New Jersey doesn’t get nearly enough credit for its natural beauty. There is a reason, after all, why we earned the nickname The Garden State. Each spring, parts of the area come alive with vibrant cherry blossoms, rivaling those of other locations around the country. Whether you have lived your entire life in the state or are planning a vacation, these trees are not to be missed! As a New Jersey family photographer, I spend a lot of time waiting for this season so I can plan unforgettable sessions. If you haven’t gotten the chance to check out cherry blossoms in NJ, then let me tell you why Branch Brook Park needs to be on your destination list.
About Branch Brook Park’s Cherry Blossoms in NJ
Park Avenue and Lake Street, Newark, New Jersey 07104
Branch Brook Park is not only one of the most beautiful parks in the country, but it’s also one of the most historic. The park was opened in 1895 and became the nation’s first county park. Before it was founded, the land was used in the Civil War as an Army training ground. Once the war ended, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux (yes, the same designers of Central Park) went to work designing the stunning space. Today, the park rests on over 300 acres and hosts fishing derbies, live music, and, of course, the annual NJ Cherry Blossoms Festival.
Details Of The Park
Across its 360 acres, Branch Brook Park features endless activities, including a playground, ball fields, bocce courts, urban farms, a greenhouse, a roller rink, and children’s gardens. There are jogging courses that take you across the signature Olmsted-designed landscape. And don’t worry if you could use a little help navigating the area. The park has cell phone tours that let you walk around and learn all about the space!
While you walk the NJ park, you will see over 5,000 Japanese Flowering Cherry Blossoms in over 18 varieties. Throughout the beginning of spring, they burst into radiant shades of white and pink, shedding their petals as the weeks go on. This is the largest collection of trees found in any park in the country. It’s no wonder why people flock from across the country to see it!
Specialty
While the appearance of the cherry blossoms in NJ is largely dependent on the year’s forecast, you can count on the flowers showing up around April. They have constant live streams that let you peek and see the progress, just to be sure. The park has hosted an annual Cherry Blossom Festival since 1976. It lasts for nine days and gives you several unique ways to check out all the flowers. There is a bike race, a 10K, and a 1-mile Fun Run. You can stop in for Bloomfest! where you can listen to live music, see Japanese cultural demonstrations, and do crafts with your family. You will have plenty of photo opportunities so you can capture gorgeous memories with the people you love the most!
You Will Love Exploring And Creating Memories In The Cherry Blossoms in NJ Of Branch Brook Park
This year, be sure to check out the cherry blossoms in NJ in Branch Brook Park! And if you need a little help documenting all the colors, let me know! As a New Jersey family photographer, I adore helping families find the best backdrops for their sessions. If you have been considering planning some new pictures, then send me a message! Then we can chat about your dream photo session!
Sofia Ribeiro Photography is a NJ Newborn & Maternity Photographer, serving Union, Morris, Sussex, Bergen, Monmouth, and Middlesex counties in the North and Central New Jersey. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to keep up with the latest!
Leave a Reply