I guess because I attended college in Washington, D.C., I always associate spring with the blossoming of cherry trees in the heart of the nation's capital.

Maybe it's because, as a college freshman, I volunteered to walk in the National Cherry Blossom Parade, helping with the Garfield balloon.

Or maybe because the memory of a relaxing evening eating a dessert from The Cheesecake Factory while sitting on the steps of the Jefferson Memorial with friends is permanently etched in my mind.

Whatever it is, I always get giddy when I hear people talk about the cherry blossoms. It means spring is really here!

This year's Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off March 29 and runs through April 13. And it looks like the trees are planning to be at their pink-and-white peak for the festivities. National Park Service horticulturists say that even though the blossoms last for several weeks, they'll be at their peak from March 27 through April 3.

So head to D.C. for a daytrip or a weekend of fun. When you return, send me a photo and a few lines about your time there.