A Ferri Welcome Spring

By Tracey McCormick

While we manifest more sunshine, here are a few seasonal activities to welcome in the warmer weather and longer days.

A weatherproof option that will surely put a little Spring in your step is a visit to the annual Macy’s Flower Show, which runs from March 26 to April 10. Fashion house Dior will design the mezzanine level of one of New York City’s oldest retailers into a dreamlike garden free of admission for visitors.

If you haven’t made Easter plans and are feeling festive, be sure to grab (or make) your Easter bonnet and head up to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, beginning on April 9 at 10 a.m., for the Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival. You can choose to participate or just spectate the pageant of people wearing large over-the-top hats. The tradition of the Easter parade began after the Civil War as a “fashion promenade,” rooted in the custom of a Sunday walk following religious service. Wealthy New Yorkers would emerge from their respective houses of worship along Fifth Avenue to stroll down the street. Nowadays, the parade spans just a few short blocks but still packs all the fashion and fun it has for decades.

Back at the Seaport, Pier 17 is hosting Easter activities for young and old. On Saturday, April 8, take the ferry into Pier 11 and quickly walk over to Seaport Square for an Easter Egg Hunt, spring themed crafts and maybe an appearance from the Easter Bunny. Malibu Farm is pairing a special family-style brunch with Traditional Ukrainian Egg Decorating Workshop for families at 11 a.m. and family-style dinner for adults starting at 5 p.m. Tickets start at $98 and can be purchased at theseaport.nyc/events.

March 31 marks the official start to outdoor eating and drinking season according to Smorgasburg. The famous outdoor food bazaar opens weekly on Fridays at The Oculus on the corner of Fulton St. and Church St. from 11 a.m. to 7p.m. Stop by and eat from dozens of local vendors offering unique bites ranging from Texas style BBQ, dim sum, sandwiches, and more—just a ferry ride away!

Before you head into the city, make sure to check the new NYC Ferry Spring Schedule. The new times will go into effect Monday, April 3, 2023, visit www.ferry.nyc for the most up to date routes and times.