $10, reservations required. 7:30pm. The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 703-838-4994 www.alexandriava.gov/Lyceum

April 14-15: Civil War Education Days

Visitors will enjoy military and civilian demonstrations that describe life in the Civil War era, with particular focus on the experience of Union and Confederate soldiers and demonstrations of musketry and artillery firing. Admission: Free. 10 am-3 pm The Henry Hill Visitors Center at Manassas National Battlefield Park, 12521 Lee Highway Manassas, VA 703-361-1339 www.nps.gov/mana

April 16: 150th Anniversary of the Resignation of Robert E. Lee from the United States Army

This special evening program will focus on the beginning of the Civil War and Virginia’s secession from the Union that led to Lee’s resignation. The program will include talks, tours, music and a lecture by award winning Lee scholar, Elizabeth Pryor, author of “Reading the Man.” This is a rare opportunity to tour the house at night and view the DC evening skyline from the finest vantage point in the area. Admission is free; however, reservations are required. 7-10:00 pm. The Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial, located inside Arlington National Cemetery 703-235-1530 www.nps.gov/arho

April 17: Discovering the Civil War: Consequences

Join researchers in unlocking secrets, solving mysteries, and uncovering unexpected events while making up your own mind about the struggle that tore the nation apart. The exhibit takes a fresh look at the conflict through the records left by the participants themselves—letters, orders, maps, telegrams, photographs, and broadsides—that are preserved in the National Archives. Admission: Free. 10 am-7 pm. The National Archives Experience, Constitution Ave. NW between 7th & 9th Streets Washington, DC www.archives.gov

April 19: Vigil Commemorating Lee’s “Great Decision”

This memorable evening marks the hours leading up to Robert E. Lee’s composition of his letter of resignation from the Federal Army. Talks, tours, dramatic readings of Lee’s letters, and a program of music will highlight this event. Admission is free; however, reservations are required. 8 pm-12:30 am. The Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial, located inside Arlington National Cemetery. 703-235-1530 www.nps.gov/arho

April 24: “Southern Honor and the Election of Abraham Lincoln”

Noted Civil War Historian Dr. Peter S. Carmichael will present a special lecture that discusses the protection of “Southern honor”, one of the most important and misunderstood factors that led to the Civil War, as well as explore the role “honor” specifically played in causing the opposition to Lincoln becoming president. Admission is free; however, reservations are required. 2-3pm The Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial, located inside Arlington National Cemetery 703-235-1530 www.nps.gov/arho

April 30: “Did Grandpa Wear Grey or Blue? Civil War Records at the National  Archives”

Genealogist Marie Varrelman Melchiori will host a lecture guiding participants on how to use the National Archives records to uncover their own Civil War ancestry. The lecture will look at the commonly used Union Compiled Military Service Records, Registers of Enlistments, Enlistment Papers, and pension files. Advanced reservation: Admission: $12; Day of Event: $15. 10–11:30am The Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street Alexandria, VA 703-549-2997 www.carlylehouse.org

April 30: Civil War Spotlight Talk

Meet “Henry”, Fort Ward’s resident artilleryman during ongoing 30-minute Civil War spotlight presentations given between 10 and noon, and again at 2 and 4pm. The uniform, accoutrements and equipment of Fort Ward’s artillery exhibit figure will be discussed. Admission: Free. 10 am-12 pm; 2 - 4 pm. The Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site, 4301 West Braddock Road Alexandria, VA www.alexandriava.gov/FortWard

May 7:  “B&O Railroad and the Civil War” at National Train Day

Union Station will be an unexpected site for Civil War history as this special interactive exhibit – presented in partnership with the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum – is offered at the annual Amtrak celebration. Learn the history of the B&O Railroad, which owned the only line into Washington, DC during the Civil War, playing a critical role during the conflict. Admission: Free. 11 am-4 pm Union Station, 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE Washington, DC www.nationaltrainday.com

May 21: Life in Civil War Alexandria, a Living History Event

Discover how Alexandria was transformed by the Civil War at this significant living history event on the weekend of the 150th anniversary of Alexandria’s occupation by Union troops. Historical re-enactors, museum staff and volunteers interpret the military and civilian experience in Alexandria with activities and demonstrations at Market Square, The Gadsby’s Tavern Museum and the 100 block of North Royal Street. Admission: Free. 2 -5 pm. Market Square, 301 King Street, Alexandria, VA. 703-746-4554 www.VisitAlexandriaVA.com

May 21: Family Festival: Spies and Scouts of the Civil War

When Alexandria was occupied by Union Troops on May 21, 1861, the citizens were forced to choose sides. Loyalties were often divided and those who sympathized with the South had to live in an occupied city. Many people became spies. Carlyle House was a site known well by two of the most notorious: Frank Stringfellow and Sarah Emma Edmonds. Relive their intrigues by decoding secret messages and trying your hands at disguise to find out what kind of a spy you might be. The Carlyle House Historic Park,121 North Fairfax Street Alexandria, VA 703-549-2997 www.carlylehouse.org

May 25: “Alexandria at War: Star of the South and the North”

The Alexandria Historical Society presents Army historian and longtime Alexandria resident Kim Holien, author of “Battle at Ball’s Bluff” and the forthcoming “Manassas: The First Battle”, who offers an insightful look at how the Civil War transformed the city of Alexandria. Admission: Free. 7:30-8:30 pm. The Lyceum Museum, 201 South Washington St, Alexandria, VA www.alexandriahistorical.org

Through May 30: “Abraham Lincoln: An Extraordinary Life”

This exhibition explores the life and legacy of our 16th president through objects from the museum’s collection, augmented with personal stories told by him and the people who knew him best. Showcased are more than 60 historical treasures associated with Lincoln’s life—from an iron wedge he used to split wood in the early 1830s, to his gold pocket watch and iconic top hat worn the night he was assassinated at Ford’s Theatre. Admission: Free. 10 am-5:30 pm (visit website for special extended hours). The National Museum Of American History, 14th and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington DC www.americanhistory.si.edu

Saturday and Sundays through October 30: Historic Mount Vernon Civil War Walking Tour

Experience a unique side of Civil War history at George Washington’s home through this new walking tour. With President Washington greatly revered by both North and South and soldiers eagerly visiting the estate, Mount Vernon has its own Civil War history to share. Listen to dramatic war stories, learn about the changing role of African Americans on the estate, views on Washington from the perspective of Union and Confederate supporters, and the interesting Washington-Robert E. Lee connection. Tours are limited in capacity and cost $5 in addition to Estate admission ($15 adults; $7 children 6-11; free for children 5 & under). Saturdays and Sundays at 9:30am and 3:30pm. The Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA www.MountVernon.org

Through March 31, 2012: Nurses, Spies and Soldiers: The Civil War at Carlyle House

Used as a Union hospital and known as the “Mansion House Hospital”, Carlyle House’s Civil War history features many fascinating figures, including poet Walt Whitman, Confederate spies Frank Stringfellow and Sarah Emma Edmonds, who disguised herself as a Union soldier. Admission: Free (charge for museum tour: $5 adults, $2 students, five and under free). Tue-Sat: 10 am-4 pm; Sunday: 12-4 pm. The Carlyle House, 121 North Fairfax Street Alexandria, VA 703-549-2997 www.carlylehouse.org

Ongoing: Ford’s Theatre Sesquicentennial Commemoration

At the heart of the Washington, DC Civil War experience, Ford’s Theatre uses the lens of Lincoln’s life and presidency, his assassination and its immediate aftermath to offer visitors new and surprising ways of exploring our country’s history and its relationship to the America of today. From 2011 to 2015, Ford’s will offer an array of programming to commemorate the War’s 150th anniversary. Visitors can experience moving, dynamic theatrical productions, passionate and compelling interpretation, and a rich collection of artifacts. The Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site and Ford’s Theatre, 511 Tenth Street NW, Washington, DC. 202-347-4833 For information on exhibits, events and theater visit: www.fordstheatre.org

Ongoing: The Price of Freedom: Americans at War

This exhibition surveys the history of America’s military from the Colonial Era to the present, and includes a powerful Civil War section. See the chairs that Civil War generals Lee and Grant used during the surrender ceremony at Appomattox Court House, Virginia. Admission: Free. 10 am- 5:30 pm. The Armed Forces History Hall at the National Museum of American History, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC www.americanhistory.si.edu

Ongoing: American Origins, 1600-1900

Three galleries of this exhibit are devoted exclusively to the Civil War, examining the conflict in depth. A group of modern photographic prints produced from Mathew Brady’s original negatives complements the exhibition. Admission: Free. 11:30 am- 7 pm. The National Portrait Gallery, 8th and F Streets, NW, Washington, DC www.npg.si.edu