by If you google “best places to see the cherry blossoms in the United States” you might be surprised to learn that Branch Brook Park in Newark, NJ. makes the top 10. Jennifer has always wanted to see cherry blossoms in full bloom, and since we were passing through north Jersey at the right time of year, the van was pointed towards Newark.
The park has more than 5,200 Japanese cherry blossom trees in more than a dozen varieties. By contrast, the more famous Washington, DC display has only 3,800 trees. It’s the largest collection of cherry blossom trees in a park in the U.S.! Many of the trees are nearly 100 years old; 2,000 trees were donated in memoriam in 1927. The trees range from snow white to vibrant pink blooms. The park was designed by the Olmsted Brothers landscape architectural firm, established by the sons and successors of the famed Frederick Law Olmsted.
Jennifer was thrilled with the cherry blossoms, taking approximately 1 million pictures. The park was a bit too busy for Mr. K to enjoy a walk, so he mostly stayed in his backpack.
A cherry blossom festival runs April 1 – 16, 2023, though the trees are expected to remain in blossom several days longer. The park has many events scheduled throughout the festival.
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