During these cold, dreary days, a ray of color may be all the inspiration you need to board a train or bus on a little winter adventure.
Here are five bright ideas, from an atrium of pinks and greens at NYBG’s Orchid Show to a stunning rainbow-hued hotel in the heart of East Hampton, to help you start planning your own escape from the grey.
1. New York Botanical Garden
2900 Southern Blvd. | Bronx | nybg.org
Inside the NYBG’s Enid A. Haupt Conservatory it’s always colorful and warm. Year long, the park’s 50 gardens and 250 acres are pleasant for a stroll, but when the cold strikes, stick to the enclosed beauty of the conservatory. In addition to its vibrant collection of plants from around the world, The Orchid Show (February 15 – April 19 2020) is a radiant respite from winter’s doldrums.
How to get there: Make the quick trek up to the Bronx landmark on the Metro-North Harlem line to the Botanical Garden Station or take to the subway and ride the B, D, or 4 train to Bedford Park Blvd Station and then walk to the park or hope on the Bx26 bus east to the Garden’s Mosholu Gate entrance.
2. Mosaic House
108 Wyckoff St. | Cobble Hill
You might be surprised to discover there’s a house in Cobble Hill that can warm your soul. Wander down Wyckoff Street, between Hoyt and Smith, and you’ll see it, a facade studded with a spectacular mosaic created by artist Susan Gardner. Stay and marvel, instagram a photo (though it needs no filter), then walk seven minutes to The Chocolate Room for a hot chocolate brownie and vanilla ice cream.
How to get there: Take the F/G to Bergen.
3. National Cherry Blossom Festival
Washington D.C.
Who needs Punxsutawney Phil? Instead of some large rodent prophesying whether spring is going to come early or not, let D.C.’s cherry blossoms (March 20-April 12) show that the much-anticipated season is indeed on its way. Every year, the trees along the tidal basin and throughout the nation’s capital blaze pink and white, turning the city into a series of stunning photo-ops. Cruise under the beautiful boughs with a Blossoms by Bike tour or use the Capital Bike Share as you celebrate the transition from winter to spring.
4. Bogota Latin Bistro
141 5th Ave. | Park Slope
Give winter the cold shoulder and salsa into this festive Colombian restaurant. Paintings and murals adorn all the walls, giving the place a bright and lively ambiance. House highlights include their arroz con pollo and aji, a spicy sauce found on every table. Their sprawling dinner menu is full of delicious options so plan to spend some time deliberating what to order. Wash down your meal with a mojito or a piña colada or enjoy them by themselves. We recommend going Monday-Wednesday when it’s happy hour all day and the crowds tend be to smaller.
How to get there: Take the B, D, M, N, Q, R, 2, 3, 4 or 5 train to Atlantic Avenue/Pacific Street stop in Brooklyn. Transfer for the local R or M train to Union Street (1 stop). This will leave you on the corner of 4th Avenue and Union Street. Cross Fourth Avenue and walk towards Fifth Avenue. Take a left on Fifth Avenue and walk up 3 blocks.
5. c/o The Maidstone
207 Main St. | East Hampton | careofhotels.com
We love winter when it’s snowing and we find ourselves cruising down a mountain and enjoying a rewarding drink by the fire in our Moon Boots. But for the non-skiing set, this season is bearable for other reasons, like affordable rates at luxurious hotels. If you don’t blink at $500/night, consider c/o The Maidstone your go-to summer retreat. But we’re more than happy to wait for winter deals like the one currently being offered at this very posh, vividly decorated hotel. Take advantage of the Romantic Rendezvous at this hot spot, where perks include a gourmet breakfast, a bottle of sparkling wine, and a 20% off dinner voucher.
How to get there: The Hampton Jitney will drop you in front of The Palm Restaurant on Main Street (Montauk Hwy 27). From there head West (in the opposite direction whence you came) and the hotel will be on your right. (About a 10-minute walk.)
Photos:Al Jazeera English, NYBG, Untapped New York, The Maidstone