Cherry blossom festivals: 3 weekend options for Atlanta families

250 miles from AtlantaMusic City kicks off their festivities, on March 23, with the 2.5 mile Cherry Blossom Walk. Beginning in the Nashville’s Public Square, the sakura walk winds along the Cumberland River Greenway, offering ample photography opportunities.Nashville takes the authenticity seriously with their added flair of special Japanese menus from the participating food trucks.  Included are some more obvious choices, such as yakitori and bento boxes.  Creativity abounds with out-of-the-box options, including corn miso ramen, backwoods sushi, teriyaki catfish skewers, and cherry blossom ice cream.Taiko drummers, martial arts, and other cultural highlights can be found on this daylong festival. Children will find special activities just for them in the 'Arts and Culture' area, and everyone can partake in traditional tea ceremonies or vie for victory in sumo-suit matches.85 miles from AtlantaThis 10 day event, paying homage to the blooming of Macon’s over 300,000 Yoshino cherry trees, culminates in the firework grand finale on Sunday, March 24.Bengal tigers, musicals, a bed race, hot air balloons, camel rides, helicopter rides, motorcycles, and snakes can all be found at this 31st annual celebration.  Don’t miss the Pink Pancake Breakfast Saturday, March 23, benefitting the American Cancer Society.  Work off those pancakes with a 5K or 10K run through the blossoms, during the Cherry Blossom Road Race. Then party the night away with 38 Special during the 2013 Street Party.Don’t miss other unique feature of Macon, including:The Allman Brothers Band Museum Ocmulgee Lantern Light Tour  25 miles from Atlanta'Have a Pinktastic Day' at the Georgia International Horse Park! Recently receiving a Silver award, from the 2013 Southeast Festival and Events Conference, this weekend-long celebration is all about, you guessed it, pink.All weekend, March 23 and 24, you can peruse over 300 artists booth, be amazed at the high-flying pooches of the Ultimate Dog Show, and satisfy your watering mouth with festival foods. Kids can take in a puppet show, conquer obstacle courses in the interactive children's’ area, and lead the family in scavenger hunts.Whatever your choice of activities, be sure and deck your strollers, wagons, kids and spouse out in festival colors, pink and green.  Judges will be roaming the festival and awarding prizes for the best 'pinked' out outfits. View the list »
The 2013 National Cherry Blossom Festival, in Washington, DC, commemorates the 101st anniversary of the gift of the cherry trees from Japan to the United States.

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Advertised as the 'nation’s greatest springtime celebration', the National Cherry Blossom Festival is already in full swing. Standing as a symbol of friendship between Japan and the United States, after the 1912 donation of 3,000 cherry trees from Japan to our nation’s capital, the cherry blossom heralds the arrival of spring.

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Don’t let 640 mile trip from Atlanta to Washington, DC stop you from celebrating this century-long symbol. Grab the family and gas up the car. Whether you are looking for a quick jaunt down the road, a longer day-trip, or a family weekender; there are options for any traveling disposition.

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  •  25 miles from Atlanta'Have a Pinktastic Day' at the Georgia International Horse Park! Recently receiving a Silver award, from the 2013 Southeast Festival and Events Conference, this weekend-long celebration is all about, you guessed it, pink.All weekend, March 23 and 24, you can peruse over 300 artists booth, be amazed at the high-flying pooches of the Ultimate Dog Show, and satisfy your watering mouth with festival foods. Kids can take in a puppet show, conquer obstacle courses in the interactive children's’ area, and lead the family in scavenger hunts.Whatever your choice of activities, be sure and deck your strollers, wagons, kids and spouse out in festival colors, pink and green.  Judges will be roaming the festival and awarding prizes for the best 'pinked' out outfits. 
  • 85 miles from AtlantaThis 10 day event, paying homage to the blooming of Macon’s over 300,000 Yoshino cherry trees, culminates in the firework grand finale on Sunday, March 24.Bengal tigers, musicals, a bed race, hot air balloons, camel rides, helicopter rides, motorcycles, and snakes can all be found at this 31st annual celebration.  Don’t miss the Pink Pancake Breakfast Saturday, March 23, benefitting the American Cancer Society.  Work off those pancakes with a 5K or 10K run through the blossoms, during the Cherry Blossom Road Race. Then party the night away with 38 Special during the 2013 Street Party.Don’t miss other unique feature of Macon, including:The Allman Brothers Band Museum Ocmulgee Lantern Light Tour 
  • 250 miles from AtlantaMusic City kicks off their festivities, on March 23, with the 2.5 mile Cherry Blossom Walk. Beginning in the Nashville’s Public Square, the sakura walk winds along the Cumberland River Greenway, offering ample photography opportunities.Nashville takes the authenticity seriously with their added flair of special Japanese menus from the participating food trucks.  Included are some more obvious choices, such as yakitori and bento boxes.  Creativity abounds with out-of-the-box options, including corn miso ramen, backwoods sushi, teriyaki catfish skewers, and cherry blossom ice cream.Taiko drummers, martial arts, and other cultural highlights can be found on this daylong festival. Children will find special activities just for them in the 'Arts and Culture' area, and everyone can partake in traditional tea ceremonies or vie for victory in sumo-suit matches.
View the list

, Atlanta Family Travel Examiner

Lori Brown is co-founder and editor at Expedition Mom, a family-travel website specializing in experiential "KNOW before you go" Adventure Guides and City Itineraries, with a southern twist. After traveling extensively in her B.C. (before child) career, she surprised herself by staying home with...

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