Witness the enchanting spectacle as cherry blossoms burst into bloom across Howard County! From Elkridge to Columbia, Ellicott City to Savage, and throughout Western Howard County, discover the breathtaking cherry blossom groves scattered throughout the county. Immerse yourself in the beauty of spring and celebrate the vibrant hues as we unveil the best spots to view and welcome the cherry blossoms, ushering in the season of renewal.

Planning a Cherry Blossom Getaway to Howard County, Maryland

A view through the cherry blossoms seeing people enjoy the park

See Howard County Cherry Tree Map Here

Embark on a captivating journey through Howard County's cherry blossom groves, where nature's splendor converges with historical sites, open spaces, and vibrant communities. Navigating these picturesque landscapes is best experienced with the convenience of a vehicle, allowing you to seamlessly explore the groves dispersed around the area's landmarks, wide open spaces, shopping centers, and inviting restaurants. To make the most of your visit, rely on the Howard County Cherry Tree Map for a well-planned itinerary, ensuring you capture the beauty of several groves in one day while leaving ample time to savor the local amenities.

Cherry Blossoms Centennial Park

Howard County, a harmonious blend of rural, suburban, town, and city areas, offers a diverse cherry grove getaway experience. Begin your exploration in the charming town of Ellicott City, where Founder’s Grove at Centennial Park boasts the original 20 cherry blossom trees. Clark’s Elioak Farm, with its enchanting Enchanted Forest and petting zoo, is another delightful spot to immerse yourself in the blossoms' allure.

For a stay near Washington, D.C., consider a stay at Turf Valley Hotel & Spa, a haven with over 50 Blossoms of Hope trees on its grounds, offering a tranquil escape with unmatched amenities.

Continue your cherry blossom getaway in historic Ellicott City, where a stroll around the the Welcome Center and the Thomas Isaac Log Cabin unveils the town's rich heritage. Enjoy scenic views of the Patapsco River and indulge in boutique shopping.

In Columbia, a city designed for walkers, cherry blossoms grace the landscapes around Lake Kittamaqundi, Symphony Woods, and The Mall in Columbia. Explore the area on foot or bike, immersing yourself in the carefully planned urban environment.

For those yearning for wide-open spaces, venture to Western Howard County, where the serene farmlands near Western Regional Park provide a peaceful backdrop for cherry blossom appreciation.

Savage beckons with its own unique charm, featuring cherry trees adorning Historic Savage Mill, the iconic Bollman Truss Bridge, and the adventurous Terrapin Adventures, offering a mix of shopping, zip-lining, and scenic walks. Discover the allure of cherry blossoms in every corner of Howard County, creating a memorable and enchanting getaway experience.

A view through the cherry blossoms as a couple enjoys a picnic
Blossoms of Hope Cherry Blossoms Scavenger Hunt

Blossoms of Hope: A Canvas of Beauty and Community

Embark on a journey of transformation with Blossoms of Hope, a philanthropic force that has enriched our region by planting 3000 trees. Setting their sights on an even grander vision, Blossoms of Hope, in collaboration with local partners, has launched the ambitious "3700 Blossoms By 2025" beautification project. This endeavor aims to elevate the number of pink blossoming trees, including cherry, redbud, and dogwood, from 3,000 to 3,700, mirroring the iconic Sakura cherry trees around Washington, D.C.'s Tidal Basin.

In an inspiring collective effort, Blossoms of Hope, alongside Howard County partners, envisions planting an additional 1,000 trees by the end of 2025. Companies, developers, and communities have rallied behind this initiative, committing to purchasing between 50 and 100 pink blossoming trees over the next two years. Notable partners such as Turf Valley Resort, Security Development Corp., and the Howard Hughes Co. have already joined this exciting program. Watch the video below to learn more.

Turf Valley Resort

Blossoms 2024 Plein Air to Prepare

Blossoms of Hope introduces the captivating "Blossoms 2024 Plein Air to Prepare" event, unfolding from April 12 to May 12, 2024, the best estimate for when the trees to bloom (updated specific dates will be released on their website closer to the event). This Plein Air experience invites artists of all ages and experience levels to draw inspiration from the blossoming Kwanzan cherry, Native Dogwood, and redbud trees that grace Howard County. These trees, planted by Blossoms of Hope over the last two decades, serve as living testaments to the organization's commitment to enhancing our quality of life through beautification projects and community support.

Upon registration for the Plein Air to Prepare, participants unlock a myriad of experiences, including a site map of all pink and white flowering tree groves in Howard County, entry to the Plein Air to Prepare event, and engaging 1-hour art classes in the groves conducted by local artists (with schedules to be updated on the website). Meetup opportunities and an invitation to the juried Plein Air to Prepare exhibit at the Howard County Welcome Center further enrich this artistic journey. Additionally, participants receive a $5 off coupon for the Blossoms 2025 Countywide Art Show scheduled for March 2025.

Plein Air Exhibit

Mark your calendars for the Blossoms 2024 Plein Air to Prepare exhibit, on display at the Howard County Welcome Center in Ellicott City from May 18 to June 2, 2024. A reception on May 22, 2024, from 4-6 p.m., will provide a moment to celebrate the artistic expressions inspired by nature. The juried exhibit, limited to 60+ pieces in 2-dimensional art, promises a showcase of talent with the opportunity to purchase art.

This holistic celebration of art, nature, and community encapsulates the spirit of Blossoms of Hope—a canvas of beauty painted with the vibrant hues of cherry blossoms and the shared aspirations of a community united in its commitment to enhance our surroundings.

Planning your cherry tree adventure? Elevate it to a delightful getaway! Discover your ideal home away from home among the array of options, including local resorts, bed and breakfasts, and hotels.