New York City blossoms in the spring, allowing residents to escape the exigencies of city life without leaving the city. Central Park is transformed into a colorful landscape of crocuses, daffodils, tulips, cherry blossoms and magnolia flowers. Recommended walking paths include Lilac Walk, The Pond, Shakespeare Garden, Azalea Walk, Strawberry Fields, and the Conservatory Garden.
The sweet scent of flowers at Herald Square is a sign that Macy's has launched its annual flower show, free and open to the public during store hours. It kicks off with a wildlife bouquet seminar where participants learn how to create their own floral arrangement to take home. For ideas on a unique flower bed, attend the southern garden seminar, hosted by a floral designer who shares the secret to designing a mini garden in classic southern-style. But spring is more than pretty floral arrangements. In New York City, where trendy fashion firsts thrive, spring is also the season to forge ahead with the hottest fashion trends. The SHOESFIRST Soiree invites shoppers to get a preview of the latest shoe styles while enjoying music, refreshments and not-to-miss sales. This event is followed by the annual student fashion show where style experts share what's in and out while a DJ sets the tone for an upbeat spring celebration.
As a renascent prelude to spring, the New York Botanical Garden sets the season in motion in late February with its annual Orchid Show. The 2016 theme is Orchidelirium, a show that looks back at orchid collections in the 19th century when horticulturists traveled the world to fill the greenhouses in Europe with a variety of orchid species. The Enid A. Haupt Observatory is filled with thousands of these lovely and aromatic flowers. Return to the NYBG later in the season for Rose Garden Weekend, two days of music, demonstrations, tours and refreshments amidst a wondrous collection of varied roses. NYBG is located in the Bronx, a 20-minute train ride from Grand Central Terminal.
Springtime holidays are the best, with weather conducive to outdoor celebrations. Gran Electrica in the Dumbo section of Brooklyn offers a fabulous garden to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Imbibe tequila, Portuguese wine or specialty cocktails while dancing the night away. The restaurant boasts cuisine that is authentic Mexican and market-driven, made with fresh, local and sustainable ingredients. Empellon Cocina, located between 6th and 7th Streets on First Avenue in the East Village, celebrates Cinco de Mayo with a six-course menu and unlimited margaritas. The menu features unique and scrumptious dishes such as guacamole with pistachios and masa chips, chicharrones, chicken chorizo, sliced mango, black garlic hummus and mustard seed salsa.
On the heels of Cinco de Mayo is Mother's Day. Whether you are a mom, have a mom or know someone who is a mom, you have an excuse to visit Banchet Flowers on 447 West 16th Street. Banchet Jaigla imports flowers from Holland and works with growers in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. The containers are as diverse as the flowers and plants, from wooden crates to Bacarrat vases.
After a long, cold winter, spring seems like a panacea that generates renewed energy. What better place to enjoy the season than a high-energy city like New York. Smell the orchids and roses, and enjoy the city's color and life.
