Yesterday was such a beautiful sunny day, it got me really excited for the Spring and Summer ahead. All this rainy weather had made me forget how many fun things there are to do in the area. So I thought I would share some of my favorites over the next few days.

One great tour I went on last year was of Bannerman’s Island. Located on the Hudson River, the island is actually called Pollepel Island. It is referred to as Bannerman’s because ammunitions dealer, David Bannerman built a storage facility on the island. The building looked more like a castle, which became known as Bannerman’s Island because he painted the name on its side as a form of advertising for all those sailing by. The castle, now in serious need of repair, and its grounds are an amazing site. A tour to the island includes a boat ride from Cold Spring, New York, which is a quaint town and a great place to enjoy lunch.

Vacations are for sleeping late. But when you can do something as cool as ride in a hot air balloon, I am willing to bend the rules. Last week while my husband and I were in Napa, we went on a ride with Balloons above the Valley. With a meeting time of 6:15, I wasn’t too happy when the alarm went off, but it was all worth it about an hour later when I got to see this amazing view. This company actual has baskets that hold 12-24 people. We were in one with 22 others plus the pilot. The weather was very cool, but the combination of the heat from the propane and the excitement of literally flying over the Napa Valley, it wasn’t too bad. There were plenty of other balloons out that morning, which made the view even more beautiful.

Spring is on its way. So head to the New York Botanical Gardens annual Orchid Show when it opens this Saturday, March 5. The theme is “On Broadway” and if it is as wonderful as it has been in the past, it is a must see event.

image from New York Architecture Images

Tour the Flatiron district, then relax with a massage.

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/guide/a-guide-to-nycs-flatiron-district/

A meal at Tipsy Parson is just as cozy as your home, but the food is better!

I know it is hard to get out of bed when it is freezing outside, but if you are going to do something fun, it should be a little easier, right? Why not check out Chelsea and the High Line (and have some great food also). Here is a great itinerary for today. Come on, get out a little bit, and then go back home and be a lazy bum.

Enjoy some great food, a free show and some amazing artwork all in the Columbus Circle area this weekend. For my detailed itinerary head to cbslocal.com

It has been a busy few days, amazing how not going to work can make your life even busier than when you are there. So I haven’t had much time for blogging, but I have been writing.

Find out where to get the best accessories for your holiday weekend and for New Years Eve outfit.

What to do this weekend in NYC (there is even a lot to do tomorrow on Christmas Day!)

This weekend explore the Lower East Side. In my weekly CBS local column, learn how you can spend the day enjoying this great NYC neighborhood.

The Intrepid is a fun museum for the whole family.

Every Thursday check out my new weekly column on cbslocal.com. I will be featuring a “day in the city” plan. Whether you have lived in the city for years, or coming for the first time, it can be hard to figure out what exactly to do. Each week I help you narrow it down! If you have any favorites or need help planning a day around an activity, let me know.

Check out my first column here.

Just because it is cold out doesn’t mean your dating life has to stop. Check out my article on 1010wins.com for some great winter dating ideas in NYC.