Watching Spring Bloom

By Christine Perez

Enough with the snow. Out with the parkas. In with park benches, picnic

spreads, and blooms on the trees. Each spring, Dover transforms into a postcard. Follow the buds along West Blackwell Street and Park Heights Avenue, and feel the town wake up to shades of soft white and pink.

Dover is widely known as one of the best places in the Garden State to see cherry blossoms, and Hurd Park is the epicenter of the experience. It’s where we gather for everything from heartwarming (and sometimes slightly cheesy) homecoming and graduation photos to weekend picnics, peaceful walks, and other spring moments. Every year, as the blossoms peak, people flock here to take it all in.

The best time to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom is typically mid- to late April, depending on the weather conditions. My personal favorite spot? Anywhere near the stream. It’s quiet, scenic, and welcoming. Watch the wildlife, including the occasional water snake. For the best experience, visit on a weekday to avoid crowds, or head there early on a weekend morning if you’re hoping to snap springtime selfi es. If you love flowers as much as I do, here are a few more cherry blossom spots worth visiting near Dover.

About 20 minutes from Dover: The Frelinghuysen Arboretum in

Morristown features a beautiful cherry tree collection with over 100

trees in bloom each spring.

About 30 minutes from Dover: Verona Park, located on Bloomfi eld

Avenue, is a 54-acre park known for its stunning light-pink fl owering

trees. The blossoms lining the walking paths, especially around the lake

and near the bridge over the river, make it a favorite for spring strolls.

About 40 minutes from Dover: Branch Brook Park in Newark is home

to over 5,000 cherry blossom trees! It’s one of the largest collections in

the country (yes, even more than Washington, D.C.). Each April, Essex

County hosts Bloomfest, a celebration that is well worth the trip.

Spring in and around Dover is a reminder to slow down and enjoy what’s

right in front of us. For more hidden gems in town and throughout New

Jersey, stay tuned to my socials @christineelliza. And if you

visit any of these beautiful spots, be sure to tag @dovernownj

and @christineelliza so we can see and share your photos.