Seattle Cherry Blossoms Two Ways: University of Washington and Kobe Terrace Park

If I had to pick my favorite aspect of spring in Seattle, it would be our gorgeous cherry blossoms that pop open all over the city letting us know we made it.  We made it through yet another dreary, gray winter, and it’s time to celebrate.

It’s no secret.  The “quad” at the University of Washington is one of the best places to view the beautiful bloomig blossoms.  The surrounding buildings add a great backdrop, the brick walkways tie it all together, and just being on a college campus brings a sense of wonder and possibility.

This spring we’ve actually made it to campus twice.  The first time by bike just before the flowers were at their peak.  Sure, the trees didn’t quite have the cotton candy effect of when the blossoms are truly in their prime, but I’ll take that experience any day over what happened when we returned a week or so later.  Let’s just say a sunny, warm (for Seattle) Sunday isn’t the best time to enjoy a relaxing, leisurely stroll around the quad.

So my mental scrapbook of our collegiate cherry blossoms will look something like this:

Another lovely spot to view our city’s cherry blossoms is a bit of a secret or at least the lack of crowds makes it seem that way!  Kobe Terrace Park is located in the International District (southeast of downtown) and marks Seattle and Kobe, Japan’s sister-city relationship.  Seattle received Mount Fuji cherry trees as a gift from the city of Kobe and boy are they spectacular as you wind through the short trails of the park.

Bergen and I visited at just about peak blooming time.  He was at first startled and concerned, but then delighted by the petals falling to the ground like snow.  While looking up anticipating more to fall (and trying to catch the moment with my camera) we also noticed a hummingbird buzzing along from flower to flower.

A few people strolled through the park clearly also there to take a peak at the puffball blossoms, but it was nothing like the activity on that crazy Sunday afternoon on campus.

What’s your favorite aspect of springtime in your city or town? What changes do you look forward to the most?

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