New York Botanical Garden

"The New York Botanical Garden has carefully manicured flower gardens, lush fields, winding hikes, and impeccable greenhouses. There are spaces that feel deeply intimate, as if you're truly separated from the world, and there are vast expanses where it's hard to believe you're still in the Bronx. In winter, the greenhouses host an annual train show recreating all of New York City in miniature; the warmer months bring every floral delight imaginable, from cherry trees to peonies. Plan to spend at least half a day here and pack a picnic." - Melissa Liebling-Goldberg, Alex Erdekian

"Sure, that guy at work whose entire personality seems to be craft beer is annoying, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a fun afternoon enjoying brews and live music without all the snobbery. This Saturday, head to the New York Botanical Garden for Bales & Ales, where you can get unlimited samples from a bunch of local breweries, see fermentation demos, and play lawn games. Food trucks will also be on site. More info and tickets here. " - neha talreja

"In the spirit of sincerity, take someone on a cheesy, romantic date to Orchid Evenings at the New York Botanical Gardens, which starts this Saturday and continues through April. Your ticket includes entry to this year's Orchid Show, a truly gorgeous installation of thousands of orchids transformed into a kaleidoscope of colors. (Ooh la la, and all that.) The Garden is teaming up with Bronx Night Market to bring you some of the Bronx’s finest food vendors and signature cocktails at the bar, and, on Saturdays, you can also have dinner on site at the Hudson Garden Grill. You can buy your tickets and select a time to see the Orchid Show here. " - neha talreja

"With more than 250 acres of grounds, the New York Botanical Garden manages to fit a number of different landscapes and experiences into its garden walls. The garden was established in 1891, the inspiration of Nathaniel Lord Britton and his wife, Elizabeth, who returned from a trip to England determined that New York should have its own equivalent to London 's Kew Gardens. They found backing among New York society and created one of the country's leading research institutions that also happens to be an ideal place to commune with nature right in the city. The rose garden designed by Beatrix Farrand is a highlight, while an abundance of azaleas reaches their peak in May. In all there are some 20 different gardens, including one dedicated to native plants, a rock garden, and a wetlands trail. The conservatory, constructed in 1902, is the largest in the country and includes 11 different climatic zones. When the last of the fall foliage has fallen from the trees, the conservatory hosts the popular annual Holiday Train Show (from the end of November to mid-January)."

"From there, it’s a 10-minute cab ride to the New York Botanical Garden."