The National Park Service predicts the blooms will peak this year April 8-12. The 2014 National Cherry Blossom Festival runs from March 20-April 12.

Never mind that snow blanketed the nation's capital again this week. Even if winter-weary locals see no end in sight to winter, the National Park Service does. It predicts the city's iconic cherry trees will burst into full bloom April 8-12, just before the finale of the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival April 13.

The festival, which commemorates a 102-year-old gift of cherry trees to Washington from Tokyo, kicks off March 20 and runs over four weekends with events ranging from a kite festival (March 29) to sake tasting (April 3 ) to fireworks (April 5) to a Japanese street fair and parade (April 12).

Ways to save:

-- More than 30 Washington-area hotels have themed packages that throw in extras such as Metro passes, cocktails, and cherry-infused products.

-- Pick up a free Petal Pass from Capital One Bank branches for discounts in restaurants, stores and attractions.

-- Big Bus Tours is offering a 25% discount (use code NCB2014) on some tours.

-- And about 100 eateries participating in the Cherry Picks Restaurant Program will serve special spring menus.