New Haven's Cherry Blossoms Among Nation's Best, Says National Geographic

New Haven, Connecticut, is recognized by National Geographic Travel as one of the premier locations in the U.S. to witness the beauty of cherry blossoms. The city's Wooster Square, home to approximately 70 cherry blossom trees planted in 1978, is set to host its annual Cherry Blossom Festival on April 6th. This festival, a tradition since 1973, commemorates the city's founding in 1638 and features artist presentations, food vendors, and live music. The short bloom period, typically in late March and early April, is influenced by weather conditions, with colder winters generally favoring more vibrant blooms. Photographer Bart Connors Szczarba notes the unpredictable nature of the blooms, emphasizing the importance of observing the trees for green buds as a sign of impending blossoms.