New York Flower Shows for 2014: Spring is in the Air!

cherry blossum trees in full pink bloom during the Brooklyn Botanic Garden's festival

Spring is here. Really? It's kind of hard to tell, isn't it? After #neverendingwinter2014, I'll believe it when I see it…BUT there are increasingly positive signs that soon everyone will be complaining about how hot and muggy is it. In the meantime, however, New York is host to a wonderful variety of flower shows that are sure to put a little Spring in your step. Here are three of our recommendations:

pink orchids in bloom inside the 2014 Orchid Show in New York City

The 2014 Orchid Show at the New York Bontantical Garden

Spring actually arrived a bit early up in the Bronx, when the always-amazing Orchid Show opened on March 1 at the New York Botanical Garden. Running through April 21, the exhibit this year focused on a Key West theme, transporting visitors to that tropical clime and it's natural beauty. And don't miss the popular date-night idea Orchid Evenings, happening Saturdays throughout the show's run, when your admission includes a complimentary cocktail as well as dinner specials on nearby Arthur Avenue.

A giraffe made of green and white flowers inside Macy's Flower Show in New York City

"The Secret Garden" at Macy's Flower Show

If you live or work near Herald Square, the venerable Macy's Flower Show is worth a visit, running for two weeks between March 23 and April 6. This year's iteration is titled "The Secret Garden" and, as usual, the mega department store decks out its selling space on the main floor with hundreds of bouquets and arrangements. Last year, Macy's tested the Flower Show in a separate tent but thankfully, it has returned the hallowed halls of the Macy's flagship store, giving visitors an unique Spring-welcoming experience.

two young women dressed in playful Asian clothing during the Cherry Blossum Festival at the New York Botanic Garden

Cherry Blossom Festival at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Finally, my favorite New York City spring flower festival is the incredible Sakura Matsuri, or Cherry Blossom Festival, at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, on the weekend of April 26 and 27. True, you don't necessarily have to wait for the festival to enjoy the BBG's mind-boggling pink plummage–the CherryWatch Blossom Status Map keeps you updated as to when everything's peaking–but then you'd miss the performances, games, food, and hundreds of gloriously decked-out cosplay kids, celebrating traditional and contemporary Japanese culture. This makes for a great afternoon, and it's located right near the 2/3 train, at the Eastern Parkway Brooklyn Museum station. Get there earlier in the day, though, to avoid a line at the entrance.

Flowers, flowers everywhere. What is your favorite New York spot or event for flowers?
 

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