Read & Run on the Road: Book Club Run of Eliza Scidmore w/ Diana Parsell
Schedule
Sun Mar 29 2026 at 09:00 am to 11:00 am
UTC-04:00Location
President William Howard Taft Memorial Grave | Arlington, VA
About this Event
We love our cherry blossom trees, but have you ever wondered how they ended up in Washington, DC? Come learn about the 1800s globe-trotting journalist whose foresight and persistence resulted in an annual scene so beautiful that 1.5 million people travel to see it every year.
On this 3.3 mile, easy-paced run, we’ll start at the gravesite of former First Lady Helen Taft (who played a pivotal role), see the site of the first cherry blossom trees, and end by retracing some of Eliza Scidmore’s steps along 15th Street.
After our run, we'll meet author Diana Parsell at Corner Bakery to chat about her book. (Please be prepared to cover your own coffee/pastries costs.)
Learn more on my website: chelseygrassfield.com
(P.S. I'd like to eliminate fees for you and me, so if you happen to mosey on over to my webpage above, there's info on how to venmo and register via google forms.)
PREPARE: As this event is a book club run, it focuses on the plot, characters, and story. Attendees are strongly encouraged to read the entire book, but if time is of the essence, the route is based on: Ch. 6 Potomac Flats, Ch. 8 A Singular Vision, Ch. 10 A Voice for Conservation, and Chs. 16–20. You can check out one of DC's many amazing bookstores for online and in-person options, or check it out from your local library (digital copies are available at Arlington).
INCLEMENT WEATHER PLAN: After the route, we’ll finish at Corner Bakery (Google Map) 10:00–11:00 a.m. to discuss the book with Diana Parsell. (Please be prepared to cover your own coffee/pastries costs.)
Agenda
🕑: 05:45 PM - 06:00 PM
Meet
Info: Meet at President William Howard Taft Memorial Grave, Arlington Cemetery between 8:45–9:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 29. The program will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m.
🕑: 06:00 PM - 07:15 PM
Run route based on Lost in the City
Info: We’ll run an easy-paced (~11:00 minute/mile), 3.8-mile route with stops in Arlington Cemetery, the Tidal Basin, and up 15th Street.
🕑: 07:15 PM - 08:00 PM
Post-run discussion
Host: Corner Bakery
Info: After the route, we’ll finish at Corner Bakery 10:00–11:00 a.m. to discuss the book with Diana Parsell. (Please be prepared to cover your own coffee/pastries costs.)
Where is it happening?
President William Howard Taft Memorial Grave, 8573311 Schley Drive, Arlington, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 15.00 to USD 39.19
