Vanderbilt Estate Long Island

Centerport, NY

Admission Fee (some libraries offer free passes), free parking lot

Optimum Seasons:  Spring, Summer, Fall

www.vanderbiltmuseum.org/mansion

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I had been here once on a field trip in elementary school.  I decided to revisit nearly 25 years later with my child, mom, sister and aunt so I can have a better sense of what teachers were trying to make us appreciate. As an adult, you appreciate the architecture behind this Spanish-style mansion more than you could as a young child.  And you are much more interested in the stories that comes with the different rooms in the mansion!  Every inch and detail is fascinating!

For acquiring free passes, contact your local library.  For Great Neck residents, click here www.greatnecklibrary.org.

Kill a few birds with one stone:  If you are here during the summer, you can visit Asharoken Beach and the town of Northport afterwards (just a ten minute drive away).  

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Old Westbury Gardens

Old Westbury, NY

Admission Fee (some libraries offer free passes), Parking Lot

Optimum Seasons:  Spring, Summer, Fall

www.oldwestburygardens.org

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"The magnificent Charles II-style mansion is nestled amid 200 acres of formal gardens, landscaped grounds, woodlands, ponds and lakes."  I went here with family during the spring, and was floored by the grandeur of this property.  If I win the lotto one day, I am bringing my builder and landscape architect to this property.  It felt as though someone dropped me in the middle of 19th century aristocratic Europe.  Lots of films have been shot at this property as well.  For more information, visit their website.  I loved the lily pond, the driveway entrance into the property with the canopy affect of the trees, the garden, and the outside of the mansion.  I understand that Halloween is another great time to visit Old Westbury Gardens when they hold their annual "Rise of the Jack O'Lanterns", which features the work of dozens of local artists and sculptors in a unique walk-through experience that's suitable for visitors of all ages."

For acquiring free passes, contact your local library.  For Great Neck residents, click here www.greatnecklibrary.org.

You can also check www.groupon.com for deals before you go.  

Kill a few birds with one stone:  Drive over to Old Country Road and get some shopping done! Also, newly renovated Roosevelt Field Mall is nearby!

For a list of other mansions and gardens, click here.

Click on the gallery (best viewed on a desktop for captions) and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  Follow me on instagram and facebook for live adventures. And share with you friends if you appreciate this page.

 

NY Botanical Garden

Bronx, NY

Admission fee, parking lot fee

Free grounds access on Wednesdays; does not include entry to the Enid A Haupt Conservatory, special exhibitions like the Orchid Show and Holiday Train Show, Everett Children's Adventure Garden, Rock and Native Plant Gardens or Tram Tour (visit neighboring Bronx Zoo which is also free on Wednesdays)

Free on Saturdays b/w 9am and 10am (double check before you go)

Optimum Seasons:  Spring, Summer, Fall

www.nybg.org

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I went here in the very beginning of spring, when only a few trees were in bloom.  But the Orchid Show only goes on for so long, and that was the main draw the month I went.  Admission costs more than it otherwise would have because of this spectacular display in the greenhouse!  I wish I had gone at night to see the flowers illuminated during Orchid Nights!  It is the perfect spot for a romantic date or a proposal! The outer grounds were also beautiful but unfortunately, there was not enough to see just yet.  Had I gone early May, the garden would have been at its peak!

There are activities here throughout the cold season as well!  From December 31-January 22, there is an "All Aboard with Thomas & Friends" show as well as the "Holiday Train Show" that are great activities with the children.  More information is included on their website.  

Always check www.groupon.com for deals before you go.  

For a list of other gardens, click here.

Click on the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), the videos below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page!