This past Saturday was the launch of what’s become a yearly tradition with The Orchid Show at The New York Botanical Garden — Orchid Evenings.
It was my mother’s birthday so what better way to celebrate it than surrounded by the elegance of The Orchid Show: Chandeliers in the enchanting and historic Enid A. Haupt Conservatory during the magic of the night?
My parents and I started the evening with an early dinner in nearby Little Italy (the REAL Little Italy on Arthur Avenue) with a scrumptious feast at Zerro Otto Nove.
As usual, the service was on point and the food was just perfect. It was my parents’ first time there and they were instantly hooked and will definitely be coming back for more.
Once we were done, we drove a mere 5 minutes to NYBG much to my mother’s surprise who had no idea the place was open in the evenings for such an event.
If you’ve ever been to the Botanical Garden, you already know that its beauty and splendor resonates throughout the year as the four seasons grace the grounds of this world renowned gem.
But we weren’t prepared for how stunning the place is at night. Stepping into the conservatory truly felt like walking into a crystal palace.
During Orchid Evenings, you get to mingle throughout a significant portion of the conservatory while enjoying music, a complimentary glass of wine or beer, and of course the visual and olfactory delights of the orchids on display.
We had only planned on staying for an hour or so but we were having such a good time that we ended up staying until closing time around 9pm.
While there, we ran into a few people we knew and had pleasant conversations with the staff who were extremely helpful and knowledgeable on pretty much any questions we had about everything we were taking in.
There was even a marriage proposal while we were there — and she said yes!
Oftentimes we think we have to leave the comfort of our borough to experience such an evening, forgetting about the beauty which exists right inside our own backyard and this is one of the many we have. Orchid Evenings is the perfect adult getaway right within the borders of The Bronx.
From NYBG — Orchid Evenings can be experienced on the following dates:
Saturdays, March 7, 14, 21, 28, and April 4, 11, 18;
Thursday, March 19 (LGBT Night); and Friday, April 17
6:30–9 p.m. (Conservatory entry times at 6:30, 7, & 7:30 p.m.)
Non-Member $35/Member $25 (Adults 21 and over) GET YOUR TICKETS
Advance tickets recommended; includes one complimentary beer, wine, or cocktail of your choice.
When purchasing tickets you will need to select an entrance time for The Orchid Show in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. The Pine Tree Café and Shop in the Garden will be open to ticket purchasers between 6:30 and 9 p.m. with refreshments and live entertainment.
