The nation’s capital is busy as always, dealing with budgets, politics, and assorted crises. However, at the end of the month, residents, visitors, and even politicians will take some time to stop and smell the roses—or at least the cherry blossoms.

Scientists and horticulturists working for Uncle Sam have tallied the numbers and computed the statistics, and they think they know when the pink and white cherry blossoms are ready to bloom this season in Washington, DC. The big day is supposedly March 29, as this is when the blooms will start looking their best. The time period will continue through April 3, but we all know that Mother Nature can play tricks—so plan accordingly. ]]> kjb 2011-03-16T12:03:22-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2010/3/24/0526/80017
Cherry blossoms in Japan.

Spring is here, and a lovely sign of its arrival is the blooming of cherry blossoms all over the world. The most well-known stateside spot to see the pretty pale pink and white flowers is Washington, D.C., which will have its annual Cherry Blossom Festival soon—from March 27 to April 11. But you don't have to battle crowds at the capital to see clusters of pink-flowered trees.

Check out the The Top 5 Cities (Other Than D.C.) Where You See Cherry Blossoms, after the jump! ]]> Jennifer Kester 2010-03-24T10:43:32-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2010/3/11/72425/0467

If the pockets of warmer weather around the country have been infiltrating your neighborhood, you’re probably starting to think about spring. The folks in Washington, DC are thinking the same and already have Mother Nature on speed dial as they try their best to predict when those cherry blossoms will do their thing.

There’s been loads of snow in DC this winter, but despite all the harsh weather, experts are predicting that the cherry trees will be back to put on a show in only a few more weeks. The National Park Service is thinking that things will start on March 31, but the peak blooming should be between April 3 and April 8. That’s pretty good as the official festival is set to run from March 27 through April 11 this year. ]]> kjb 2010-03-11T08:30:03-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/10/26/201920/00

It might be fall in States, but spring has just sprung up Down Under and we're ready to get out and play at some of the continent's best seasonal festivals. The biggest event this season is definitely the Spring Racing Carnival in Melbourne. You might wonder that a bunch of horse races grabs the attention of so many Aussies and anyone visiting at the time, but the highlight of the carnival—the Melbourne Cup—is correctly dubbed "the race that stops a nation".

And you don't have to know the slightest thing about horses to get involved. Come next Tuesday afternoon, you won't be able to get service in any shop in Australia as everybody will have their eyes glued to the TV to watch the Melbourne Cup race. Over 100,000 people attend the race in person, and most of them get dressed up either in their best dress or a crazy costume; like at the Kentucky Derby, the most important thing is to have a great hat. ]]> amandak 2009-10-28T14:09:17-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/3/26/71110/9955

We all know that DC is famous for some blooming trees, but it’s not the only one getting in on the spring fun. Atlanta has its own festival devoted to the Dogwood, and this thing has been going strong for the last 73 years. After a scheduling snafu last year, this year’s festival is back in Piedmont Park where it belongs.

The party starts on April 17, runs through the weekend, and best of all, the whole festival is free. Artists from all over the country converge on the city to display their wares and works. The Fine Artist Market is where you can check out sculpture, pottery, and jewelry from up and coming artists—unfortunately bringing some of these things home with you is not free. Constant music on the main stage will keep you going strong. ]]> kjb 2009-03-26T13:26:27-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/3/25/75913/5329

If you took advantage of Iceland when it was on sale, then you probably need something to do when you get there. Of course there’s always the blue lagoon, plenty of puffins, and even famous museums. However, if you’re looking for something with a little more local flavor and culture, then you may want to see what’s going on at the Reykjavik Blues Festival. ]]> kjb 2009-03-25T08:47:36-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/3/15/22219/3021

There’s a lot to be stressed out over lately. The media, including us, can’t stop mentioning that the world’s economy is in the toilet. Pilots are smoking wacky tobaccy while you’re stuck in coach, and the long cold winter can’t end soon enough. If you’re like us, you'll need to relieve all that pent up frustration one way or another, and to do that, there's nothing better than pretending that you're six years old. So forget the adult worries and grab your favorite pillow—ninja turtle pajamas are optional.

On April 4 people from all over the globe will convene in town squares to celebrate International Pillow Fight Day. From Sydney to Stockholm everyone will get a chance to relieve their stress and anxiety by attacking friends and complete strangers. ]]> kjb 2009-03-16T10:13:53-05:00 Search Jaunted string http://www.jaunted.com/search/