Wave Hill

We are giving 3 pairs of ticket to ROCK & ROLL MAN! You don’t have to go far to enjoy exquisite gardens with lovely summer events. Savor summer Saturdays in the NYBG at their Wine & Water Lilies’ events. Enjoy Wednesday with music at Wave Hill. Harken back in time for an afternoon tea at the Old Westbury Gardens. And heading upstate NY, our roving photographer just returned from the adorable city of Canandaigua. Catch the astronomical phenomenon Manhattanhenge next week.  There’s a great show at Don’t Tell Mama’s that brings Rita Hayworth back to life. And for some at home entertainment, check out our Broadway Babe’s finds this week.

Discounts + Giveaway or Rock & Roll Man

Critics and theater goers are buzzing about this new musical about DJ Alan Freed.  He named coined the term “Rock & Roll.” Featuring an original score, as well as classics created by legends such as Little Richard, Chuck Berry, LaVern Baker, Buddy Holly, Bo Diddley, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Drifters, The Coasters and The Platters. We have discounts and tickets to giveaway!!! GET THE DETAIL HERE.

July 12 & 13. Manhattanhenge

This only happens twice a year and next week it happens on July 12 at 8:20 pm (full sun) and on July 13 at 8:21 pm (half sun). It’s an amazing sight. Inspired by Stonehenge in England, the term “Manhattanhenge” was coined by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, who noticed that the phenomenon could be observed in a similar manner to the alignment of stones at Stonehenge.

During Manhattanhenge, the setting sun aligns perfectly with the east-west streets of Manhattan’s street grid. This alignment creates a stunning visual effect where the sun appears to be framed by the buildings, casting a beautiful glow down the city streets. Some of the best streets for viewing include 14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd, and 57th Streets, as well as any other wide, east-west street that allows for a clear line of sight.

Afternoon Tea at Old Westbury Gardens

Experience the Gilded Age and the grandeur of early 20th-century estate life at Old Westbury Gardens on Long Island.  It’s a beautiful historic mansion and with over 200 acres of spectacular gardens designed by prominent landscape architect George A. Crawley in collaboration with English designer F. L. Olmsted Jr. (Central Park.) And on Wednesdays and Sundays you can also enjoy an afternoon tea in their café in the woods. $45 and includes admission. Get the details.

The estate, originally built in 1906 for John S. Phipps, a prominent New York financier, and his wife, Margarita Grace Phipps, is an impressive example of Charles II-style architecture. It features ornate interiors, including a grand staircase, elegant drawing rooms, and a breathtaking dining room. The gardens combine formal elements with naturalistic landscapes. They feature terraces, lawns, water features, woodlands, and a variety of plantings, including colorful flower borders, majestic trees, and ornamental shrubs.

Among the notable garden features are the West Allee, a long tree-lined path leading to the mansion, and the Walled Garden, which encompasses beautifully manicured flower beds and a charming pergola. The Rose Garden showcases a collection of vibrant roses, while the Chinese Zodiac Garden features symbolic sculptures representing the signs of the Chinese zodiac.

Sunset Wednesdays at Wave Hill

Wave Hill is a serene and inspiring retreat from the hustle bustle of the city. Located on a 28-acre estate in the Bronx overlooking the Hudson River, it offers breathtaking views of the Palisades, beautiful gardens, art exhibitions, educational programs, and events. And every Wednesday this summer, you can watch the sunset and watch a musical performance. Get details.

The history of Wave Hill dates back to the mid-19th century when the estate was originally built as a country home. Over the years, it has been owned by several prominent New York families and was eventually purchased by the City of New York in 1960.

The gardens at Wave Hill are one of its main attractions. They are meticulously designed and maintained, featuring a diverse collection of plants, flowers, and trees. Visitors can explore various themed gardens, including the Flower Garden, the Wild Garden, and the Herb Garden. There are also woodland trails that allow visitors to experience the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. In addition to the gardens, Wave Hill hosts a range of art exhibitions and installations throughout the year.

Wine & Water Lilies Saturdays at NYBG

Saturday, July 15; Saturday, July 29; Thursday, August 17 | 3–6 p.m. | At the Garden

Sip & Savor Summer in Our Collections

Launching during the summer run of …things come to thrive…in the shedding…in the molting… and inspired by NYBG’s successful Orchid Nights and Spring Uncorked wine weekend special programs, the all-new Wine & Water Lilies will entice visitors to take in the stunning lotuses and water lilies in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory Courtyards with a drink in hand. Enjoy live music, workshops, and tours inspired by the water lily and lotus collections in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory Courtyards. Light food and drink will be available for purchase. GET THE DETAILS.

July 27. Rita Hayworth is Reborn

Quinn Lemley is back with her critically acclaimed show as Rita Hayworth, “The Love Goddess.” You can catch it at Don’t Tell Mama. The show reveals the rise and fall of movie star. Will Friedwald, WSJ proclaims it would be “impossible for another singer-actress with the talent, charm, vivaciousness, and sensuality to pull it off.” Humorous and heartfelt stories of marriages to Orson Welles, Prince Aly Khan, Dick Haymes and co-stars Frank Sinatra, Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. An insider’s glance into the Hollywood system. A look at the price of fame and a celebration of a remarkable life told with humor, wit and impeccable storytelling woven with The Great American Songbook from the Golden Age of Hollywood. Get the details.

Roving in Canandaigua

Our roving photographer, Nicole Freezer Rubens  visited the adorable and authentic city of Canandaigua near Rochester, New York.  Here’s what she said:

It is a quaint, 110-year-old throwback town of 10,000 people. The land was purchased for a mere 12 cents an acre, equivalent to $3.50 in today’s dollar. It was deemed worthless due to its many hills but has more than lived up to the meaning of its name, “the chosen one”. The town revolves around Canandaigua Lake. It is a 15 mile lake making it the fourth largest of the Finger Lakes, known for having extremely clean water.

Canandaigua is a great summer weekend destination with its own wine trail, beach, resorts, a water park, a classic Main Street and of course endless lake activities. I adored exploring the City Pier, made up of 80 remaining and operational charming boat houses on a number of inlets. Each house stands out with its original decor and personality, reflecting the mood of this welcoming and delightful hidden gem. Canandaigua is one of the many reasons I can proudly say I❤️NY!

Nicole Freezer Rubens is the author of poetry/photo book, “The Long Pause and the Short Breath.” Follow her on https://www.instagram.com/nfrconsult/