From a loyal reader:

Did you know (or care) that New Jersey’s Cherry Blossom Festival in Essex County boasts more trees than Washington DC’s? Branch Brook Park was designed by F. L. Olmsted, who is famous for Central Park in NYC. It’s really worth seeing & the blooms come out after DC’s have faded. You can extend your cherry blossom viewing season by heading north. I’d guess that Essex County might also boast more corrupt politicians per capita than DC, as well.