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Norma's Weekly Member Snapshot: Local Day Trips
Now is the perfect time to escape city life for a day of exploring nature. Warmer days tempt me to spend time exploring new spots. A quick train ride can transport you away from the buzz of NYC so you can enjoy an outing to explore Spring beauty in bloom.
I've picked my top five day trips for this week's Special Feature.
Norma Knows New York City
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 GENERAL EVENTS |
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Cherry Blossom Festival
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Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Once the blossoms are in bloom, visit on a Wednesday and take a tour. Or on Saturdays and Sundays, take a tour of the seasonal highlights of the garden. Then, as part of the festival, visit April 30 & May 1 for the Sakura Matsuri, a weekend celebrating Japanese culture.
Brooklyn
Saturdays at East River State Park, Sundays in Prospect Park
Artisanal outdoor market featuring over 100 food vendors.
Tuesdays Stargazing on the High Line
The High Line (West 13th & Washington Streets) Every Tuesday until October you can peek into high powered telescopes on the High Line and chat with the experts.
Taking sports to the streets - free interactive sports-related games, demonstrations, performances and giveaways. Keep an eye out for the Tribeca Family Festival Street Fair the same day as well. Visit my recent Snapshot for Tribeca Film Festival events... through April 24th.
 April 25 Hester Street Fair
Corner of Hester & Essex Streets
One of the best street fairs opens for the season! A collection of NYC's best vendors, from the finest foods to vintage clothing to jewelry and home goods. Open Saturdays through October.
April 29 through May 1 Antique Garden Furniture Fair
The New York Botanical Garden (Bronx, NY)
Annual fair with an expansive collection of ornament, decorative art, and furniture for the home and garden.
ON THE RADAR: 
Columbus Avenue from 77th to 81st Street
Annual craft show - also May 7th & 8th and 14th & 15th.
May 1 TD Five Boro Bike Tour
Starts in Battery Park Cyclists from around the world in all skill levels are welcome to join this major ride through the five boroughs of NYC... on streets completely free of cars. Visit my recent Snapshot for the I BIKE NY Special Feature.
May 1 through 8 Fashion Week Brooklyn
Multiple locations
Check the schedule for fashion-focused events.
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CULTURAL PURSUITS
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Peter Fischli David Weiss:
How to Work Better
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CLOSING THIS WEEK:
Through August 14 The exhibit takes visitors on a tour of the human body.
Jean-Michel Cousteau's Secret Ocean
Ongoing
Take a breathtaking journey around the underwater world as Cousteau introduces 30 species shown for the first time on film.
The Butterfly Conservatory
Through May 29
The butterflies are back! Enter a room filled with beautiful butterflies of many different species... great for all ages.
View the cast of a 122-foot-long dinosaur. This species is so new that it has not yet been formally named by the paleontologists who discovered it! 
CENTER FOR ITALIAN MODERN ART (421 Broome Street)Giorgio Morandi
Through June 25
Dedicated to one of the best known Italian artists of the 20th century, the exhibit focuses on his rarely seen 1930s works.
COOPER HEWITT (2 East 91st Street)
Through August 7
Pixar fans will enjoy this exhibit, tracing the creation of the rarely seen sketches, paintings, and sculptures of Pixar's characters.
DISCOVERY TIMES SQUARE (226 West 44th Street)
Through May 30
With all of the craze about Star Wars, it's the perfect time to see the exhibit of memorable costumes from this iconic film series.
Ongoing
Life-size historic photographs of Ellis Island immigrants are displayed on the south side of Ellis Island.
Ongoing
Tells the story of immigration to America before the processing station opened.
INTREPID SEA, AIR & SPACE MUSEUM (Pier 86 - West 46th Street & 12th Avenue)
On the Line: Intrepid and the Vietnam War
Now open
A major exhibition exploring the events and impact of the Vietnam War through the lens of the Intrepid.
Isaac Mizrahi: An Unruly History
Through August 7
The first museum survey devoted to the American designer who makes clothing, hosted a television show, and performed his own cabaret act.
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| | | Unfinished: Thoughts Left Visible | |
THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART (1000 Fifth Avenue)
Through May 15
Vigée Le Brun: Woman Artist in Revolutionary France
This is the first retrospective of Elisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun, one of the most important of all women artists.
THE MET BREUER (Madison Avenue & 75th Street)
Unfinished: Thoughts Left Visible
Through September 4 197 works from the Renaissance to the present. The exhibition examines a subject critical to artistic practice: the question of when a work of art is finished.
MORGAN LIBRARY & MUSEUM (225 Madison Avenue)
Through May 15 A visual exploration of Warhol's lifelong career as a book artist.
MUSEUM OF MODERN ART (11 West 53rd Street)
Edgar Degas: A Strange New BeautyThrough July 24The exhibition includes approximately 120 rarely seen monotypes, 60 related paintings, drawings, pastels, sketchbooks, and prints-that show Degas at his most modern.
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Shakespeare's Star Turn in America
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NEUE GALERIE NEW YORK MUSEUM FOR GERMAN AND AUSTRIAN ART (1048 Fifth Avenue)
Munch and Expressionism
Through June 13
Exhibit focuses on Edward Munch's influence on his German colleagues.
The Art and Whimsy of Mo Willems
Through September 25
Brings together original art, sketches, and inspirational drawings from Willem's most popular series (Sesame Street) and stand-alone classics.
NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY (42nd Street & 5th Avenue) Shakespeare's Star Turn in AmericaThrough May 27 The exhibition will document the on-going popularity of Shakespeare's plays in North America from Colonial times to present day. The artifacts include programs, engravings, photographs, set and costume designs, costumes, letters, and prompt scripts.
PREMIERE EXHIBITIONS 5th AVENUE (417 Fifth Avenue)
Now open
Explore the treasures of Tutankhamun dynasty.
ROOSEVELT HOUSE (47-49 East 65th Street)
The newly remodeled historic Roosevelt House recently opened showcasing the first special exhibit featuring relics from women of the suffragette movement... from Elizabeth Cady Stanton to Eleanor Roosevelt, Suffrage to Human Rights.
SOCIETY OF ILLUSTRATORS (128 East 63rd Street)
Tuesdays & Thursdays For those that have a talent for sketching, stop by Tuesday or Thursday evenings for sketch night and see the latest exhibit. While there, check out Rick Meyerowitz in the National Lampoon, through April 23rd, an archive of original artwork created by illustrator and author Rick Meyerowitz.
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Human Interest: Portraits from the Whitney's Collection
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WHITNEY MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART (99 Gansevoort Street)
Laura Poitras: Astro Noise
Through May 1
The first solo museum exhibition by this artist, filmmaker, and journalist. The installation builds on topics important to Poitras, including mass surveillance, the war on terror, the U.S. drone program, and torture.
HARLEM'S HISTORIC CORN EXCHANGE BUILDING
(125th Street & Park Avenue)
May 3 through 31
FLUX Art Fair Art fair brings together works from over 50 artists representing over a dozen countries.
RANDALL'S ISLAND PARK
May 5 through 8
Frieze New York
View and buy art from more than 1,000 of today's leading artists.
VARIOUS LOCATIONS
May 3 through 16
NYCxDESIGN A citywide celebration of design to increase awareness of and appreciation for all types of design by all audiences. From architecture and landscape to fashion and furniture... everything you can think of all around the city.
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CURTAIN UP
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FILM:
Various locations
Visit my recent Snapshot for my top movie picks, including the 40th anniversary screening of Taxi Driver... followed by a conversation with Martin Scorsese, Robert DeNiro, Jodie Foster, Cybill Shepherd, and Paul Schrader.
Crosby Street Hotel (79 Crosby Street)
For $55 per person, enjoy dinner and a movie. A 3-course meal is followed by a viewing of this Oscar nominated movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy.
Through April 26 Tribeca Innovation Week
Passes available for this week of discussions and festivals around technology, gaming, film, and media.
MUSIC & DANCE:
Mondays Rainbow RoomRainbow Room (30 Rockefeller Plaza) Don't miss Max Weinberg for dinner seatings on Mondays in November. Also, I l ove that they are serving a special Sunday brunch and dinner & dancing on Friday nights. It's an iconic spot and a must-see! Tuesdays & Wednesdays Jazz Nights The Lambs Club (132 West 44th Street)
Live jazz from new and up and coming performers.
Ongoing New York Live Arts
New York Live Arts (219 West 19th Street)
Chelsea based programs feature the most innovative movements.
 Spring Season New York Philharmonic
Avery Fisher Hall (10 Lincoln Center Plaza)
Visit the schedule for upcoming concerts through the remainder of the season.
April 24 Sondheim Unplugged
54 Below (254 West 54th Street)
Annual event features some of Broadway and cabaret's most dynamic voices, accompanied by piano only, honoring the work of Broadway's master composer.
Cafe Carlyle (35 East 76th Street)
An incredible star of stage performs... and don't miss Woody Allen & The Eddy David New Orleans Jazz Band Mondays through June 14th.
Various locations within Lincoln Center's venues. Outstanding artists... all in intimate settings.
Palace Theater (1564 Broadway)
American Stage debut of the story about a young artist who discovers life and love after returning from the war.
Through October 16
Stephen Sondheim Theatre (124 West 43rd Street)
This musical follows the legendary songwriter from her early days as a Brooklyn teenager to well-known hits as a top recording artist.
Blackbird Through June 12 Belasco Theatre (111 West 44th Street)The star-studded cast includes Michele Williams and Jeff Daniels; they will perform one of the most powerful dramas of the century. An uncomfortable relationship reunites between an older man and a younger woman.
Bright Star
Through October 9
Cort Theatre (138 West 48th Street)
I have followed Steve Martin's career as an actor and banjo player for many years. I'm delighted that he has expanded his talents as the songwriter of this musical (with Edie Brickell's talents at work also). As he said in an interview, he wanted to create music that would be an anthem to optimism, writing songs that would bring joy to the audience.
Cagney
Through July 3
Westside Theatre (407 West 43rd Street)
How exciting - this musical follows the life of James Cagney from the streets of New York to vaudeville, then to a Hollywood tough guy.
The Color Purple
Through October 2
Bernard B Jacobs Theatre (242 West 45th Street)
Through August 28
Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street)
A Tony Award Winning play! The lead actor is brilliant; the set design is mesmerizing. The story unfolds with a mathematically precocious adolescent with behavioral problems uncovering truths and secrets. Daddy Long LegsThrough January 8, 2017 Davenport Theatre (354 West 45th Street)
An upbeat musical that tells the tale of an orphan and her anonymous benefactor.
Dry Powder
Through May 1
The Public Theater (425 Lafayette Street)
John Krasinski, Claire Danes, and Hank Azaria star in this funny new drama. Tickets are sold out, but they may release additional tickets.
Eclipsed
Through June 19
John Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street)
After a limited run at The Public Theater, this show starring Academy Award Winner Lupita Nyong'o, hits Broadway!
The Father
Through June 12
Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street)
The infamous Frank Langella stars in Florian Zeller's new play. I've been mesmerized by him since his role as Dracula.
Fiddler on the Roof
Through September 4
Broadway Theatre (1681 Broadway)
The acclaimed show returns to Broadway, a favorite of mine. 
Through December 18
The amazing story of how Peter became Pan.
Through October 9 Circle in the Square Theatre (235 West 50th Street) Performance brings the actors and audience within close proximity. Tony Award Winning play about seeing your parents through adult eyes.
Hamilton
Head of PassesThrough April 24 The Public Theater (425 Lafayette Street) Phylicia Rashad stars in this deeply moving new drama about family, acceptance and the power of faith. Through September 4 Lincoln Center Theater (150 West 65th Street) The revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein's play, starring Tony Award Winner Kelli O'Hara. Long Day's Journey into NightThrough June 26 American Airlines Theatre (227 West 42nd Street) The tale of an ordinary summer's day with extraordinary consequences... stars the incredible Jessica Lange, who has wowed in American Horror Story, along with Gabriel Byrne and Michael Shannon!
Mike Birbiglia: "Thank God for Jokes"
Through May 29
Lynn Redgrave Theater (49 Bleecker Street)
Comedian, writer, and actor, Mike Birbiglia stars in a one-man-show of modern day joke telling.
Mobile Unit: Romeo & Juliet
Through May 1
The Public Theater (425 Lafayette)
The Mobile Shakespeare Unit brings this classic tale to the stage! The Mobile Unit presents free Shakespeare to prisons, homeless shelters, centers for the elderly, and other community venues throughout the five boroughs. They then present the show at The Public Theater, providing New York audiences with low cost tickets to world-class Shakespeare.On Your Feet
Through November 20
Marquis Theatre (1535 Broadway)
High-energy performance about Emilio and Gloria Estefan.
Ruthless
Through June 18
St. Luke's Theatre (308 West 46th Street)
Called "the mother of all musicals," I've seen it and can attest... it's a hilarious show starring 10-year old Tori Murray.
School of RockThrough October 2 I'm a fan of Andrew Lloyd Weber and I'm sure there will no exception to the quality of his newest musical based on the film starring Jack Black. Shuffle Along
Through October 9
Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street)
Six-time award winner Audra McDonald returns to Broadway. Now in previews, opens April 28th through October 9th.
Note: Audra McDonald will not appear in performances from June 19 through September 12, 2016.
A Streetcar Named Desire
April 23 through June 4
St. Ann's Warehouse (Brooklyn Bridge Park)
The iconic production stars X-Files' own Gillian Anderson!
 Tuck Everlasting The Musical
Through January 1 Broadhurst Theatre (235 West 44th Street) If you could live forever, would you? Take a journey you'll never forget in this new musical about love, family, and living life to the fullest! Now in previews, opens April 26th through January 1st.
Waitress
Through January 1
Brooks Atkinson Theatre (256 West 47th Street)
Based on the 2007 film, Tony Award Winner Jessie Mueller stars in this new musical with music by Sara Bareilles. What a show!
Now in previews, opens April 24th through January 1st.
The Woodsman
Through May 29
New World Stages (340 West 50th Street)
It's the origin story of the Wizard of Oz's Tin Man!
ON THE RADAR:
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Paula Cole
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May 1 Paula ColeCity Winery (155 Varick Street) Grammy winner and 7 time Grammy nominee Paula Cole performs. May 1 TalkCinema
The Walter Reade Theater at Lincoln Center (165 West 65th Street)
General admission or season passes available; film series features new independent films... you won't know what you see until you arrive, but you'll be able to discuss the movie afterwards with directors, producers, distributors, critics and each other.
May 2 The New York Pops 33rd Birthday GalaCarnegie Hall (881 Seventh Avenue) The New York Pops celebrates 33 years of bringing music to New York City. Guest performers include Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Patti LuPone, and Judith Clurman's Essential Voices USA.
May 5 Jerry Seinfeld: The Homestand
The Beacon Theatre (2124 Broadway)
Try to grab tickets for any of the upcoming monthly performances in 2016. May 5 125th Anniversary GalaCarnegie Hall (881 Seventh Avenue) Exactly 125 years to the day that the Hall first opened its doors in 1891. Special performers include Yo-Yo Ma, Michael Feinstein, and James Taylor!  May 13 through 17 Columbia University Film Festival 2016Film Society of Lincoln Center - Walter Reade Theater (165 West 65th Street)
Annual Columbia University Film Festival (CUFF), a week long program of screenings, screenplay readings, and special events in New York.
May 22 Positively Bob Dylan: 75th Birthday Tribute
City Winery (155 Varick Street)
Special Guests John Gorka, Lucy Kaplansky, The Kennedys, Toshi Reagon, Willie Nile & More.
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FOR THE FOODIE
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April 25 NYC Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry
225 Liberty Street
Join the city's finest chefs, sommeliers and mixologists for a night of dining in support of No Kid Hungry's work to end childhood hunger in the America.
April 29 American Airlines International Pairing Series
City Winery (155 Varick Street) Part of an annual series of dinners showcasing the wine and food of a specific region. This event focuses on Southern Italy.
April 29 Madison Square Eats
Madison Square Park
Annual event featuring some of NYC's most popular restaurants and food vendors. Through May 27th.
ON THE RADAR:
Wythe Hotel (80 Wythe Avenue - Brooklyn) Annual festival celebrating the intersections of food culture and the writing that brings them to life - lectures, panel discussions, and food tastings highlight the 2-day event.
 May 7 Spring Wine Festival
NYY Steak (7 West 51st Street)
A celebration of wine downtown... taste over 150 wines.
May 7 & 8 New York Vegetarian Festival
The Metropolitan Pavilion (125 West 18th Street)
Taste vegetarian delights from local vendors. I'm always surprised at the amazing tastes available. May 11 Brunch EatsIntrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum ( Pier 86 - West 46th Street & 12th Avenue) Breakfast-for-Dinner event features over 20 of New York City's top restaurants and bakeries.
Taste foods from around the world, shop for fine arts and crafts, and enjoy live entertainment as you stroll on 9th Avenue.
 Greenwich & Duane Streets
Outdoor culinary festival orchestrated by tops chefs of TriBeCa. Proceeds will benefit the arts education program of the local public primary schools.
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SPECIAL FEATURE: LOCAL DAY TRIPS
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99 Margaret Corbin Drive - in Fort Tryon Park
Public Transportation: Take the A Train to 190th Street
As part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Cloisters will not disappoint with their impressive collection from Medieval Europe. In this setting, you will be reminded of picturesque European monasteries and will find an exquisite art collection including intricate illustrations and stunning stained glass, all set in a peaceful ambiance. And with the Spring weather, it's the perfect time to take in a garden tour. Once you are done with The Cloisters, take a walk around the Park and enjoy a beautiful view of the Hudson from above.
Cold Spring, NY
Public Transportation: Take the Hudson Line on Metro North to Cold Spring
A quaint town 50 miles from the city, it's perfect for the spring and summer months. Known for its antiquing, there is plenty to do there for a day or even longer. River tours and hiking or biking along trails, dining and coffee houses, live entertainment on the weekends. It's a beautiful town with lush landscapes along the Hudson that I visit each year as a short escape to quieter living.
Hyde Park, NY
Public Transportation: Take Metro North to Poughkeepsie
As a foodie, you can take a class at the Culinary Institute of America or dine at world class eateries. For history buffs, visit Historic Hyde Park, a collection of historic sites along the Hudson... including the FDR Presidential Library and the Vanderbilt Mansion. For outdoor adventures, spend the day at the Walkway Over the Hudson, a linear walkway spanning the Hudson River. At 212 feet tall and 1.28 miles long, it is the longest, elevated pedestrian bridge in the world. The park offers amazing views and a great opportunity for outdoor adventures such as bike riding, bird watching, picnicking, people-watching, and self-guided tours.
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Old Westbury Gardens
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Westbury, NY
Public Transportation: Take the Long Island Rail Road to Westbury Station, followed by a short cab ride
On the North Shore of Long Island, this is one of the most picturesque gardens in the world. Featuring a mansion nestled amid 200 acres of gardens, landscaped grounds, woodlands, ponds and lakes, there are many events to take part in. Garden tours, museum exhibits, yoga and tai chi classes, lectures and book signings, and gardening instruction. Check the calendar for special events.
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West 252nd Street - Riverdale, NY
Public Transportation: Take the 1 Train to West 242nd Street or the Hudson Line on Metro North to Riverdale
What better way to celebrate the long awaited arrival of spring than a short trip to the exquisite public gardens and cultural center of Wave Hill. The multitude of nature paths entice visitors to explore the 28 acres of woodlands. One of my favorite spots is the architectural Pergola Overlook, where a majestic stone Pergola frames a breathtaking view of the Hudson River. The garden conducts daily walks, horticulture lectures, yoga classes, and art workshops.
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