The best things to do in New York City in spring
Photo by Hector Argüello Canals
Once spring arrives, the weather begins to warm up. This is the time to relax and soak up the sunshine. The blooming flowers are just the beginning of all the marvelous events held in New York City. There are food festivals, street fairs, and park events. Just make sure you check the weather to make certain there is no rain in the forecast. The city gets four inches of rain in March, 3.9 in April and 4.4 in May. Remaining informed regarding the weather will prevent you from getting caught in a downpour in the middle of a street fair.
The Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival
This is one of the most beautiful spring festivals in the city and the best place to be. The festival is a celebration of Japanese culture. You can become a part of the activities or simply watch. You will find yourself surrounded by magnificent trees covered in pink petals. Visitors come from all over the city and the country for this yearly tradition. You will see masters of the samurai sword, taiko drummers, stand-up comedians, and Japanese rock bands performing on two separate stages.
Visit the art gallery, relax in the Japanese tearoom, or lose yourself in the flea market. You will discover heavenly Raaka chocolate, silk wraps, wall scrolls, and lovely flowers.
Photo by Pascale Amez
Shakespeare in the Park
A must-see in New York City is Shakespeare in the Park. Every year, the Public Theater brings back the attraction at no charge. The event takes place in Central Park at the Delacorte Theater. Hearing the immortal words of the Bard performed in the open air is incredible. The most impressive decoration is the Belvedere Castle in the background. The production begins at 8:00 p.m., so the best time to arrive is around 7:30 p.m. This way, you can make sure you have enough time to get situated before the show starts.
Joseph Papp created Shakespeare in the Park in 1962. The productions usually feature the works of the Bard, although every once in a while, there is a non-Shakesperean drama or a musical. The casts of the past include Kevin Kline, Blythe Danner, George C. Scott, Meryl Streep, Denzel Washington, Al Pacino, and Philip Seymour Hoffman. All of the fun begins May 21st on Tuesday through Saturday.
The Macy’s Flower Show
One of the best things to do while you are in the city is to stop by the Macy's Flower Show. Both visitors and locals flock to this exhibition. The flowers you will see everywhere are a must-see. Every year the spectacular arrangements are created for a specific theme. You can be a part of it for two weeks from March 24th through April 7th. The flower show takes place at Macy's Herald Square. You can look to your heart's delight because the event is free.
Frieze New York
The best place to be in the spring is Frieze New York. You can take a bus or a ferry right to Randall's Island Park. This is an expansive art festival with something for everyone. There are 200 international galleries to see. Spend the day looking at all of the new exhibits and outdoor and indoor projects. You will have a sensational view of Manhattan. Every May, the island becomes the heart of the art world. You can spend four days beneath the massive tent enjoying artworks of every possible size and medium.
You can visit Frieze New York from May 2nd through May 5th. You can purchase your tickets ahead of time online or right at the entrance to the fair. Even though you will be under a tent, check the weather. Cold temperatures will seep right into your bones if you are not dressed accordingly. The weather during the spring is known for being unpredictable from day-to-day.
The Tribeca Film Festival
The Tribeca Film Festival is possible due to Robert De Niro and Co. The festival has been shining a spotlight on the latest talent, foreign films, the newest and best filmmakers, documentaries, and local indie features for years. You can enjoy the festival from April 25th until May 5th. With rare exceptions, everything takes place at Cinepolis Chelsea, SVA Theater, Tribeca Festival Hub, Regal Battery Park, and Beacon Theater.
One of the best parts is exploring the nearby restaurants and bars after the festival. You can have a delicious meal then enjoy New York City nightlife at one of the bars.
Photo by Jean Carlo Emer
The Boat Ride in Central Park
If you are looking for romance, head to Central Park. The body of water covers 22 acres. Rent a rowboat or a classic Venetian gondola at the famous boathouse for an amazing romantic experience. There are 100 boats in the fleet, with each one seating a maximum of four people. If you want to propose, this is your golden opportunity. You can even have a delightful picnic with your friends.
Once you are on the water, you will have a good view of the waterfowl. They are difficult to see when you are on the shore. The park is famous for loons, herons, and egrets. If you have children, you can let them help row and watch as their faces light up with excitement. The lake was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.
The Little Choc Apothecary
When you get your first glimpse of the Little Choc Apothecary, you will most likely assume it is just a bakery and cafe. Look a little closer and you will discover one of the treasures of New York City. This is a restaurant with a divine area for dining right upstairs. The best time to visit is around dinner time. Before you even look at the menu, order a bottle of Gonzalo Gran Tempranillo, The Wine Love. This is a red wine made using both dark and red berries with a hint of lavender. No matter what you order, this wine will be the perfect compliment.
You can order from the vegan menu and try the savory crepes. The decadent flavor will explode in your mouth. The Jacked Up is another good choice. The dish is prepared with smoky pulled jackfruit, roasted red peppers, homemade barbeque sauce, caramelized onions, and kale. The Garden of Eatin will introduce you to apple, fresh kale, pesto, avocado, mint-basil, and lemon juice. This is an exceptionally light crepe with a minty flavor.
Make sure you stop by the apothecary before you leave. They are known for their exceptional inventory of tea. You will see the tea lining the walls right from your table. The white peony tea tastes like rays of sunshine. Try the Nutella crepe for dessert. This is made from scratch with strawberries, shredded coconut, cream, and almonds piled right on top for a sensational treat.
Report a Typo
