Karen and I moved to Washington, D.C. about 1-1/2 years ago. Since then, we have continuously ventured out to explore the many historic sites, museums, monuments, memorials, restaurants and more. Late March/early April is Cherry Blossom Time where the Tidal Basin, monuments and neighborhoods bloom with pink and white blossoms. It’s simply a beautiful site! You don’t need a fancy camera to capture the beauty – it’s not shy! It’s everywhere you go…everywhere you look! This will be our second year to view the cherry blossoms.
There are several ways to get around to see the cherry blossoms, along with the museums, monuments and more. You can sign up for a group tour, private tour, or pedicab tour for instance. You can walk, drive or bike. Note that parking can be difficult to find on the streets and garage parking is available, but can be costly. There are limited number of handicap parking spots that are quite often already taken. For the most part, the sidewalks and pathways are smooth and level with few, if any, steps to navigate. There are ramps or alternative paths for wheelchair and scooter access. There are ample places to stop and rest on wooden or granite park benches and just enjoy the area. Restrooms may be slightly problematic, but there are usually temporary facilities set up along the way, which include a handicap station. If you are in the FDR or MLK Memorial areas, there are well-kept restrooms available. The Lincoln Memorial has a restroom but also a long line most of the time. The Jefferson Memorial has a row of temporary facilities. Food trucks, small snack shops and vendors are everywhere to grab a bite to eat or drink or purchase an item to commemorate your visit. If you are in the Tidal Basin area, across from the Bureau of Printing and Engraving, there are a couple of historic restaurants as well.
Our visit to the blossoms was a couple of days too early for their grand entrance. The day was chilly and overcast, but that was the day we could experience this once a year delight, so off we went! Still beautiful and so very photogenic.
Twenty Steps at a Time 