Day trip to the Bronx
New York Botanical Gardens
We like to celebrate spring with a visit to the New York Botanical Gardens. Every inch of the gardens is worth the walk. To avoid the crowds, we aim for the Thain Family Forest, a 50-acre expanse of old-growth forest in the northeast quadrant. Our favorite path takes us to the Bridge Trail, which winds through the trees and low brush to a cool bridge that crosses the Bronx River.
Daffodils paint many of the garden’s paths and hillsides in early spring.
The wide gravel walk to the Thain Family Forest
One of many granite outcroppings along the path that remind us of climate change of long ago.
Forsythia outcroppings viewed from the bridge over the Bronx River
The greening of the Rock Garden
Florals in fashion at the orchid show until April 22, 2024
Tra di Noi Restaurant
Leaving our car in the Botanical Gardens parking lot, we amble toward Arthur Avenue — the old Italian section of the Bronx — a 15-minute trek. The streets come alive with music, parents strolling babies, and older couples walking arm in arm. Slightly off the beaten track, on East 187th Street, we enter a favorite restaurant called Tra di Noi, where the red-check tablecloths and the staff greet us warmly. It’s nice to be back in this chef-owned family-run establishment where the waiter soon sells us on “life changing” dishes.
Madonia Bakery
Next we pick up olive bread and pignoli nut cookies from nearby Madonia Bakery, established in 1918, and head back to our car, 13,000 steps and a wonderful spring experience to share.
