News - Sully Plantation & the National Cherry Blossom Festival

Sully Historic Plantation
Adds to the National Cherry Blossom Festival with Tea, Sweets and Art

Sully Plantation and The Spring Cherry Blossom Festival Sully Historic Site will officially join in the Washington area’s National Cherry Blossom Festival with a celebration of Japanese culture on Sunday, April 2.

Discover varieties of green tea and sample Japanese sweets at Sully Historic Site from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1 to 2:30 p.m. Taste the difference between three types of green tea -- Sencha, Hojicha, and Genmaicha. Contrast the flavors with Japanese sweet treats such as mochi. Explore the processes used to create the different flavors of these teas, hear how they’re cultivated, and learn a little tea history.

While at Sully, learn about Japanese 19^th-century influences on the U.S. and what was happening in Fairfax County in 1912, when the gift of the cherry trees arrived in Washington. Visit a special exhibit of items such as a netsuke collection, a yukata, and colorful Japanese fans. Netsuke are miniature Japanese sculptures that once were used to for utilitarian purposes but today are created as beautiful works of art and craftsmanship. A yukata is a casual, light, summer kimono worn by both men and women to outside events such as fireworks or festivals. At the craft table, decorate your own paper fan to keep as a remembrance of Japanese culture.

This event is designed for participants age six to adult, and the cost is $27 per person. An optional house tour of Sully, the 1794 home of northern Virginia’s first congressman, Richard Bland Lee, is included in the cost.

The 2017 National Cherry Blossom Festival will include events throughout the Washington, D.C. area featuring diverse and creative programming promoting traditional and contemporary arts and culture, natural beauty, and community spirit. Visit nationalcherryblossomfestival.org for more information.

Sully Historic Site is located at 3650 Historic Sully Way, Chantilly, Va. For more information, call 703-437-1794 or visit http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/sully-historic-site/.

Web: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/press/html/psa058-17.htm

An oasis of the past, Sully reflects the history of Fairfax County. Completed in 1799 by Richard Bland Lee, the main house at Sully combines aspects of Georgian and Federal architecture. Richard Bland Lee was Northern Virginia's first Representative to Congress, as well as General Robert E. Lee's uncle.

On the National Register for Historic Places, and accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, Sully also includes original outbuildings, representative slave quarter and gardens. Guided tours highlight the early 19th century life of the Richard Bland Lee family, tenant farmers and enslaved African Americans Americans. Programs reflect the history of Fairfax County through the 20th century.

Sully Historic Plantation & Site is operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority.

Visitor Center/ Gift Shop: March - December, open everyday 11am - 4pm except Tuesdays and some holidays, check with the site. Take home a historical remembrance of your visit to Sully. Unique gifts include tricorn hats, early 1800s reproductions, quill pens, caps, historic games and toys, blue and white ware, history books, tea cups and much more!

Winter Hours: January and February Open daily from 11am-3pm, open every day except Tuesdays; site/visitor center closed Tuesdays. Closed some holidays.
House Tours: Guided tours of the main house given on the hour. Open daily from 11am-4pm, closed Tuesdays. Last tour at 4pm. January, February and Holidays when open, last tour is 3:00pm.
Tours: $7 Adult, $6 student (16 & up with student I.D.), $5 for senior (65 +), $5 child (age 5 – 15). Save by taking both tours (House tour & Forgotten Road tour) for only $2.00 extra.
For more details and information: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/sully-historic-site

Sully HIstoric Plantation
3650 Historic Sully Way
Chantilly, VA 20151 • 703-437-1794

Photograph and written material provided by the Fairfax County Government, Park Authority.