Tranquility among the blossoms : D.C. seeks to spread out festival crowds

WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) - For Jake Kwon, spring doesn't begin until the city's famous cherry trees have bloomed, wrapping the Tidal Basin in a stunning canopy of pink and white petals.

Mr. Kwon thought about staying far away from the blossoms this year, though. He's grown weary of fighting traffic, traipsing through muddy grounds trampled by tourists, and trying to snap that perfect photograph with throngs of people getting in the way.

"It seems like no matter where you go, you're going to run into crowds," said Mr. Kwon, a consultant from McLean, Va.

More than 1 million enthusiasts are expected for Washington's 16-day...