I had a milestone mama moment one Wednesday morning when I decided to take advantage of the New York Botanical Garden’s free day and trek up to the Bronx with Augusten. Exhausting? Yes. So much fun? Absolutely!
The main reason I wanted to get up there (besides getting in my 10,000 steps, obviously) was to see the Chihuly exhibit. Artist Dale Chihuly showcases his glass sculptures around the grounds of the gardens, and their vibrant colors and funky shapes enhance the garden viewing experience tenfold. It’s like a museum visit + garden exploration all in one day!
Of course, we had to stop by a few other staples while we were there, such as the rose garden and wooded hiking trails. Little man had the best time touching, smelling, and even tasting (?!?!) everything he could put his tiny fingers on. I sure was grateful to hop on the trolley midway around the garden to complete our day!
The NYBG is free every Wednesday, as well as every Saturday morning from 9 to 10am (other times it’s $23 for adults). I’d 100% suggest getting there before October to experience Chihuly–although the gardens is still technically in NYC, it really feels like you’re on a magical weekend getaway, and with MetroNorth right across the street, getting there couldn’t be more simple!
There’s a few cafes/food trucks onsite, but also feel free to pack a lunch, as they have plenty of picnic areas to use. Also see this article on the New York Conservatory Garden as well as Longwood Gardens in nearby Pennsylvania.
Jessica Tiare Bowen lives in the juicy Big Apple with her adorable pink-nosed chihuahua, Gillman. He’s the inspiration for her first published children’s book, “Park Avenue Pound Puppy.” The book is the combined result of her two greatest passions: pooches and penning stories.
Her passions include art, urban hikes through Manhattan, drinking coffee with 3 creams and 6 sugars, making extremely detailed itineraries and traveling to far away places, singing along to Broadway shows, Netflix movie nights, discovering incredible treasures at Goodwill and thrift stores, and listening to stories from little people under 7 and big people over 70.
She started her career as New York City Teaching Fellow, teaching elementary school and theater arts at a special education school in the South Bronx for 6 years. She is now a Special Education School Improvement Specialist working in public schools throughout New York City. She is the Editor-In-Chief of the online New York City travel magazine, Used York City. The magazine focuses on finding the best of New York…as used by New Yorkers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and an ASPCA Ambassador.
