See cherry blossoms without the tourists, traffic or long lines

Peak bloom is here and so are tourists, traffic and long lines.

While a million and a half people from around the world travel to D.C. for the chance to see the more than 3,700 Yoshino trees that line the Tidal Basin, some locals stay away during peak cherry blossom season.

Parking, crowds and rideshare surge charges are a few of the reasons why those in the area look at alternative viewing opportunities.

One hot spot is in the Kenwood neighborhood of Bethesda, Maryland.

Cherry blossom trees in Kenwood, Maryland. (WTOP/Jimmy Alexander)

The origin story of the trees in the Montgomery County community dates back to the 1930s and ’40s, when a developer attempted to inspire homebuyers by planting cherry trees.

Fast forward to today, where the 1,200 breathtakingly beautiful trees line every street in the neighborhood, bringing blossom watchers such ...