offManhattan

Our northernmost and only mainland borough exudes a vital, decidedly anti-trendy energy year-round. And this fragrant, fun season in particular is ripe for discovering what the rugged and rustic Bronx has to offer. From cultural events and authentic culinary delights—that can be had for a fraction of what they might cost in other parts of our fair city—these are five of our favorite things to do here this spring.

1. Emily Dickinson’s Garden: The Poetry of Flowers
Where: The New York Botanical Garden
Why: Exquisite in all seasons, this spring the Garden caters to your literary side. Until June 13, Emily Dickinson’s Garden: The Poetry of Flowers, illuminates the connections that exist between the poet’s love of botany and her literary works. The exhibit highlights specific plants that Dickinson alluded to in some of her best-loved works. You will be transported to the Dickinson family home in rural Amherst, MA., as you stroll through a meticulous replica of the property’s gardens. Wander Emily Dickinson’s Poetry Walk, where over 30 poetry boards are coupled with the flowers that inspired her to write them. You will be surrounded by the flora in her poetry like daffodils, daisies, and tulips. Inside the Gallery of the Mertz Library, you can explore her artifacts and original manuscripts.
How to get there: Take the Metro-North Harlem local line to Botanical Garden Station. Walk across Kazimiroff Boulevard to the Garden’s Mosholu Gate entrance. It takes 20 minutes from Grand Central Station. By subway, take the B, D, or 4 train to Bedford Park Blvd Station. From the station exit: Take the Bx 26 bus east to the Garden’s Mosholu Gate entrance. Or walk eight blocks down the hill on Bedford Park Blvd to the end (approximately 20 minutes). Turn left onto Kazimiroff Blvd and walk one block to the Mosholu Gate entrance.

What: Taste of The Bronx Food Show and A Bronx Messiah, performed by the Bronx Opera Chorus

Where: Lehman Center for the Performing Arts

When: Sunday, December 13, at 3:00 p.m.

Why: The New York Philharmonic does a fine job with this masterpiece, but this is a cultur-ulinary opportunity that doesn’t come around that often. Flee Manhattan for a matinee of Handel’s holiday classic, sponsored by The Bronx Tourism Council, followed by a fantastic local feast.

Your bargain-priced ticket to A Bronx Messiah includes “A Taste of the Bronx Food Show.” More than half a dozen top Bronx eateries will be offering free tastes of their specialties, so if you’ve been craving a cannoli from Arthur Avenue or a knish from Liebman’s Deli, this is the place to be.

You already have photos of your tots and tweens grinning under the twinkling LED lights in Rockefeller Center or in front of the Macy’s window displays. This year, rally the family troops for a different day (or weekend) outing. From historic candlelight tours near NYC to cupcake tea parties at the Ritz in Boston, these eight holiday activities for families will jump-start the joyous wintry season. (Of course, all destinations are accessible without a car as you are never too young to lighten your carbon footprint!)

Keep this in mind for that next crisp fall afternoon, when the fresh air inspires an adventurous romp through the woods. Without leaving the five boroughs and while still avoiding the crowds, the best place to embrace the autumn landscapes is Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, a 35 minute ride from midtown to the last stop on the #1 train at 242nd street.

What: A film screening of Bronx Princess and Nora

When: Sept 1, Festivities begin at 7:00 p.m., Music 8:30 p.m., Film at 9:00 p.m.

Where: Little Ghana, Mullaly Park, The Bronx

Why: Nearly a quarter of The Bronx’s land area is made up of parks, and on a late summer’s night, there is no better way to enjoy its green scene than at Mullaly Park. Named after a staunch advocate for green space —John Mullaly—the park and Rooftop Films Summer Series will host an African Arts Festival-inspired evening of fun for kids of all ages with a day of events, culminating in two moving African–influenced films.

What: A Tri-Borough Bi-lingual Play

Where: Bronx and Queens (and Manhattan)

When: August 13-16th

Why: Think West Side Story, but with Sol beer, Cohiba cigars, and fist fights that are live right in front of your face. Oh, and this isn’t a romantic musical.

It’s called Decomposition, written by Mexican playwright Alfonso Carcamo involving a story of two Mexican men from separate social classes who make sacrifices in order to fulfill their dreams. The collective hope of the LaGuardia Performing Arts Center and The Internationalist producers is that the unique interactive bilingual production will create a cultural bridge for audiences in each of the three participating venues in Bronx, Queens, and Manhattan—folks are encouraged to take a step out of their comfort zone to see this performance.

What: Edible Evenings: A Celebration of Wine, Beer, and Food

Where: Conservatory Kitchen at New York Botanical Garden

When: Thursdays, July 9-August 20, 6-9p.m.

Why: Exhibits you can eat and drink. Nowadays, we’re all adjusting to a new more responsible budget, which means less dining out and more c-c-c-cooking! Head to the Bronx where seven events spanning grilling, slow food, and tropical treats are sure to revive our appreciation for the fruits of Mother Nature’s labor, not to mention prep us for that upcoming dinner party and/or picnic in the park. Some specials on the menu: “A Taste of Arthur Avenue” on July 9, “Botanical Beverages: Beer, Wine, and More” on July 16, and “Summer Desserts: Berries, Pastries, and Chocolate” on July 30. ‘Tis the season to be locavorting.

Try as Wangari Matthai might to emphasize the importance of trees by planting millions of them, the tall green things really don’t get enough credit for keeping us alive. This Sunday, the Tree Museum is celebrating the opening of its public art project with an Afro Puerto Rican percussion group and garden party. And no, you don’t you don’t have to be a tree hugger to appreciate the outdoor gallery along the Grand Concourse in the Bronx. [TreeMuseum]

To commemorate World Refugee Day on Saturday, buy a pair of tickets to BAMcinemaFEST’s New York premiere of the movie Reporter, which documents New York Times op-ed columnist Nicholas Kristof’s trip though the Congo in 2007, as he tries to shed light on the too oft overlooked inequalities and injustices still plagueing Africa and much of our world. [BAM]