Jetsettersblog

• New hands-on discovery and visitor centre opens at Jefferson’s Monticello
Hip Happenings
• Flower Power with DC’s Cherry Blossom Festival
• Historic Garden Week in Virginia – America’s largest ‘Open House’
• Virginia Arts Festival – from Liza Minnelli to Ravi Shankar
• Through the garden gate to Maryland’s flower festivals and secret garden tours

New hands-on discovery and visitor centre opens at Jefferson’s Monticello

The official opening of the Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center and Smith Education Center takes place on April 15, 2009. On that date, the facility’s major interpretive features – four innovative exhibitions, a new introductory film and a hands-on discovery space – will be unveiled. The new center, the largest capital project in the Thomas Jefferson Foundation’s history, is located on the Monticello grounds, near Charlottesville, Virginia. www.monticello.org

Construction of the 42,000-square foot facility – which will be particularly enjoyed by younger visitors, consists of five pavilions arranged around a central courtyard. There is a new Welcome Pavilion housing Monticello’s ticketing operations and visitor-information services.

The Griffin Discovery Room will give Monticello visitors – especially those aged between 6 and 11 years – the chance to literally get in touch with Jefferson’s life and times through hands-on elements and activities. Three classrooms in the Carl and Hunter Smith Education Center will serve as the venue for workshops and programmes for all age groups.

The Monticello Museum Shop features an expanded collection of retail items, including Virginia wines, posters, prints, gourmet food products and an all-season, indoor-outdoor garden shop. The Café serves light meals and refreshments. www.monticello.org

Flower Power at Washington, DC’s annual Cherry Blossom Festival
March 28 – April 12

The 2009 National Cherry Blossom Festival is Washington, DC’s largest and signature springtime celebration. The festival is more than just a showcase for the beautiful flowering trees on the Tidal Basin. The two-week citywide schedule of events features diverse programming incorporating the best of Washington DC’s arts, culinary and recreational attractions complemented by elements of Japanese culture and tradition. More than 3,000 cherry blossom trees are in full bloom, surrounding the tidal basin of Potomac Park, making it ideal for photographs. www.washington.org/visiting
Historic Garden Week in Virginia – America’s largest ‘Open House’ April 18-25

For the 76th year, visitors will be able to step through the gates of more than 250 of Virginia’s most beautiful gardens during ‘America’s Largest Open House’. Ticket prices for tours range from $10 to $35 (US) per event. www.vagardenweek.org

Virginia Arts Festival

Experience great performances from Williamsburg to Virginia Beach this April & May! Ravi Shankar, Patti LuPone, Liza Minnelli, Tokyo String Quartet, the Mark Morris Dance Group performing Romeo & Juliet and the pageantry of the Virginia International Tattoo. Tel. 757-282-2819 www.vafest.org/travel

Through the garden gate to Maryland’s flower festivals and secret garden tours

Flower Mart in Baltimore’s Historic Mount Vernon – May 1-2

Welcome spring in style with the 92nd annual Flower Mart. Enjoy flowers, exotic plants, local and ethnic cuisine, live entertainment and cultural wares. Location: Around the Washington Monument in historic Mount Vernon. Free entry. www.flowermart.org

Beyond the Garden, Frederick – May 16 & 17

Explore the elegant, whimsical and inventive gardens nestling behind the gates of private Frederick homes throughout downtown Frederick. $15 per person www.celebratefrederick.com

Secret Garden Tour at Hammond-Harwood House, Annapolis
Saturday, June 6 – Sunday, June 7

Explore and delight in gardens of colonial era homes throughout Annapolis’ Historic District. The gardens of Maryland’s four signers of the Declaration of Independence featured on this tour exemplify the “Golden Age” of Annapolis. The gardens range from formal, old boxwood to informal perennial; from a truly secret retreat to a quiet park on a busy street. www.hammondharwoodhouse.org

For more information on travel to the Washington, DC, Virginia and Maryland visit www.CapitalRegionUSA.co.uk  or call 020 8339 6048.