Cherry Blossom Events Bloom in Alexandria

The National Cherry Blossom Festival starts Thursday. Alexandria is getting in on the act with various cherry blossom-related events. Here's the rundown:

Cherry Blossom Food Tour in Old Town Alexandria

Participants who take this guided walking tour of Old Town will explore Alexandria's architecture and sample cuisine made with cherries at area restaurants.

Tours begin Saturday and continue to April 12, Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. and Saturdays at 2 p.m. Head to D.C. Metro Food Tours to book your tour.

Rollin' on the River: Blossoms by Bike 

Want to check out the cherry blossoms from the seat of your bicycle? 

Bike and Roll will offer three-hour bicycle tours, from Old Town to D.C., via the Mount Vernon Trail. 

The tours are set for Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from April 4 to April 13 (peak bloom is supposed to start April 8), departing at 1 p.m. from Bike and Roll Alexandria at the waterfront.

Book your tour (ages 13 and older) for $40. You can reserve a tour at Bike and Roll’s Web site.

Potomac River Cherry Blossom Cruise 

The Potomac Riverboat Company will offer tours on the Potomac River to Georgetown featuring views of the monuments and of course, the cherry blossoms.

Tours will run Saturdays and Sundays beginning Saturday, March 29 to April 13, departing from the Potomac Riverboat Company (1 Cameron Street) at the Alexandria waterfront at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 5. p.m.

Tickets are available at the Potomac Riverboat Company’s Web site for $26 and $14 (children ages 2-11).

(Is your business doing something special during cherry blossom season? Tell Patch readers about it in the Comments box below.)