Friday, March 16th, 2012

New York City Blooms in Spring

New York City…

It’s the setting of a thousand films; the subject of Frank Sinatra’s famous lyrics: “If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere”; and home to the United Nations’ headquarters and the world’s largest stock exchange. The thriving metropolis typifies the United States’ “Land of the Free” moniker – packing activity, culture and opportunity into every nook and cranny of every street and alleyway. There is no ‘bad’ time to visit The City That Never Sleeps… A constantly evolving calendar of events sees New York always engaged with things to see and do. However to experience the Big Apple in all its splendour, it’s hard to beat spring in the city.

As winter thaws out, alfresco dining fills New York’s…

sidewalks, patios, decks, rooftops and terraces with chattering friends, spilling drinks and heaped plates. Enjoy cocktails and sushi overlooking the West Village at Sushi Samba’s rooftop bar. Casual and quirky Yaffa’s in Tribeca is a New York institution, open 24/7 with outdoor tables offering a great vantage point from which to spot celebrities. Shake Shack’s Madison Square Park outdoor court brims with social burger fiends – the store is so popular that its website helps guests “check the line and save time” with a ‘Shake Cam’. The Yard at the Soho Grand is one of the city’s hippest and most coveted outdoor spaces; the perfect place to bask in the sun and indulge in plates from the grill. New American-style dining is presented against a stunning backdrop at Bryant Park Grill on a glorious sun-drenched rooftop. Closed for the winter, The Loeb Boathouse comes to life in the spring, with an outdoor terrace perfect for marvelling at couples adrift on paddle boats on Central Park’s famous Lake .

The city is also set abuzz in spring by the famous Tribeca Film Festival. Taking its name from one of New York City’s trendiest neighbourhoods, the festival – founded by Robert De Niro – sees lower Manhattan explode with creativity and expression. Showcasing over 200 movies, screened at venues scattered throughout downtown, the film festival highlights the talent of emerging and established film makers; encourages the public to experience the power of film; and promotes the city as an important filmmaking centre. This year’s festival is scheduled to run from 18–29 April, and features actors like Jason Segel and Emily Blunt.

Nicknamed the “Oscars of the East Coast”…

The Costume Institute Gala (commonly known as Met Ball) and is also a highlight of New York’s spring calendar. The annual ball, hosted by Vogue magazine’s editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, celebrates the opening of the Metropolitan Museum’s ( The Met) annual fashion exhibit. The red carpet evening sees celebrities, like Victoria Secret models Miranda Kerr and Heidi Klum, pop divas Rihanna and Beyonce and heartthrobs George Clooney and Bradley Cooper dress to the nines for the fashion industry’s “Night of Nights and New York City’s top social event. While tickets may be out of most people’s budget – ranging in price from $5000 to $15,000 – there’s plenty of opportunities to watch the arrivals from the street and The Met steps. This year’s ball will take place on 7 May and celebrates the opening of Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations, which will be on view at The Met from 10 May through to 19 August.

Nothing shouts spring quite like nature…

Enjoy the rainbow-coloured, perfumed oasis of the Macy’s Flower Show; held from 27 March to 10 April at Macy Herald Square, showcasing over 30,000 varieties of flora and designs by famed American home-maker Martha Stewart. Day trip to the Bronx and explore the New York Botanical Garden’s 250-acres; home to one of the world’s greatest collections of flora. A fifth of the size, but still spectacular the Brooklyn Botanic Garden also features an assortment of international plant varieties, and is particularly known for its display of Japanese cherry blossoms. Central Park shines year-round; however the world-famous sanctuary truly sparkles in the springtime, erupting with daffodils, tulips, cherry blossoms and magnolias. Spring not only sees the rebirth of flora, but also the start of baseball season. Witness the world’s most famous baseball team return to action… The Yankees find their way back to the Bronx ballpark at the end of March, spurred on by cap wearing, foam-finger toting, cold brew drinking, and hot dog eating fans. As the weather and streets return to their bustling glory, there’s no better way to discover the city then by bike. Biking around New York is a rare treat, which spring awards.

Experience all that New York City has to offer this spring…

Virgin Australia operates flights to New York City, via Los Angeles, from all major east coast Australian capital cities. Flights start from $1534 AUD economy return. Don’t miss New York’s favourite season, book flights to New York today. Take the hassle out of planning your trip away, Virgin Australia’s holiday partner Blue Holidays offers great value with their New York City holiday packages that include five nights accommodation & airfares from $2276AUD per person twin share.

What would at the top of your list to do when you visit New York?