— Jeff Ward, Lehigh Valley News Briefs
Last week, I suggested the Tarrytown, New York, area for a Halloween and fall visit. This week, consider the New York Botanical Garden, 250 acres of greenery in the Bronx.
The Gilded Age-era garden is one of the most scenic spots in the city. This year’s fall display is a little different. The children’s garden is closed for renovations, so the Halloween displays are spread over other sections.
This fall’s exhibits include one with an Alice in Wonderland theme, but it’s not a showstopper. The big deal is a walk-through version of Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
We walked through it during the day, but it’s best seen at night when the sounds and lights are cranking. The NYBG’s website lists ticket prices and times.
The conservatory is always worth strolling through, and it will look familiar to fans of the television series “The Gilded Age.” The show was not actually filmed there, but the garden is of the same era.
Make sure the ticket is for all gardens; staff does check tickets at the Conservatory.
There is a quick-service cafe at the garden, and a few stands serving beverages and snacks, but the Hudson Garden Grill is the top dining spot. The seasonal fall menu is always good and has vegetarian options. Reservations can be made via OpenTable and when available, walk-ups are accepted.
Don’t miss lunch or dinner at the Hudson Garden Grill. The seasonal items are exceptional. Above, butternut squash gnudi (a light version of gnocchi, made with semolina and ricotta) and seared salmon to go with a bottle of cava.
The New York Botanical Garden was founded in 1891. It is near Fordham University in the Bronx.
By car, it takes about 1 hour 50 minutes to reach from Bethlehem, and getting in or out of the Bronx is not always easy. Getting out in particular. Leaving via Moshulu Parkway requires paying a toll on the Henry Hudson Bridge just to get to the George Washington Bridge, but it is the easiest way out.
Beware of the white-knuckle merge required to the right to get on the Henry Hudson Parkway.
The gardens can also be reached via the Metro North Harlem local train out of Grand Central Terminal. Ask train staff if you are on the correct car, because the botanical garden stop is short and may not be accessible from all cars. The stop is right at the garden.
I have never taken the subway to the garden, and there is no stop within a couple blocks.
See the garden’s website for ticket information and times. Hours vary depending on the attraction and sell-outs are possible. There are YouTube videos of the exhibits to check before visiting.
Lehigh Valley News Briefs 