Family Fun at the Sea Adventure Resort & Waterpark

Tanya
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Family Fun at the Sea Adventure Resort & Waterpark
My family and I recently decided to take a family vacation, so we were on the hunt for a great family friendly resort in the sunny south. We have a very active toddler so it was important for us to find a resort that would have lots for him to do which lead us to the Sea Adventure Resort & Waterpark in Cancun, Mexico. Aside from all the great amenities geared to children one of the reasons we chose the Sea Adventure Resort & Waterpark was the price – it was VERY affordable compared to other resorts – at the time we booked all three of us were able to travel all-inclusive (including flights) for under $2000.00 (tax included)**. How could we say no?? Our flight to Cancun landed around 9pm in the evening; so we didn’t arrive at the resort until nearly 10pm. When we checked in we were advised that our room was on the ground floor – which was a little disappointing as I had specifically requested a room on a higher floor. I asked the front desk attendant if we could change rooms to a higher floor and he advised that it wouldn’t be possible as rooms on a higher floor were “upgrade” rooms. Not wanting to argue at the late hour we were escorted to our room. The room its self was VERY large and had a king size bed and a playpen for our son plus it was facing the beach. My husband and I were actually surprised by how big the room was. I had read some reviews prior to our trip where people commented that the rooms were a little dated (which they were) however, they were always very clean. Besides our beds the room featured a large closet, satellite TV (which had a number of English channels), and the bathroom basics (hair dryer, etc). The one thing that was glaringly missing for us was a refrigerator. I couldn’t understand why any resort, let alone one that was geared to children, wouldn’t have a refrigerator in every room – if you’re like me you’re probably bring snacks and stock up on drinks for the middle of the night or early mornings, so having a fridge would have been wonderful. Just to clarify I’m not expecting a fully stocked fridge – and empty one would do just fine. I later found out that had we “upgraded” our room we would have had a refrigerator as well as a coffee maker – if we were to go back to this resort I’d upgrade my room just for the extra amenities as well as a room on the higher floor. Designed in traditional Spanish architecture, this all-inclusive resort is located 3.5 mi from downtown Cancun in Punta Sam; on a white-sand beach facing Isla Mujeres. The Sea Adventure Resort & Waterpark isn’t huge with only 160-rooms across two wings that rise three and four stories high. In front of the resort’s northern wing is a large marina which my family and I enjoyed visiting every day – walking along the piers and checking out the different boats was entertaining for all of us. While the resort wasn’t as big as others we’ve been to it certainly met all of our needs. This is an all inclusive resort so all your meals and drinks are included in the price you pay. That being said the resort features the following dining options: 4 restaurants, a swim-up bar, and dinner theater. Of the four restaurants you can choose El Palmar (buffet – open on nights when there isn’t a dinner show), La Terraza (outdoor buffet – only open in the afternoon), Oysters (à la carte – reservations required) or the Snack Bar at the Waterpark (open 11:45-17:45). The food at each of the buffets was average and similar to what you’d find at other resorts. We had the opportunity to dine at Oysters à la carte twice during our stay and thought the food there was fantastic, as was the service. If you’re looking for bars – this resort features three of them – one at the Waterpark, one at the main pool and one in the lobby. With the resort being geared to kids we noticed that you don’t have a ton of people who have consumed too much alcohol running around, and the bars are rarely packed which is nice. Another unique option for dining is the dinner show – unlike most resorts that have shows for entertainment late in the evening (usually 10pm) the Sea Adventure Resort & Waterpark hosts 3 dinner shows per week. We LOVED the dinner shows for a few reasons, one – they are at dinner time which works well for young children, two – the shows are geared to kids. The week we were there the shows were Peter Pan, Pirates of the Caribbean, and a Michael Jackson Tribute. During all three shows the actors came into the audience through the show which really kept people engaged, for the Pirates show the children were given swords made from balloons prior to the show starting – fun! The “main pool” at the resort features a swim up bar and a separate children’s pool and a large sun deck that overlooks the beach and waterfront. Prior to leaving on vacation I read some reviews where people complained about the size of the beach front and the amount seaweed on the beach. No, the beach isn’t massive; however it was more than sufficient. It had plenty of chairs and beds and we had no problems getting some regardless of the time of day. In the morning, yes there was seaweed on the beach, but there were people cleaning it up as the morning went on. We did find that the north side of the resort, near the marina, had significantly less seaweed so I’d suggest sticking to that side of the beach. The main reason we booked this resort was the Waterpark. We wanted to have the options of doing more with our son and this feature definitely met our needs! The Waterpark features a 40 foot multi-level structure named the Tree House which provides access to a set of four water slides that, varying in size and amusement characteristics. The main pool (where the slides empty into) and kiddy are shallow (maybe a foot and a half deep) which is ideal for smaller children. There is a separate pool at the Waterpark which is 3ft deep for bigger kids. Decorated with symbolic animals of the region, the Tree House platform also has an enormous bucket of water that dumps 7 feet of water, creating a waterfall. The Waterpark was awesome! We had a blast there every day! While most of the big slides were too large for my son (he’s only 2) we did take him down one of the smoother, slower ones a number of times (with us) and both my husband and I used all the slides on our own (so much fun). There was also a toddler area at the Waterpark which featured three much smaller slides that my son could easily use on his own. The Waterpark area also features an 18 hole mini golf course, a soccer field, tennis courts and a basketball court. The resort also features a great kids club for kids 3 and up. The staff at the kids club seemed great! They did activities with the kids from boat rides (with parents) and crafts to water balloon fights and pajama parties. While we didn’t really use this option we noticed that a number of parents dropped their kids off in the care of kids club and were given a beeper for emergencies should they be required which would give you some extra “adult time”. The majority of on-site recreational activities and facilities are included in your all-inclusive rate, and include basketball, snorkeling, volleyball, soccer, Ping-Pong, archery. The entertainment staff organized daily activities from yoga, aqua aerobics and cooking classes to karaoke and casino night. We didn’t venture off the resort this vacation and I can honestly say that we didn’t find ourselves bored once. However, if you do want to go into town you can get there by a quick taxi ride or every day at 11am the resort offers a shuttle (the shuttle is only one way into town). I do want to mention the check-out – you have to be out of your room by noon – which for people like us who have a toddler who still naps in the afternoon this isn’t convenient at all. Our flight out of Cancun wasn’t until 10pm so it was important for us to make sure that our son had a proper nap before heading to the airport to try and avoid a totally unruly child. Although the resort was nowhere near full capacity while we were there, we were told that there was no way to extend our check-out time (even though we asked 3 days in advance), nor did they have a hospitality suite that we could take advantage of. This was incredibly frustrating for us, and we found that the front desk staff and the manager both at check-in and departure weren’t very understanding or accommodating. Aside from our check-in and check-out, our vacation was awesome. The Sea Adventure Resort and Waterpark is a great low budget option for families, your kids will have blast at the beach and the Waterpark and you’ll walk away with plenty of fantastic memories. Pros: • Lots of activities for kids • Clean, spacious rooms • Right on the beach • Easy to get around Cons: • Lack of refrigerator in all rooms • Front desk staff and management weren’t very accommodating • There aren’t any elevators • No room service for food delivery ** Please note that costs will vary based on time of year, dates of travel and departure city.

All-You-Can-Fly Membership Takes Off in California

Jen R
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All-You-Can-Fly Membership Takes Off in California
Frequent fliers take note!  There is a new business model emerging in the air travel sector; all-you-can-fly for one flat rate. It works like a country club.  Patrons pay a membership fee that gives them access to the routes available in the plan, as often as they want or need, for the duration of the membership term. This is an emerging service that airlines have been experimenting with for a couple of years.  JetBlue and Sun Country Airlines have both tested monthly subscription style airfares, with a good degree of success. Currently, Santa Monica based Surf Air is rolling out a membership program offering routes between Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Monterey and Palo Alto.  Members can start flying in May. Monthly fees will start at $790 per month and will grant unlimited access to the destinations offered in the program.  Flight times will be established based on demand. According to a company statement, “Surf Air’s subscription membership pricing will fundamentally change the way people travel and revolutionize the business model for the airline industry.” If the initial roll-out is successful, the airline plans to add more destinations to the program, including:  Las Vegas, Palm Springs, San Diego, Sacramento, Lake Tahoe and Napa. While this may not be a service everyone can take advantage of, in its current state, it is certainly a business model worth watching.  If subscriptions and membership fees catch on, we may all be looking into all-you-can-fly plans soon. – Jen R, Staff Writer

Idaho’s Salmon River is Flowing White and Rapid This Season

Jen R
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Idaho’s Salmon River is Flowing White and Rapid This Season
Heavy snowfall doesn’t always elicit cheers from the masses, but substantial late winter precipitation, combined with above average snowpack in the mountains of the North West United States, has signalled good news for outdoor enthusiasts. Thanks to the deluge of water brought on by the spring melt, tour operators on Idaho’s Salmon River are reporting fantastic conditions at the Middle Fork, a popular location for rafting and fly-fishing. Idaho River Journeys is one such outfitter.  Operator Bob Volpert says, “Our clients come from all over the country and they’ve gotten pretty savvy about water conditions.  We’re bouncing back from the recession and good water conditions will certainly help further our recovery.” The Salmon’s Middle Fork is a world renowned hot spot for white water and fly-fishing.  The river goes through phases as the season progresses and these changing conditions attract rafters with different levels of experience.  The highest water culminates in June.  This peak flow translates into some rough rapids, ideal for experienced rafters.  Once the peak has subsided, the Middle Fork evolves into an ideal destination for adventurous families looking for a taste of white water, while also cashing in on the area’s scenic hiking and fly-fishing potential. Guided tours have a typical duration of 5 -6 days or 75-100 miles.  Outfitters like Idaho River Journeys schedule trips every week starting in June and extending through September. Visitors attracted by the promise of world class rafting, may be pleasantly surprised by the variety of additional highlights some tours incorporate including wine-tastings, individual fly-fishing instruction, and guided hikes. If your family has been toying with the idea of a white water adventure, this may be the year to take the plunge.  The river is waiting to carry you, dipping and twisting through the mountain landscape.  With this season’s ideal conditions, the whole family can be assured of a vibrant encounter with the great outdoors.  – Jen R, Staff Writer

Star Wars Weekends Return to Disney Hollywood Studios

Jen R
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Star Wars Weekends Return to Disney Hollywood Studios
Star Wars Weekends are back at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!  So pack up your little Jedis, plug the coordinates into the navi-computer and make the jump to light speed; they’ll only be around from May 18th to June 10th. Star Wars Weekends take place every year, and pay tribute to the Star Wars Saga, as well as the animated TV series, Star Wars:  The Clone Wars.  Activities and special events are planned for the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of each weekend:  May 18, 19, 20 and 25, 26, 27 carrying on through June 1, 2, 3 and 8, 9, 10. This year, Star Tours – The Adventures Continue returns with new destinations and missions.  Journey from Tatooine to Coruscant.  With so many characters, settings and adventure possibilities, this is a ride worth taking over and over again. Padawan 12 years and under will learn to wield their lightsabers with the precision of Obi-wan Kenobi himself, when they participate in the Jedi Training Academy.  Once they pass the Padawan Mind Challenge, they’ll be ready to do battle with Darth Vader, no matter what he throws their way. Arrive bright and early and pick up your FASTPASS, before the park opens.  This will not only save you time in line for rides, it will ensure you a spot in the lineup for autographs with a Star Wars celebrity.  FASTPASSES are in short supply.  Each visitor must be present to receive their FASTPASS.  Only one autograph will be granted, per guest.  Once the FASTPASSES are gone, stand-by tickets may be issued, but these do not guarantee an autograph. Each day comes to a close with a flurry of music, comedy and dancing at the Hyperspace Hoopla.  Partiers will find themselves surrounded by Ewoks, Wookiees, stormtroopers and a myriad of other recognisable characters.  Be ready with the camera – you’ll want some pictures of the mayhem. Star Wars Weekend is the closest most of us will ever come to living the rebel adventure.  Use the Force to plan your trip to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. – Jen R, Staff Writer
Images VIA Disney

Summer Camp In Paradise

Jen R
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Summer Camp In Paradise
Summer camp spawns images of rustic cabins tucked into the wilderness… campfires, swimming lessons and homesickness…crystal clear lakes flanked by rugged shores, black flies and that time the canoe tipped. Well forget everything you thought you knew about camp, because this year, the whole family is headed to Summer Camp at Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas. Atlantis has rolled out a roster of summer camps designed to turn dreams into reality. Marine Adventure Camp for ages 10 to 14($495) allows junior aquarists to encounter marine wildlife and participate in their care and feeding.  Campers will snorkel, gain behind the scenes insight into marine care and learn about coral reefs. Future superstars, aged 14 to 28, can prepare for American Idol at Audition Star camp($795).  Camper/performers will work under the guidance of industry insiders, stylists and former American Idol finalists, to hone their singing, presentation and appearance.  Participants will leave prepared to dazzle the judges and become the next chart topper. Girls, aged 12-17, who dream of someday wearing the Miss Teen USA crown, will benefit from the insight and training they gain at the fourth Miss Teen USA Fantasy Camp($1295).  The structure of the camp is designed to groom potential beauty queens to compete in and win the most prestigious pageants going.  The program is endorsed by the Miss Universe Organisation. LEGO Master Builder Academy Fantasy Camp($495) is a unique opportunity for kids aged 6 to 12.  With the help of a LEGO Master Builder, kids will flex their engineering muscles learning techniques like sideways building, interlocking and hidden lock building.  They’ll be learning the tricks of the trade from one of the very best. Other unique camp experiences include, Scrapbooking Camp($495), which is open to anyone 13 and older, Cheerleading Camp($495), hosted by the United States Cheerleading Association for 6- to 18-year-olds, and Cartoon Network Studios Fantasy Camp($495), where kids aged 6 to 14 will get an introduction to the world of animation. Head to the Atlantis website for pricing and dates. Atlantis has turned summer camp on its head.  Kids build potentially life altering skills, while the rest of the family experiences all that Atlantis has to offer.  And the luxury resort has a lot to offer:  beaches, golf, Dolphin Cay, Aquaventure, casino, shopping and more. At the end of a busy day, the family is reunited to enjoy a good night’s sleep under the same roof – no need to write letters to Mom and Dad when they’re right there with you.  That’s a summer camp experience everyone will feel comfortable with. – Jen R. Staff Writer

Your Vacation Starts Where the Rubber Meets the Road

Jen R
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Your Vacation Starts Where the Rubber Meets the Road
I’ve been on my fair share of road trips.  They are a part of every summer for our family.  The best advice I can offer a newbie, is to go to sleep and when you wake up three days later, you’ll be in Texas – only joking.  In truth, many times a vacation is more about the journey than the destination. Road trippin’ combines the freedom of the open road with the confines of a vehicle.  It juxtaposes the convenience of travelling by your own timetable with the challenges of covering great distances in a limited amount of time.  Road trips are intense.  Your family may not literally be in a nutshell, but a Volkswagen Westfalia isn’t much better. My REAL advice is to keep your itinerary reasonable.  Think about everything you’d like to do and see, over the course of your trip.  Now scale it back to what you can actually accomplish, in the time you have available, and then scale it back to less than you think you can manage.  The harsh reality is you won’t be able to do everything on your wish list.  The trip will suffer delays, there will be unexpected detours, and traffic jams that nobody saw coming. Some of the amusing circumstances that have slowed my road trip progress include, but are not limited to:
  • Nasty weather
  • Accidents
  • Construction
  • The Mystery Spot
  • Customs
  • Goats
  • Speeding ticket
  • Forest fire
  • Landslide
  • Emus
  • Train derailment
But, if you’re like me, you’re not listening to my advice.  You’re going to have to get in over your head and learn about itinerary limitations the hard way. But if you are listening, take it from my experience: Before we were parents, my husband and I took a road trip around Europe.  We started in Britain and, after an overnight boat ride, we went through the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France and back to the Netherlands.  It sounds awesome doesn’t it? We had one week to accomplish all of that.  It was a blur.  I vaguely remember being in an IKEA somewhere in Germany…there was a Leaning Tower and an Eiffel tower and a couple of parking garages…ya, I don’t remember much.  We’re going to have to do some of those countries over again. Road trips let us experience the dizzying highs and the crushing lows of family togetherness.  Occasional arguments and grouchiness are par for the course.  Your 11-year-old may abuse your ears with the tweets and squeaks of a souvenir tin whistle, all the way from Nova Scotia to Ontario.  Mom and Dad may stop speaking to each other, for a while, after a misunderstanding about an off-ramp.  But, you’ll look back and laugh…ah hahahaha. While, on the down side, you won’t be able to escape your family, on the up side, your family won’t be able to escape you.  If you manage to survive all that togetherness, you’ll know each other better and have a fresh collection of shared experiences. Part of pacing your trip is understanding your family’s limitations. How long can the kids sit before they go crazy? How long can Mom and Dad drive safely before switching or taking a break? Plan games and activities to participate in together, (eye spy), but also allow for individual activities, (books, ipods).  Even within the confines of a vehicle, everyone is entitled to some alone time. Once you have a reasonable plan and schedule in place, you’ll be happy to discover the many advantages a road trip has to offer. One of them is cost.  While the price of gas is all over the headlines right now, it is still less expensive to pile the family into the car, than purchase airline or even train tickets for the group. Setting your own itinerary helps control costs in other ways too.  Having the ability to drive off the main tourist track can allow you to find quality food and accommodation at a discount.  If you bring a camp stove along, you can tailgate some of your meals.  If you bring the rest of your camping equipment, you can save the cost of a hotel and keep your budget lean and mean. Roaming the highways of the world has afforded us some unforgettable experiences.  We’ve encountered elephant seals while driving the Pacific Coast Highway.  We’ve gone off course to climb the highest peak in Australia.  And there are so many unusual landmarks to spot:  Cadillac Ranch outside Amarillo, the Ace of Clubs House in Texarkana, or the flying saucer in Moonbeam, Ontario, just to name a few. Road trips offer a lot of variety.  Driving around, you get to see the best and the worst.  The richest neighbourhoods and the hoods you might be glad to leave.  You have the opportunity to glimpse into people’s lives in a way that wouldn’t be possible if you were traveling by any other means. You may go from the middle of a major metropolis to the dead centre of nowhere in the span of a day’s drive. Motoring around Northern Ontario a couple of summers ago, we persevered along a desolate stretch of Highway 11 where, for three hours, there was absolutely nothing.  Not a house, not a restaurant, not a gas station.  We couldn’t receive any radio stations.  Logging trucks were the only other vehicles we saw – and there weren’t many of them.  You know that song “I’d sure hate to break down here.  Nothin’ up ahead or in the rear view mirror.”  That’s where we were!  It was eerie and strange but also, kind of hardcore. A road trip may be the adventure your family needs.  You’ll have the chance to really see and experience everything along your route.  Give yourself lots of time to stop here or there, take advantage of the photo ops, and see the country through your children’s eyes.  Bring some snacks, play some games and have a great family vacation this summer.  May the road rise up to meet you. – Jen R, Staff Writer

Perfect For Travel ~ Maclaren’s Globetrotter Stroller

Lisa Arneill
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Perfect For Travel ~ Maclaren’s Globetrotter Stroller
Well known for their practical, lightweight travel gear, Maclaren is set to introduce another stroller that will undoubtedly be popular with traveling parents. The Globetrotter, the newest addition to the Maclaren line up, weighs just 10.6lbs and will carry your child until they are 55lbs. It is appropriate from ages 6 months and up, has a 5-point safety harness, generous canopy, features lockable, front swivel wheels and foot-operated linked parking brakes. Very similar in design to the company’s popular Volo, the Globetrotter also has one feature that traveling parents consider a must – the seat reclines. We’ve all been there. Out for the day seeing the sightings and your toddler decides to nap. While my first son could sleep anywhere, my second one was more particular and needed an incline. This is where the Globetrotter is great. It doesn’t fold flat, but there is a slight recline to make an afternoon nap a little more comfortable. When it is released the Globetrotter stroller  will be available in five colors – black, crown blue, scarlet, festival fuscia and prince blue. In November Maclaren announced they would be moving to one global safety standard, which ensures that all of their buggies will meet or exceed the highest safety standards mandated anywhere in the world. This includes a permanent universal 5-point safety harness, a tether strap, foot operated linked brakes, and a protective head and foot barrier on all from birth models. We love their collection for travel because they are so compact, easy to push and comfortable for our little travelers. Now with the Global Safety Standards parents around the globe will like that the stroller they purchased in Australia has the same great safety features as the ones in North America or the UK.

Featured Review ~ Reisenthel travel e1

Lisa Arneill
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Featured Review ~ Reisenthel travel e1
Whether you are travelling as a family or for a couples weekend, its important to have a good tote that will hold all of the gear you will need when leaving the hotel for the day.  My go-to back for the last 5 years has been my reisenthel XL shopper.  I picked it up in Aruba during a cruise and have used it on every trip we have taken until this year when I replaced it with reisenthel’s travel e1 expandable bag. Similar to my XL shopper, the travel e1 is a generously sized tote that is made of reisenthel’s sturdy canvas.  What makes it better for my family is that it has a zipper that allows it to expand to almost double it’s size when you need it to hold lots of supplies.  It also has a zipped closure to prevent your valuables from falling out or being seen by passers-by. While away in the Caribbean recently this bag was a lifesaver because it was able to store everything we needed for a day out including 4 beach towels, sand toys, my camera and a snack bag.  There is also a side pocket for smaller items and a hidden pocket, which is located on the bottom of the bag to hold room keys or id. On the way down I loaded it up with the boy’s blankets, a bag of activities for each one, 2 iPads, a Macbook and two snack bags. The shoulder strap is adjustable to allow it to hang perfectly off the back of the stroller whether the bag is empty or fully loaded. In addition we have used it a couple times as an overnight bag because it holds enough clothes for the whole family if we are just going away for one night. This bag comes in 4 fabrics; red, black, silver and fleur black so there is something for everyone.  I like the red because it stands out so I can spot it right away.  Priced at $55 the travel e1 bag is a great durable choice for travelers looking for a bag that will carry everything and last more than one getaway!  

Merida Coming To A Theater and A Disney Park Near You!

Lisa Arneill
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Merida Coming To A Theater and A Disney Park Near You!
Disney•Pixar is set to debut their fantasy adventure film Brave on June 22, 2012, but beginning in mid-May, Merida, the film’s feisty teen will be coming to Disney Parks in an all-new character greeting experience. The Disney Parks Blog reports that, At Magic Kingdom Park, Merida will appear in Fairytale Garden in a setting inspired by her Scottish Highlands home, where young guests will be invited to engage in archery lessons and other activities until it’s their turn to meet her. Also joining the Merida are three mischievous bear cubs, whom fan will learn more about when “Brave” debuts in theaters. At Disneyland in California, Merida and the three playful bears will find a home away from home near “it’s a small world” in Fantasyland, where guests will also be able to participate in activities inspired by Merida’s story. Creative Director Reed Jones says,
“These new play and greet experiences at both parks will immerse our guests in ‘Brave,’ giving them the opportunity to be a part of Merida’s Scottish clan. And we’re all excited to have the bear cubs join Merida with their silly antics, creating a whole new way to bring our beloved Disney Characters to life.” “Regardless of where they find Merida,” said Reed, “Guests are really going to fall in love with her and the bears.”

Celebrating Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC

Jen R
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Celebrating Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC
At this time of year, Washington DC and Tokyo, Japan bear one striking resemblance.  It’s cherry blossom time and both cities have erupted with clouds of lacy pink and white blooms. To mark the occasion each year, Washington DC hosts the greatest springtime festival in the whole of the United States, the National Cherry Blossom Festival.  This year’s festival is on now and extends through April 27th, which by no coincidence is Arbor Day.  The festival is five weeks of family events, most of them free. This year’s festival is special because it commemorates the 100th anniversary of the gift of cherry trees by Japan to the American people.  Nearly 100 of those gifted trees are still alive and can be seen at the Tidal Basin.  They are cared for by the National Park Service. The National Cherry Blossom Festival has a great lineup planned to celebrate their centennial and plenty of new innovations.  The Petal Pass has been introduce this year, by Capital One Bank as a way to offer special discounts and bargains during the festival.  The Petal Pass can be acquired, free of charge, at any of the 240 Capital One Bank branches in the area.  The Cherry Picks Restaurant Program involves close to 100 local restaurants, all offering cherry-, blossom- and spring-inspired menu additions, during the festival.  A number of area hotels have special packages available throughout the festival as well. The Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival takes place at dusk on April 7th and features a display by the city of Nagaoka, Japan, (known for their own 2-day fireworks festival). This is the first year the national Cherry Blossom Festival Parade will be nationally televised.  It takes place on April 14th and is co-hosted by Katie Couric, Alison Starling and Leon Harris.  Alex Trebek will act as a special correspondent.  The parade proceeds down Constitution Avenue and, much like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, features performances, floats and giant helium balloons.  It is free to stand along the route.  Seats in the grandstand are $20 a piece.  Following the parade; stick around to enjoy the Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival.  Admission is $5. Come to the Canon Performance Stage at Sylvan Theater on the Washington Monument each day from March 31-April 5 to take in over 100 free shows.  From April 19–22, enjoy Jazz at the Jefferson. In conjunction with the festival, visitors interested in exploring Japanese culture have a host of rare opportunities.  There are currently three exhibitions of masterworks dating from Japan’s Edo-period.  Colourful Realm:  Japanese Bird-and-Flower Paintings by Itō Jakuchū is open at the National Gallery of Art.  Masters of Mercy:  Buddha’s Amazing Disciples and Hokusai:  36 Views of Mount Fuji are both on display at the Smithsonian’s Arthur M. Sackler Gallery. Additionally, National Geographic Museum is exploring the influence of Samurai’s on Japanese history and culture through their exhibition of Samurai:  The Warrior Transformed.  For music enthusiasts, The Kennedy Center presents Overtures:  S&R Foundation Artist Concert Series, featuring award-winning Japanese artists. The National Cherry Blossom Festival offers all this and so much more.  There is still plenty of time to experience the sights, sounds, aromas and tastes of the festival.  It truly offers something for everyone. – Jen R, Staff Writer
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