As cherry blossoms begin to bloom, seasonal events and dining specials are blossoming around Arlington.
From live music and art markets to themed coffees and donuts, here’s a look at where to get festive and where to spot the famous flowers.
Events
Cherry blossom paint-and-sips
When: Starting Wednesday, March 19
Muse Paintbar in Ballston is hosting several DIY cherry blossom painting events this spring, including a paint-and-sip this Wednesday, March 19 at $35 per person. Upside on Moore in Rosslyn is also hosting a cherry blossom-themed watercolors workshop with refreshments on Thursday, March 20 at $25 per person.
4238 Wilson Blvd and 1700 N. Moore Street
Pink in the Pool at Long Bridge Aquatics
When: Saturday, March 22, from 9 a.m.-noon
The now sold-out day at the pool includes DIY origami, cherry blossom cotton candy, tea tasting, Japanese snacks and a story time for kids.
333 Long Bridge Drive
Pink Beats at Water Park
When: March 27, April 3 and April 10
Enjoy free, live music by D.C.-area artists Flowers for the Dead, Heaven Forbid and Mambo Sauce while ordering refreshments from the Water Park’s restaurant kiosks. The concerts will also feature activities like personalized haikus, lawn games and art giveaways. Reservations are encouraged.
1601 Crystal Drive
Art of Pink at Met Park
When: Friday, April 11 from 5-10 p.m.
Shop locally made, cherry blossom-inspired stationery, jewelry and artwork at this after-hours, outdoor festival by Studio USAN and the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington. D.C.-area breakdancing crew Lionz of Zion will also host a breakdancing competition to celebrate its 29th anniversary.
Several local food vendors will provide refreshments, including NUE: Elegantly Vietnamese, NiHao, Yunnan by Potomac and PhoWheels.
1321 S. Elm Street
Food and drink
Dining and drinks
Ambar Clarendon: Take in Ambar’s cherry blossom-covered dining room while enjoying a seasonal “Cherried & Spiced” cocktail made with cherry-cardamom syrup. For dessert, Ambar is offering a hot chocolate brownie with red tart cherry compote. 2901 Wilson Blvd
Bird’s Eye Thai: A seasonal cherry blossom-themed menu at the Crystal City kiosk includes pink milk tea, sakura beignets and spicy popcorn chicken, available until April 13. 1601 Crystal Drive
Happy Lamb Hotpot: From March 20 through April 3, the restaurant in Eden Center is offering a free all-y0u-can-eat hot pot for every fourth person per party. 6799 Wilson Blvd, Falls Church
Immigrant Food: Starting today (Tuesday), Immigrant Food is offering special “Sakura Sour” cocktails and tres leches. 4245 N. Fairfax Drive
NiHao: Order sakura-themed walnut prawns and cocktails and a special cherry swiss roll dessert, starting Thursday, March 20. For drinks, NiHao is offering a special rosé and green Hojicha tea. 1550 Crystal Drive
Santé at The Ritz-Carlton: This Pentagon City restaurant hosts Japanese cherry blossom-inspired tea time with sandwiches and pastries. Reservations are required. 1250 S. Hayes Street
Whino: Whino’s special cocktail menu inspired by cherry blossoms and Japanese flavors will be available next month. 4238 Wilson Blvd
Coffee and dessert
Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken: Tart red cherry jam-filled donuts are topped with a special cherry blossom branch design in cream cheese. 4001 Campbell Avenue
Busboys and Poets: A special cherry pie is on the menu for a limited-time to celebrate the season. It’s served with vanilla ice cream and berry sauce. 4251 S. Campbell Avenue
Commonwealth Joe: Cherry blossom lattes are on the spring menu, along with strawberry shortcake lattes and strawberry rose cold foam cold brews. 520 12th Street S.
Compass Coffee: Find pink cherry blossom lattes and cold brews, as well as cherry blossom-inspired beans and grounds for take-home use. Multiple locations
Good Company Doughnuts: Cherry blossom-inspired coffees, cocktails and donuts covered in homemade cherry glaze are available now. 1350 S. Eads Street and 672 N. Glebe Road
Mala Tang: The hot pot eatery is serving limited-time cloud donuts filled with strawberries and pink sakura cream. 3434 Washington Blvd
Pastries by Randolph: Order novelty cookies and cupcakes or try sakura treats made with a cookie base, mascarpone mousse, yellow cake and cherry jam. 4500 Cherry Hill Road
Toby’s Ice Cream: A bright pink, dairy-free cherry blossom sorbet is available now. 5849A Washington Blvd and 510 14th Street S.
Sightseeing
Arlington National Cemetery
The cemetery’s grounds and arboretum are home to over 400 cherry blossom trees across several different species.
1 Memorial Avenue
Cherrydale
Named after a local resident’s cherry orchard, the historic neighborhood is also home to many cherry trees. For picturesque pink sights, check out Cherrydale Baptist Church at 3910 Lorcom Lane and Lee Highway between N. Monroe and N. Lincoln streets.
Multiple locations
Gravelly Point and Long Bridge Park
Dozens of cherry trees line this Potomac River waterfront spot, popular among walkers, joggers and cyclists. Nearby, Long Bridge Park is home to another cherry tree hotspot where flowers are already in full bloom.
George Washington Memorial Parkway and 475 Long Bridge Drive
Quincy Park and Welburn Square
The small park near the Virginia Square Metro station is home to a couple of cherry trees as well as the Sugusto food truck. Nearby, Ballston’s Welburn Square also provides a picturesque, Metro stop-adjacent park.
1021 N. Quincy Street and 901 N. Taylor Street
