Spring in NYC!
BY ELYSE LADIA
Happy spring USWIB! Congratulations on getting through midterms and almost making it to the end of the semester! As it has finally gotten warm and sunny out in recent days, I thought it would be an opportune time for some recommendations for fun and relaxing spring activities to make the most of the beautiful weather and take a break from work.
What:
Once again this year, the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx showcases a beautiful display of orchids in bloom, titled The Orchid Show: Natural Heritage by designer Lily Kwong. Take a trip up to the Bronx for a relaxing day of strolling through these colorful orchids and the Botanical Garden’s sunny gardens!
When:
Now until April 23, 2023
Where:
New York Botanical Garden 2900 Southern Blvd. Bronx, NY 10458
What:
New York City has over 40,000 cherry blossom trees throughout different areas of the city, all of which are blooming or will bloom in the coming weeks as the weather gets warmer. According to this article by the NYTimes, “the pink-flowered Okame usually begins blooming in late March or early April, but the Yoshino (which has white flowers) and the Kwanzan (which is pink and can produce up to 28 petals on each blossom) may still have flowers in late April or early May”. As the blossoms are only in bloom for a short period, now is a perfect time to take a break from studying and refresh with a peaceful day under the cherry blossoms.
When:
Now until May 2023
Where:
The locations in the city with the largest clusters of cherry blossoms include Central Park, Roosevelt Island, Sakura Park, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Randall’s Island, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and more!
Take a look at this link to see a map of where all the cherry blossom trees are located in the city!
What:
Feeling hungry after a long day of lounging outside? Smorgasburg is an annual outdoor market filled with food vendors from all over the city, located along the waterfront in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Take advantage of the wonderful weather and stunning views of the New York City skyline as you try treats from a wide variety of food stands!
When:
Now and every weekend from 11am - 6pm until October 2023!
Where:
There are 3 locations of Smorgasburg:
-Williamsburg: Marsha P. Johnson State Park, 90 Kent Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
-Prospect Park: Prospect Park, Breeze Hill, Brooklyn, NY 11225
-World Trade Center: 185 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10006
What:
Every spring, Little Island along Hudson River Park hosts a festival that lasts for four weeks, featuring free live dance, comedy, art, and music performances. Check out their website for a full list of every free event they offer this spring to spend a day outside basking in the sun while enjoying a live show! After you are finished with Little Island, check out the rest of Hudson River Park to participate in outdoor activities along the pier. The Whitney Museum of American Art is also right across the street to cool off inside and enjoy art.
When:
Now and all summer long!
Where:
Pier 55 in Hudson River Park W 13th St, New York, NY 10014
The Instagram account @nyc_forfree is also an amazing resource to check out for free events and opportunities to relax this spring! I hope these recommendations can help inspire you to experience new parts of the city and take some time off to refuel and reward yourself after a grueling past few weeks of the semester. Take advantage of the weather to get some much needed Vitamin D and enjoy these free and affordable springtime events! Wishing you a great rest of your semester!