KC On The Go

Spring has sprung! Last week marked the beginning of this period where we all finally start making our way out of our winter funk. That wonderful time of year when the hours of sunlight grow daily, the buds start blooming, and walking outside isn’t such a laborious task. That means it’s time to get out there and enjoy – partake in a little alfresco dining, take a long walk in a park, and take a few minutes to stop and smell the flowers, literally.

I love New York in the spring. Everyone has a little more pep in their step and you’ll even spot a few more smiles on their faces. It just seems like the city is bursting with life after hibernating for the long, dark winter. So, here is my list of 10 things to put on your New York City to-do list this spring to make the most of the sunny days.

#1 – Get a little culture at the Cherry Blossom Festival 

If you think Washington DC has the monopoly on the Cherry Blossoms, I am here to tell you that you are mistaken. New York City’s very own borough of Brooklyn hosts an annual festival celebrating the blushing flower. Brooklyn Botanic Garden take their horticulture so seriously, the garden’s website currently features a “Cherrywatch” with bloom updates. The Cherry Blossom Festival is a celebration of all things Japanese and is always a hot ticket as the weekend is jam packed with activities. Everything from musical performances to martial arts displays to traditional Japanese dances entertain the crowds who gather. None of it beats the guest of honor, the Cherry Blossoms. It’s definitely worth a trip to Brooklyn to see the amazing pink blooms.

#2 – Cruise through Central Park on a boat

Nothing screams warm weather in New York City quite like a jaunt to Central Park. It doesn’t get much more relaxing than a boat ride. Head over to the Loeb Boathouse where you can pick up your own rowboat and hit the high seas…of the isle of Manhattan. If your arms are better served for lifting drinks than rowing boats, you can also hire a gondola. Then hit one of my favorite spots in the city, the Boathouse, to toast a day well spent on the water.  

#3 – Stop and smell the flowers at Macy’s Annual Flower Show

What says spring better than beautiful flowers in full bloom? Every year, Macy’s celebrates the season by taking the flower game to the next level. This year’s theme has an outer space vibe to it – Journey to Paradisios. My sci-fi loving heart is excited about this one. The store is filled with the most jaw-dropping flower arrangements. The already crowded Macy’s can get unbearably so during the two week stretch of the show so I’d recommend getting there early in the day before the flocks land in Herald Square.  

#4 – Catch a baseball game

New York is a baseball town. It’s no surprise, with two teams to choose from and a rich and fabled history in the game, New Yorkers eat, sleep and breathe for America’s pastime. And, we all have an allegiance. You can head over to Citi Field in Queens to root, root, root for the Amazins while eating your Shake Shack burger and soft serve ice cream served in a mini baseball cap. Or, I suppose, you can head up to the Bronx to watch the Yankees. TomAYto, TomAHto – I did say that we all have an allegiance. Either way, whether you’re a fan or you’ve never watched the game before, a day out at the ballpark is always a fun time.   

#5 – Enjoy alfresco dining

I love dining outside in New York, whether it be in a restaurant’s tranquil back garden or on the good ‘ol sidewalk with people walking by gawking at your food. The brief months when the weather is perfect, not too cold, not too hot and humid, are so precious that New Yorkers aren’t the type to squander these opportunities. So, grab a table but you better be quick about it. You can be sure those coveted outdoor tables will fill up faster than you can say, “Do you have any outside tables for two available?” And poof, they’re already gone.

#6 – Browse a street fair

These street fairs will start popping up all over the city when the weather warms. Most, quite honestly, are fairly run of the mill – same vendors selling those refrigerator magnets shaped like vegetables and the meat on a stick that always smells better than it tastes. There are diamonds in the rough though, you just need to do a little research. I like to pick ones located in neighborhoods where the businesses in the neighborhood get involved and set up shop on the street alongside the independent vendors. Then, even if you don’t score that record you’ve been scouring every bargain bin for, you’ll be able to console yourself with some good local food.

#7 – Snag a ticket to the Tribeca Film Festival

While your traipsing around the city, if you see long lines and crowds gathered at the theaters, not to worry. Every year in late April/early May, New York City absolutely bursts with film related activity. Even more so than usual because the Tribeca Film Festival comes to town. Will you see Robert DeNiro? I can’t guarantee that. But what I do know for sure is that there are always a host of great entertainment options available throughout the city. From anniversary screenings of classics to the director series with panels featuring the heavy hitters in the biz which this year includes, the man himself, Robert DeNiro.

#8 – Bring your appetite to a food and drink festival

A few years ago, I attended the Bacon and Beer Classic at Citi Field. Let me tell you, it was a pig lover’s dream. This spring Citi Field is hosting The World’s Fare, a festival in celebration of the famous World’s Fair of 1964. Along with their clever title comes the equally enticing tagline “Experience Diversity Through Cuisine.” Sounds like heaven to me. Where do I sign up? If you can’t make it out for this, don’t fret, there’s plenty of great food and drink to be had in the city. Every weekend in Brooklyn starting April 6, Smorgasburg sets up shop. Because eating good food is what life’s all about really.

#9 – Hit the roof for cocktails

There’s something special about looking out at the expanse of New York City from a rooftop, especially if you have a drink in your hand while you’re doing it. I don’t know that there are any bad options per se but some are certainly better than others. There’s my favorite, Gallow Green, for creative drinks and comforting bites in a romantic space. Upstairs offers the most stunning view of the Chrysler Building in an atmosphere with all the elegance that befits the view. They don’t get much fancier than the Press Lounge complete with lounge chairs you can sink into, an infinity pool and unobstructed skyline views. I recommend hitting every single rooftop in your quest for the best – yes, solid plan.

#10 – Stroll through a park

Whether you grab a book and head over to Riverside Park, watch the performers in Washington Square Park or stroll the High Line with a coffee in hand, New York isn’t short of green space. For prime views of Lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge or to catch a movie under the stars, Brooklyn Bridge Park can’t really be beat. For art and multimedia installations, Socrates Sculpture Park in Queens is a rare gem. For ancient art and architecture, the Cloisters in Fort Tryon Park is the place to go with a treasure trove of work that dates back to medieval Europe. No matter what suits your fancy, it’s the time of year to get out there and enjoy.

Now you’ve got some ideas, we just need the weather to warm up! What do you all like to do in the spring? I’d love to hear! Until next time – cheers!