Many of the spring plans in New York have to do with nature. And it is not for less. The nickname of “concrete jungle” that Alicia Keys made international in her Empire State of Mind it’s a bit imprecise because it has a lot more green spaces than it seems and, in spring, they reach their peak. Definitely, The most sought-after event, and it is so because of its brevity, is the cherry blossoms.
Many of them came from Japan, in 1912, to celebrate good friendship with the United States and are scattered throughout the city. With the arrival of the warmer temperatures, some beautiful pink petals open on its branches that are uprooted by the breeze after a few days. The effect can be seen from the end of March, although in some points it may take several more weeks. Sakura Park, in the Morningside Heights neighborhood, is the park where the majority, but Central Park, between 72nd and 96th streets you will find many cherry trees. Other must-sees include Roosevelt Island, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, and of course, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, which celebrates its annual Sakura Matsuri Festival.
View more
Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Nueva York.
Cherry trees aside, Central Park remains the center of spring in New York. Also, this year we have one more excuse to lose ourselves in it. An endearingly nicknamed eagle owl Skinny, who escaped from the city zoo in January, now roams freely sleeping during the day and hunting rats at night. It regularly changes location and you have to be lucky to find it (or follow the expert bird watchers) but perhaps there is no more entertaining activity.
get lost by the labyrinthine paths from the park is an activity that is worth doing any time of the year but more seasonal is the boat rental of The Lake. Starting in April and for only about 20 dollars As a group of four you can paddle across the park’s lake and admire the Manhattan skyscrapers on the horizon. If you prefer to enjoy Central Park from the air, the best observatory is the terrace of the Metropolitan Museum It opens in mid-April and through the fall. Its views of the city are unbeatable and, every year, it has an open-air exhibition that is spectacular.
Another park with many attractions is the Hudson River Park which follows the entire shoreline of the river from Tribeca to the Upper West Side. The reconversion of its old docks has made it possible to open playgrounds, sports courts and gastronomic markets, like the one that opens this spring at Pier 57. They are all linked by a bike lane and another for runners and it is one of the walks with more Manhattan contrasts.
Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace, Nueva York.
And speaking of food, don’t miss the open-air markets that make a strong comeback in spring. The most boisterous of all, Smorgasburgopens in early April at Marsha P. Johnson Park, in Williamsburg, offering a varied menu with impressive views of the skyline. The Bronx Night Market takes place on the last Saturday of the month and the Queens Night Market, on Saturdays until midnight. Not to be missed are the artisan and antique bazaars like the Grand Bazaar NYC, Brooklyn Flea and Hester Street Fair.
Winter closed, we ran out of ice skating rinks. But there is spring alternative. After last year’s success, The Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace returns to Rockefeller Center, a seventies roller skating rink, smaller than its predecessor, and a disco atmosphere that invites you to dance, more than skating Or both at the same time, depending on the particular skills. The party starts in April. In Bryant Park the ice rink disappears to be rediscovered the lawn where you can set up the perfect picnic and attend the many activities that take place on its stage.
Although the heat of summer is still a long way off, spring is a good time to go to the beach. The first excuse is given to us by the amusement park Luna Park, in Coney Island, which opens its doors on March 31 and with new attractions. It can be easily reached by subway from midtown Manhattan. But for the Queens, Rockaway beach, a good alternative is to take the NYC Ferry with various itineraries connecting all the districts along the East River. The ticket only costs four dollars and, in addition to taking us to our destination, it delights our eyes with a panoramic view of the city. The ferry has a new station in Governors Islandan island that combines the military history of the city with events and activities, such as glamping and a luxury spa, QCNY.
The official opening of public swimming pools and beaches it does not take place until Memorial Day weekend, which always falls on the last Monday in May. The bridge serves to inaugurate the summer, whatever the solstice says. Also the week before New York is invaded by hundreds of sailors who dock their ships to celebrate the Fleet Week. During those days, the military fleet opens to the public to be able to browse about what it is like to live on the high seas. The Intrepid Museum, New York’s museum of the sea, air and space, organizes many activities for families.
See photos: New York with the family
Despite wanting to make the most of outdoor activities, in spring there are also excuses to stay inside. The Broadway billboard is full of news with the target set at the TONY awards, which are delivered in June. This year we expect the premiere of two great film adaptations: the classic of Martin Scorsese New York, New York and the Ang Lee film, Life of Pi. And two highly anticipated revivals: Camelot, with a new script by Aaron Sorkin, and the devilish Sweeney Todd Stephen Sondheim. Now you can take full advantage of spring in New York.
See more articles
SUBSCRIBE HERE to our newsletter and receive all the news from Condé Nast Traveler #YoSoyTraveler
