So, last year, on a very snowy Friday, we decided to take our boys to the train show at the New York Botanical Gardens in the Bronx. My son, Sam, is a train fanatic....and is interested in seeing ANYTHING related to locomotives, anywhere along the eastern seaboard! We drove about an hour an a half -- a really manageable trip -- and somewhat beat the snow. As we walked into the Garden, the snow had blanketed the ground....lights were twinkling....the air was crisp....the entire experience was TRULY magical. Naturally, I thought, I HAVE to shoot a DAYTRIPPER here....so, that is how this installment of our weekly series came to be!
This year, we travelled to the Bronx on a VERY different day. It was warm and sunny...and the Garden was gorgeous in this atmosphere, as well. It was opening day of the annual train show...this is year 18....and, WOW, the lines were ENORMOUS! But, the good news is this: you CAN skip the lines and order tickets online....and, last year, we didn't face those crowds...so maybe it was just an "opening day thing"!
The display this year is as amazing as ever....there are 13 model trains....which weave in and out of an enormous lay-out made entirely of natural materials, such as pine cones, bark and twigs. AND, all of the structures are New York City landmarks....the Empire State Building, Yankees Stadium (grrr), the Chrysler Building...and, the original Penn Station....which is this year's masterpiece. It is amazing...and, as our tour guide -- Jennifer Josef -- pointed out, it's the only way to see this magnificent building anymore....since it was torn down. I still can't believe that happened....an incredible piece of architecture...now a ghost of the past.
We explored outside the train show, as well. The Children's Adventure Garden is delightful....as is the new Gingerbread House Center.
I loved this DAYTRIP....and, I hope you do, too!
Happy Holidays!