One second it’s pouring rain, and the next it’s gorgeous and sunny out – weather like this can only mean one thing – spring has finally come ‘round! It’s time to call up your bestie, emerge from winter hibernation, pop on your sunglasses and get brunching. We’ve pulled together some of our favorite ways to welcome in warmer weather here in NYC! What are your favorite spring spots?
Take a stroll around Central Park…
I know, it’s the most overused recommendation ever. But it’s overused for a reason, we’ve lived here our entire lives and make time to stop by every season, it’s just that gorgeous. Pack up a picnic basket or a light snack and meander on one of the park’s many paths. Feeling a little more adventurous? Head up to 105th street and Broadway to the Conservatory Garden for a real spring treat. The six-acre formal garden opens at 8am and shutters at dusk.
Get cooking!
I love cooking during the spring. The weather is still friendly for baking, and there is an abundance of ingredients available at the farmer’s market to experiment with. Right now Gilt City has two excellent offers for the culinary inclined – learn to make doughnuts, buttery risotto, or Malaysian curry (among other dishes) at Chanterelle Cooking School in the Lower East Side.
Or, if you’ve already mastered the doughnut, you can also head over to Bhagavat Life, a center for holistic living where you’ll learn how to prepare vegetarian cuisine as well as the ancient principles of healthy living. Learn more here.
For the blushing bride…
I hear spring is the busiest season when it comes to walking down the aisle. On March 31st Brides Magazine is hosting a wedding photography workshop with expert wedding photographer, Brian Marcus. The workshop with teach you all of the insider secrets to the perfect poses – that way you can get your big day pose down pat. Hosted at Condé Nast’s One World Trade Center Photo Studio, the workshop will also feature mini hair trials by Eva Scrivo Salon and mini makeovers by Rouge New York.
Better with brunch!
Sometimes I prefer to let someone else do the cooking for me. Luckily, NYC is chock full of amazing brunch spots. I recommend Bar Primi, Dominique Bistro, Catch, and Ristorante Morini. I love to look to Instagram for brunch/lunch recommendations, so tag me (@nyctalon) if you find a great spot too! My advice, keep an eye out for local deals, it’s a great way to try a new place. Right now you can score a three-course lunch for two for only $50 at Ristorante Morini, I just ate there and it was amazing, check it out here.
And a dash of entertainment…
Hang out with Gwyneth Paltrow at the Baruch Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, April 12th. The award-winning actress and author will be sharing her new book “It’s All Easy: Delicious Weekday Recipes for the Super-Busy Home Cook”. When you go through this link, you can also score a one-year membership with the Hudson Union, as well as preferred seating, with your ticket purchase.
Do something eventful!
From street fairs to festivals, NYC turns out for the spring. My favorite events are cultural and food events (naturally). The Village Voice is hosting their first annual Brunch Eats Breakfast-For-Dinner Food Event, tickets just started going on sale today – pick them up here and enjoy mouthwatering brunch dishes all aboard the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum’s Flight Deck! Sounds like an event that is not to be missed!
You could also catch MasterVoice’s Dido and Aeneas on April 28th and 29th, featuring Kelli O’hara, Victoria Clark, Elliot Madore, Anna Christy, and Sarah Mesko – I also hear that the gowns for this performance were designed by Christian Siriano, I bet they’re gorgeous! Tickets on sale here.
You can also pop in to any one of NYC’s amazing museums – I’ve been planning to go to The Frick Collection for ages and I’ve decided this is the year that I go, so I might just see you there!
What are you favorite places to stop by during springtime?