Spring is coming fast this year and after a bitter winter, we’re chomping at the bit to get out of the house and enjoy the beautiful weather. And while Long Island has its own amazing hot spots, having New York mere minutes away affords Long Islanders a unique opportunity to spend spring in the most exciting city in the world.
The High Line
One of the most iconic and beautiful areas of the city, the High Line, is a park that rose from refurbished elevated train tracks and is one of the must-visit pieces of nature for anyone looking to spend spring in the city. Carefully curated plants of all types transport you outside of the city and into a wilderness dotted with public art exhibits and constant activities. Visitors can salsa dance with music legends, stargaze through powerful telescopes, or even join meditation or tai chi courses to connect with your inner self. Regardless of what you’re looking for in one of the most beautiful public spaces in the city, the High Line has something just for you.
Rooftop Reds Wine Tasting and Vineyard
Ever been to a vineyard in the clouds? Cross it off your bucket list this spring at Rooftop Reds, the first ever commercially viable rooftop vineyard at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in Brooklyn. With six in-house wines sourced from the Finger Lakes to choose from, Rooftop Reds delivers incredible quality at a beautiful location. They also offer viticulture classes to bring you closer to your wine, as well as live entertainment and events including a weekly tour and tasting every Wednesday beginning May 15.
Reservations are required for tours and tastings starting April 5, and can be made online at www.rooftopreds.com.
The Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Gardens
The Orchid Show has always been New York’s love letter to spring and this year will be no different as the Botanical Gardens celebrates Asian tropical flowers through The Orchid Show: Singapore. A deeply significant flower in Singapore’s culturally rich history, the beautiful multi-colored orchids are the perfect cure to any winter funk that might still be hanging around on shoulders.
The Orchid Show is open now and will run until Sunday, April 28. Tickets are $23 for weekdays and $28 for weekends. Food and drinks will be available for purchase as well.
The World’s Fare
In another throwback tribute to a storied period in New York’s history, head on down to Citi Field this spring for The World’s Fare, a recreation of the famous New York World’s Fair of 1964. Set up camp from May 18-19 and sink into Queen’s incredibly dynamic and rich cultural heritage as you sample curated cuisine, an extensive beer garden and live entertainment. Visiting The World’s Fare in its second year is an incredible way to experience the diversity and camaraderie of the city in spring.
Hiking in the Bronx
When spring in the concrete jungle can get constricting, it’s important to get away every now and then. Luckily you don’t have to go far—there are great spots to hike right here in the boroughs. Places like the Kazimiroff Nature Trail at Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx allow for a quick escape to take in the simpler things, right off the subway. At 2,700-acres, including more than 13 miles of shoreline, a trip around the nature trail on a beautiful spring day can be just the thing to get away from it all, not too far from home.
Jazz Age Lawn Party
Travel back in time to the age of swing and Prohibition just by joining this incredible party. The Roaring Twenties party is now in its 14th year of bringing the electricity and rebellion of the 1920s back to the modern age. Started in 2005 by performer Michael Arnella, the festival has exploded and become well-known as one of the most polished and family-friendly events in the city.
Learn to dance like a flapper, take vintage photos or admire the rides of the Jazz Era at the 1920s motorcar exposition. Beginning on June 15-16 and continuing again later in the summer, dance winter away at this throwback classic event. Learn more at jazzagelawnparty.com.
Frieze New York Art Fair
This spring at Randall Island, more than 200 art collectors and artists will flex their muscles at the Frieze Art Fair, one of the most anticipated art events of the year. Beginning on May 2 and running until May 5, Frieze will demonstrate artwork of more than 190 galleries from more than 30 countries.
The fair will also contain contributions from some of New York’s most prestigious restaurants and eateries. Tickets are only available online in advance and can be ordered at www.frieze.com.
