I was inspired to write about spring when I saw a reel on Amy Sedaris’ Instagram feed. In the clip, a fashionably dressed woman in a spring trench coat is walking down a Manhattan Street, exclaiming, “There is nothing like spring in New York!”—only to be instantly bumped into and sent tumbling into a pile of garbage. Please don’t judge me for my twisted New Yorker sense of humor, but I could not stop watching it and laughing out loud!

In any event, Central Park is buzzing—I know this from walking Spencer in the morning and evening. Where were all these people all winter? Maybe in Florida. The cherry blossoms are popping off like they’re on their own social media schedule, joggers are back in full swing, and Sheep Meadow is dotted with people pretending it’s warm enough to tan.

If you prefer a more concentrated viewing of cherry blossoms, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is the place to be. If orchids are more your thing, check out the Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden. Or, if you just love flowers in general, visit the Flower Show at the New York Botanical Garden or the Macy’s Flower Show coming in April!

There is so much more to do in New York City in the spring. Café tables are spilling onto sidewalks again, Aperol spritzes are reemerging like the cherry blossoms, and spring fashion is always top-tier for people-watching. Fashion Week may be over, but every corner in SoHo and the West Village is a runway. It’s light trench coat season—just don’t get shoved into a garbage pile!

Just like everything else in New York, the real estate market also wakes up in the spring. Buyers are out of hibernation, and more sellers are listing their properties, which is bringing out more buyers and leading to more deals being made! Open houses are buzzing, transactions seem to be moving faster, and competition has picked up—especially for the best inventory. All signs of a healthy spring real estate market!

Spring—she’s officially here. As the colder weather slowly phases out for greener views and warmer temps, our restaurant scene begins to heat up as well. 

Looking at our list of anticipated restaurants and bars opening this season, you may have a sense of déjà vu. Worry not: a number of entrants were featured on our list of anticipated of the year, including a three-time James Beard Award winner cooking inside the recently opened Printemps and the second act from the Momofuku team. Yet, there is more to look forward to this season, as alongside them you'll find a queer bar from one of the city's finest wine professionals and a three-in-one concept from Please Don't Tell, the first offshoot from the team in almost 20 years. Simply put, this season is set to bloom. So venture outside and get to exploring. 

These are the best restaurant openings this spring—see the link below.

April in NYC is incomplete without the Westside Community Garden Tulip Festival.

The annual tradition brings a bunch of gardening enthusiasts together for a floral extravaganza, and you certainly won’t hear us complain about snagging complimentary bouquets all month long. Consider this your cue to empty your vases and make room on the windowsill.

Westside Community Garden Tulip Festival 2025 details

Beginning Saturday, April 12th, the celebration will kick off at 10am. Every weekend then on throughout the month, both Saturdays and Sundays, those in search of bright blooms will be able to snag some from 10am to 4pm. If you can’t attend the one-day-only Union Square Tulip Festival, this is your next best bet. (Even better? There’s no rush.)

The garden is a hidden gem nestled on West 89th Street that was once a garbage-strewn lot with little hope for a future. In 1976, a group of volunteers helped make it a green space New Yorkers continue to flock to. According to the garden’s site, 13,000 tulips are currently blooming and 5,000 visitors stop by the grounds annually. For a tranquil respite away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this is it. (We highly recommend stopping by with a book.)

Thrill-seekers, rejoice! Luna Park reopens for the season on March 29th at noon, and it’s bringing plenty of classics along for the ride.

Additionally, proceeds from the opening weekend will support local initiatives such as Coney Island Sharks, Operation H.O.O.D., Children of Promise, NYC, Urban Neighborhood Services, and the Coney Island Public Library.

Welcome to Apartment 2D at 137 Riverside Drive! A masterfully renovated six-bedroom, five-bathroom duplex offering an extraordinary 4,500 square feet of elegant living space in one of Riverside Drive’s finest white-glove cooperatives. Seamlessly blending prewar grandeur with modern luxury, this meticulously maintained home has undergone two extensive renovations, ensuring impeccable finishes and thoughtful design throughout.

The Upper Level:

Upon entering, a gracious foyer sets the tone for the residence’s grand proportions and refined details. The expansive living and dining area is a showstopper, boasting stunning west-facing views of Riverside Park and the Hudson River, intricate wood flooring with an elegant inlay pattern, and a marble-clad fireplace hearth that adds warmth and sophistication.

The chef’s kitchen is an entertainer’s dream, featuring floor-to-ceiling custom cabinetry, sleek grey Caesarstone countertops, abundant cabinet and pantry space, and top-tier appliances, including a Sub-Zero refrigerator, Wolf range with vented hood, and Miele dishwasher. An oversized island seamlessly integrates with the dining and living areas, creating the perfect setting for casual gatherings.

A private bedroom wing is located on the western end of the upper level. The corner primary suite features a wall of custom-fitted closets and a spa-like ensuite bath showcasing floor-to-ceiling marble, a massive walk-in rain shower, and a double vanity. An additional primary suite boasts its own ensuite bath adorned in classic subway tiling and a fully outfitted dressing room. The upper level is complete with two additional bedrooms and a den/media room, which share a newly renovated full bath, offering tremendous versatility and flexibility to suit your needs.

The Lower Level:

A Loft-Like Space with Distinctive Architectural Features.

Descending the custom oval staircase, featuring LED-lit treads and a gracefully curved hardwood banister, you arrive at the versatile lower level—a space that feels lofty yet private, thanks to 10-foot ceilings and the building’s classic Riverside Drive moat setback design.

A gracious gallery leads to the nearly 30-foot great room, complete with a marble-adorned decorative fireplace—perfect for both formal and casual gatherings. A set of handsome.

French doors leads to a fully equipped in-law suite, featuring a renovated pantry, ensuite marble bath, and exceptional storage. An additional bedroom is tucked behind the staircase, offering a windowed, stylishly renovated bath and ample storage.

Other standout features of this residence include custom Italian Calacatta marble inlays, sculpted marble windowsills, and quartersawn oak floors with elegant walnut trim, enhancing its timeless appeal. A multi-zone central AC system and new windows provide modern comfort and efficiency.

Built at the turn of the century, The Clarendon is a white-glove, full-service, twelve-story cooperative that offers residents a full-time doorman, resident manager, fitness center, individual storage, laundry facilities, and a bicycle room.

Located on the picturesque corner of West 86th Street and Riverside Drive, this home enjoys breathtaking park views, tree-lined tranquility, and easy access to the best of the Upper West Side, including fine dining, boutiques, bakeries, specialty stores, and cultural institutions.

This turnkey, one-of-a-kind residence offers the perfect blend of townhouse-scale living and loft-like openness within a luxury, full-service building.