Rams in the Botans

When most people think of Fordham, they think of a top university located in a major city. But did you know that just outside Fordham’s Rose Hill campus lies a beautiful oasis of trees and flowers? The New York Botanical Gardens, or "Botans" is a 240-acre observatory filled with flowers, exhibits, and a library. The Garden is open year round, and there is always something new going on. In the spring and summer, visitors can experience the lovely rose garden, and the various types of flowers and plants that grow in the area. In the late fall and in the winter, the Botanical Gardens is the perfect spot for a walk in the fresh, crisp air.

The "Botans" or Botanical Gardens, is right across from the Rose Hill campus

I couldn't believe that these flowers were real!

The Botanical Gardens is a wonderful place for Fordham students to visit. Admission to the Garden is free for all Fordham students, and getting there is easy! The Botanical Gardens is directly across the street from Fordham’s Rose Hill campus, which makes it very accessible to all students. My roommate and I love to visit the Botanical Gardens in order to relax, and to experience the nature that exists right in New York City.

The Rose Garden looked like a picture from a classy gardening catalog 

Fordham has an amazing location because New York City is filled with opportunities for jobs, fun, and adventure. With the city surrounding Fordham’s campuses, and an oasis of nature directly across the street, Fordham truly has the best of both worlds.

From My Hometown to NYC

From My Hometown to NYC

The holiday season is without a doubt most everyone's favorite time of the year. During this special season, there really is no place better than NYC. The craziness of the streets and stores and mounting anticipation creates a unique energy that is rarely found anywhere else. One of my favorite spots in the city to visit during this season is Rockefeller Center. Rockefeller Center is one of New York City's most popular holiday attractions and is home to an ice rink and most importantly, the Rockefeller Christmas Tree. This morning, the tree that is going to be moved to Rockefeller Center is being cut down right down the street from my house in Shelton, CT.

The tree getting cut down this morning! 

The Christmas Tree in Rockefeller Center is usually a Norway Spruce and its minimum height must be 65 feet tall and 35 feet wide. Since these trees don't usually grow to these heights in forests, it usually needs to be taken from someones backyard. There is no compensation if your tree is chosen, but there is a great sense of pride that your tree will be one of the most popular objects in NYC. 

Over five miles of lights and a star are used to illuminate the tree. This year, the tree will be put up in mid-November, illuminated on December 4th and taken down on January 7th at 11 p.m. The 81st annual tree lighting will take place on December 4th from 7-9p.m. Although the event is televised, there is nothing quite like going there and seeing it live! There are a variety of performances and ice skaters perform on the Rockefeller Ice Rink. If you miss the lighting simply go for a visit! The tree is illuminated from 5:30am-11:30pm daily. On Christmas it is illuminated for 24 hours and for New Years Eve the lights are turned off at 9 p.m. 

Rockefeller Center is located in the center of the complex of buildings between 47th and 50th Streets and 5th and 7th Avenues. The closest subways are the B/D/F/M to 47-50 Sts/Rockefeller Center or the 6 to 51st/Lexington.