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Five stunning photos of last night’s Super Blue Moon in NYC
Celestial events are often obscured by NYC’s skyscrapers and light noise, but in the rare moments (the once-in-a-blue-moon moments) that we can catch them, we should.
NYC was blessed with a rare super blue moon on Monday, August 19, but we’ll be able to see the big bright moon for the next two days.
If you didn’t know, a super blue moon is both a blue moon (a frequent moon) and a super moon. Super moons are when the moon is is within 90% of its closest approach to Earth. At this stage, the moon appears larger and up to one-third brighter than the moon on a regular night. They don’t happen together often, just about once every 10 years or so.
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All this being said, when it happens, it’s worth watching the sky. Luckily some photographers did just that and captured it through their lenses for us. See the best shots below.
1. Between the skyscrapers
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2. Paired with Liberty
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3. Overshadowing the construction
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4. Obscured by the clouds
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5. Over the river
Queens Botanical Garden: Your Guide to a Year-Round Nature Retreat
With its varied plant life and spacious gardens, the Queens Botanical Garden in New York is an urban paradise ideal for a tranquil getaway in the middle of the city. Through creative educational initiatives, practical applications of environmental management, and beautiful gardens, people, plants, and cultures are honored here. This 39-acre haven holds diverse plant life and themed gardens celebrating nature’s magnificence and the community’s cultural richness. Discover more about this enchanting green space and plan your visit to experience its serene charm firsthand.
Background on the Queens Botanical Garden
In one of the busiest and most varied neighborhoods in New York City, Queens Botanical Garden has developed to be a 39-acre area. The Garden’s origins trace back to the 1939-1940 New York World’s Fair’s “Gardens on Parade” exhibit. Residents preserved and expanded the exhibit following the fair, officially opening the Garden in 1946 as “The Queens Botanical Garden Society.” The Garden moved to its current location on Main Street in Flushing in 1961.
Some unique features include 2 blue atlas cedars that frame the tree gate sculpture at the Garden’s Main Street entrance, which were part of the original plantings from the 1939 site. The Garden concedes its location on the traditional land of the Matinecock people, Flushing’s first residents.
Where is the Queens Botanical Garden, and how do you get there?
The Queens Botanical Garden is situated at 43-50 Main Street, Flushing, New York 11355. For visitors driving, the parking entrance is at 42-80 Crommelin Street, Flushing, NY 11355. Paid parking is available throughout the year during garden hours.
Public Transportation:
- Bus: Take the Q44SBS or Q20A/B bus from the Bronx (south) or Jamaica (north) to Flushing, Queens.
- Subway/Train: Take the #7 subway or the Long Island Rail Road (Port Washington line) to Main Street. You can catch the Q44SBS or Q20A/B bus from there or walk eight blocks south on Main Street to reach the Garden.
What to Expect When You Visit the Queens Botanical Garden?
Queens Botanical Garden hosts recurring events that engage visitors in nature and culture. The annual Taiwan event displays Taiwanese art and culture with a breathtaking display of hundreds of orchid pots. Floral design, macrame, and advanced watercolor painting workshops give hands-on learning experiences. Movie nights in the Garden let guests enjoy big-screen magic against the stunning backdrop of dusk. Weekly volunteer days offer opportunities for community involvement.
When visiting the Garden, wear comfortable shoes and sunscreen, as you will likely spend much time exploring the outdoor spaces. The Garden provides picnic areas, so you can get your food and enjoy a meal surrounded by nature. Wheelchairs are available for loan on a first-come, first-served basis. One can get them at the Main Street Entrance, Parking Garden Entrance, and Visitor & Administration Building.
Get Your Tickets to Events Near the Queens Botanical Garden
Since the venue is a popular destination, booking tickets in advance is recommended. Prepare to be amazed by its stunning array of themed gardens, vibrant seasonal displays, and engaging educational programs.
What Else Can You Do When Visiting the Queens Botanical Garden?
The 39 acres of space provide a unique setting for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and portrait sessions. For years, Queens Botanical Garden has been the venue for brides and grooms to enjoy their special day. In addition, the Garden is perfect for baby showers, cocktail parties, bar or bat mitzvahs, birthday or graduation celebrations, and other special occasions.
FAQs
What is the mission of the Queens Botanical Garden?
The mission of the Queens Botanical Garden is to inspire and educate people about the beauty and benefits of plants and nature. The Garden aims to cultivate diverse gardens that reflect the community’s rich cultural heritage while promoting environmental stewardship.
Why are the visiting hours of Queens Botanical Garden famous?
From April to October, the Queens Botanical Garden is open from 8 am to 6 pm, allowing ample time for exploration during the longer days of spring and summer. During the cooler months of November to March, the Garden remains accessible from 8 am to 4:30 pm, ensuring guests can still enjoy its beauty and tranquility throughout the year.
What are the admission charges of the New York Botanical Gardens?
The New York Botanical Garden has varying admission charges based on the time of year. From April 1 to December 15, adults pay $6, seniors and students with ID each pay $4, and children aged 4 to 12 are charged $2. Those aged 3 and under, as well as members, can enter for free. From December 16 to March 31, admission is free for all visitors.
Visiting the Queens Botanical Garden gives a peaceful retreat in the heart of New York City. Whether one wants to enjoy the beautifully created themed gardens, attend exciting workshops, or be part of cultural events, the venue only provides an enriching experience many people can never get enough of.
When planning for a simple walk, a family picnic, or even organizing a formal party or dinner, this venue is the best place to bond and enjoy the beauty of nature.
The post Queens Botanical Garden: Your Guide to a Year-Round Nature Retreat appeared first on Secret NYC.
Hudson Yards newcomer Nizuc celebrates coastal Mexican cuisine
Hudson Yards is one of the shinier neighborhoods to land (ahem, be built) in the city. While a visit to the area is usually at the request of a visiting friend, we admit, there is still much to do, see and even eat in NYC’s newest neighborhood, especially right now.Another restaurant recently landed in the area and is ready to take us to the shores of Mexico.
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Last Thursday, Nizuc (485 10th Avenue) opened its doors, introducing contemporary coastal Mexican cuisine to the tony neighborhood. The newest addition to the area was drummed up from two hospitality families: Jonah and Alan Philips from Friedman’s and Suram, and father-and-son duo, Steve and George Tenedios, owners of the popular Greek restaurants Kyma and Elea. Chef David Mendoza keeps the accolades going with a resume that includes Eleven Madison Park, Aska, and ATLA. However, his latest venture is all about the fine seafood of Mexico.
Starting by the sea, the antojitos offer up Carpaccio De Pulpo served with a curled octopus tentacle sitting atop a pool of salsa veracruzana and the Conchas Con Chorizo with Manila clams prepared in a saffron broth spiced with Aleppo pepper. Making a splash, the raw offerings continue down the shore with shucked oysters served with a chile morita mignonette and the Coctel Campechano—Mexico’s version of shrimp cocktail (and then some)—filled to the brim with shrimp, octopus and a rotating fish livened up with a blood orange clamato.
Traveling inward, the menu nods to the iconic street tacos of Mexico City. Nestled inside a tortilla you’ll find zucchini blossoms and smoked carrots to pork belly and bluefin tuna. A more Americanized taco also makes an appearance here—the cheekily-named Rib Eye Gringa with queso chihuahua on a flour tortilla. But for larger appetites, the menu dives into a head on grilled branzino and pork shank carnitas with two different salsas to gauge your spice level. Beloved-Mexican-styled desserts round out the menu, including a tres leches cake with coffee creme and a chocolate Abuelita-style custard with berries, cajeta and Marie cookies crumbled on top. As for libations, the menu keeps it traditional, pouring pineapple-jalapeno and hibiscus agua frescas and riffs on palomas, margaritas and the likes.
With its bright coastal colors and earth tones, the interior of the 225-seater indoor-outdoor restaurant takes us to the seaside. The blond wood wrap-around bar welcomes guests before they are seated in the dining room overlooked by lush greenery hanging from the ceiling. On the horizon, expect nightlife programming including a DJ series, once the owners get their feet wet. But for now, grab a margarita and dive straight in.