Cherry Blossoms in Newark, NJ

Why travel to Washington, DC or Tokyo, Japan when you can see cherry blossoms in New Jersey? There are lots of other reasons to visit those cities, but the cherry blossoms can be fickle and the crowds large.

While I was away in Belgium, Don stumbled upon an article about the cherry blossoms in Newark, NJ. This reminded me someone once told me about them and remarked they are as nice, if not nicer, than the famous ones in Newark, NJ. At 5,000 trees in 18 different varieties, Branch Brook Park has 1,200 more than Washington, DC.

The collection began by a donation of 2,000 trees from Caroline Bamberger in memory of her sister, Mrs. Felix Fuld. The following year, the family donated another 1,600 trees. Yes, Bamberger as in the the family of the former department store. Thanks to a 2007 park renovation, there are now more than 5,000 trees.

They are stunning. We choose the perfect day to see them. On that Maundy Thursday afternoon, the sky was blue, there was a gentle breeze. Families with children off from school were walking around. Many were taking pictures. It was idyllic.

As this was meant to only be a pause on our way into New York City to hear a presentation at the Montauk Club about the history of Broadway, we did not allow enough time to enjoy the park. Don has already said he wants to return next year. Perhaps we'll time it better and participate in their annual 10K race, or challenge bike race, or perhaps we'll just aim to go midweek when it should be less busy. 

Typically taking place in mid-April, the Cherry Blossom Festival has been an annual tradition for the past 40 years.