A Guide to Springtime in New York

What’s new in New York this spring

That esteemed bard of well-heeled pop culture aficionados everywhere—Carrie Bradshaw—once mused that there are many things she loves about New York. Among them? Men in suits, three newspapers but 12 gossip columns and, of course, that “week in spring when it’s warm, but not hot, and the trees are just beginning to bloom.”

It’s easier than ever to visit during this year’s season of buds and bulbs, thanks to over 30 direct flights to New York-area airports departing weekly from YVR by mid-2016.

Here are just a few of the things we love in the city that never sleeps this spring…

On Broadway

Each season brings a new slat of Broadway babies, hoping to see long runs of shows— both new and old. January saw the launch of Noises Off, starring Smash’s Megan Hilty and Canadian comedy legend Andrea Martin.

This March brings Blackbird (pictured)—a dark drama starring Jeff Daniels as a man confronted by a young woman (Michelle Williams) that he had a relationship with when she was just 12 years old—and She Loves Me—a far more upbeat ditty starring Zachary Levi and 30 Rock’s Jane Krakowski, with direction by Weeds helmer Scott Ellis.

Two cinematic cult classics tread the boards in adaptations beginning in April. Patrick Bateman rises again in American Psycho, and the sweet Waitress—a little-seen but much-appreciated 2007 drama starring Keri Russell—takes centre stage with a musical retelling featuring Tony winner Jessie Mueller in the lead and songs by Sara Bareilles ringing through the rafters.

Bright bites, big city

New York—it could easily be argued—is North America’s foremost tastemaker and 2016 sees that palette expanded significantly.

Mario Batali partners with Joe Bastianich to bring diners La Sirena at the Maritime Hotel, situated somewhere near the fading line that separates Chelsea from the Meatpacking District. The trattoria will seat 250 and will reportedly offer an exciting brunch menu as well as more traditional pastas and scaloppine dishes.

Further south on the island, Top Chef judge Tom Colicchio steps away from his successful Craft eateries to launch Fowler and Wells at The Beekman, a refurbished historic-hotel/luxury-condo development just north of the financial district.

Jean-Georges Vongerichten finds success wherever he opens his doors—from Vancouver’s Market at the Shangri-La to the rustic cooking at ABC Kitchen and ABC Cocina just off New York’s Union Square. ABCV expands his Manhattan offering with vegan and vegetarian fare later this year.

Renewed and reopened

In a city rich with history, tending to the backstory often has challenges. Two beloved structures recently found themselves the recipients of a little elbow grease and TLC.

The High Bridge—connecting the Bronx and Manhattan—has been refreshed and revitalized, opening to pedestrians in 2015. The adjacent Highbridge Park now offers local denizens over 100 acres of green space including a mountain bike path.

Just a block off Times Square, the beautiful Hudson Theatre—long since missing from major marquee names in Manhattan—will see a significant renovation and reopen in time for the 2016/17 season. Originally built more than 110 years ago, the theatre seats just under 1,000 audience members.

More transport options

For a city with 23 million residents and counting in its larger metropolitan area, New York has to ensure that its transit system reflects consistent growth.

In December, the successful ride-sharing app Uber introduced UberPool. In addition to the app’s other more familiar options, UberPool now promises to split the cost of rides in the same direction with fellow passengers.

Simply download the app on your phone, create an account and then you can hail a ride (and possibly even make a friend en route). You never know who’ll be in the driver seat nor who’ll be sharing your fare. Another example of the serendipity and uncertainty that makes “The City” so exciting.

Whole new Whitney

The Whitney Museum of American Art relocated to the Meatpacking District and welcomed the public to a brand new 220,000-square-foot space in late 2015. The building houses a more complete ‘complex’ of artistic venues, including outdoor sculpture areas, a 170-seat theatre and a gallery for performance art. The fifth-floor exhibit area displays photographer Michael Heizer’s 1970 work Actual Size: Munich Rotary until April.

New spots to stay

Every traveller needs a fine place to rest their weary head—and New York offers up some of the best.

Renaissance Midtown Hotel debuts this spring with just shy of 350 new rooms. The property bills itself as the city’s first “digitally enhanced hotel” and comes complete with both a living wall of local artwork and a virtual concierge.

The Four Seasons expands to a second Manhattan location this year—this one in “South Tribeca” and near the World Trade Center, Soho and iconic Wall Street. Wolfgang Puck’s CUT will highlight the culinary offering onsite and a full service spa, 24-hour gym and huge indoor pool will allow travellers to stay fit as they slough off any jet lag.