Speaking of iconic candy, Jay and I found these classic sweets in the new Gingerbread Cafe, located right outside of the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Gardens (NYBG). That’s Jay – in heaven – holding himself back from attacking the dessert table just long enough for me to take this picture.
Of all the sugary items, these M&Ms Candied Apples spoke to me. It never ceases to amaze me how often M&Ms are used in confections. Maybe there’s a future painting here, and I’ll finally paint a cakestand.
Not that I’m eager to promote MasterCard, but this Gingerbread Cafe is a welcome addition to parents who bring their kids for a trek through the NYBG Holiday Train Show. What a great reward! And unlike most typical botanical garden and museum cafes, the food was reasonably priced so a family of four could actually afford a meal here.
Taking home leftovers is encouraged. Thank you MasterCard! Hope you come back next year.
Aside from the sugar rush at the end, the train show itself is gorgeous, especially if this is your first visit to this annual event. I felt like a tourist taking a live tour of New York architectural icons. Only you could never cover all these places in one day.
Instead of brick and mortar, we see 150 intricate small scale re-constructions using bark, leaves, twigs, seeds, flowers, and every other natural material imaginable – with miniature trains zipping all around.
The show starts with some of the biggest and most elaborate architectural displays, a change from previous years. This majestic domed mini-replica of the NYBG Conservatory, where the exhibit is actually displayed, greets you when you walk in. Next up are impressive natural reconstructions of Grand Central Station and Penn State, from where all trains (real and pretend) emanate.
Just to give you a few highlights, let’s start in the next room and take a trip down memory lane to old Yankee Stadium in the Bronx (and the largest crowds too!). Then head down to Midtown Mahattan to see the legendary skyscrapers, like the Chrysler and Empire State Buildings.
Stroll by the New York Public Library on 42nd Street and then up 5th Avenue to the incredibly detailed St. Patrick’s Cathedral with its rose window made out of petals.
Take a boat ride to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.
Travel upstate to more exotic locales like Frederick Church’s Olana in the Catskills, with its Moorish inspired design replicated in twigs and seeds.
Finally, end with bang at the World’s Fair in Queens with this stunning display of light and sound in the main rotunda.
There’s still 9 days to go (last day is January 18th), so it’s not to late to take your kids and grandkids. There’s something here for everyone. And now you have the Gingerbread Cafe to further entice (aka bribe!) reluctant friends and family members.
Tickets are timed so online reservations may be a good idea this last week.
Enjoy!
