Our Trip to the New York Botanical Garden Train Show

The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) is one of those classic winter experiences in New York City. We recently made the trip to the Bronx to see it before the season ended, and while there were some highlights, it’s probably not something we’ll repeat. Still, it was a memorable outing, and I’ve got plenty of tips to share if you’re planning a visit.

The Exhibit: What to Expect

The Holiday Train Show showcases model trains running through miniature scenes of New York landmarks, crafted from natural materials. The attention to detail in the scenes is incredible, but it’s definitely more appealing to adults and older kids who can appreciate the craftsmanship. If you’ve got younger children, like we do, you might find they’re less engaged—especially since they can’t play with the trains.

For us, the highlight wasn’t the trains but the gardens themselves. The rainforest section was a particular favorite. It felt like an escape to a tropical paradise, especially on a dreary winter day. Be sure to check out the elevated platform—climbing up the stairs gives you a treehouse-like view that’s worth the effort. The desert area, with its impressive cacti, and the carnivorous plants exhibit were also big hits with our kids.

Planning Your Visit: Practical Tips

Delicious salad for lunch!

1. Strollers Are Not Allowed in the Exhibit. If you’re visiting with little ones, keep in mind that strollers are not permitted inside the train show exhibit. There’s a monitored stroller parking area available, but you’ll want to bring your stroller for the rest of your visit. The walk from the parking lot to the exhibit is fairly long, so plan accordingly.

2. Parking. As of January 2025, the NYBG parking garage is closed to day parkers. Fortunately, there’s a secure parking lot onsite with plenty of spots. Alternatively, if you’re coming from Manhattan or other parts of the city, Metro-North is an excellent option. The Botanical Garden station is directly across the street from the entrance, making it super convenient.

3. Dining Options. The on-site restaurant offers a children’s menu and both indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor area is enclosed and heated, so it’s comfortable even in chilly weather. We found the food to be surprisingly good, with options that satisfied both adults and kids.

4. Customer Service. One of the challenges we faced was getting information ahead of time. The NYBG’s phone lines were almost impossible to reach, and we ended up doing a dry run the day before to figure things out. If you’re planning a visit, don’t hesitate to ask for help from staff on-site—they were much more accessible in person than over the phone.

Final Thoughts

While we’re glad we experienced the Holiday Train Show, it’s not likely to become an annual tradition for our family. The gardens themselves, however, are a different story. They offer a peaceful escape and plenty of educational opportunities for kids and adults alike. If you go, keep these tips in mind to make the most of your trip.

Have you been to the Holiday Train Show at NYBG? I’d love to hear your thoughts or any tips you might have for future visitors. Share your experiences in the comments below!

The Bow Bridge… in the Bronx!

Our First Family Ski Trip: Food in New Hampshire

Our recent travels took us to the snowy slopes and cozy dining spots of New Hampshire, and we found some real culinary gems along the way. Here’s a breakdown of our what we ate—perfect for families!

Gunstock Ski Mountain

The Barrel Bar & Grille This spot is a hit with skiers and snowboarders, so plan ahead. If you’re hoping to grab a table at 11 a.m. when they open, aim to line up by 10:50. By 11:15, the wait can stretch to 30-45 minutes!

We started with the spinach and artichoke dip, served warm with tortilla chips. It was the perfect appetizer for a chilly day—delicious and comforting. We also ordered the pretzel, which was impressively large. Though a bit salty for my taste, the excess salt was easy to brush off.

For our main dish, my husband and I split the chili. It was hearty and packed with meat—perfect for sharing since we had dinner plans elsewhere (stay tuned for that review!). Our younger son loved the pizza from the kids’ menu, giving it high marks for cheesiness, his top criterion for great pizza.

To drink, my husband enjoyed a beer while I opted for an espresso martini. We also tried the seasonal sangria, which was sweet and refreshing.

Other Food at Gunstock Don’t miss the Waffle House! Their $7 waffle was hot, crispy, and caramelized with sugar—a life-changing experience. The cafeteria is a reliable option too; the chocolate croissant and breakfast sandwich were both tasty. In the historic lodge, two bars provide a perfect spot to unwind—a White Claw in the afternoon was just what I needed.

Our older son, who dined during ski school, gave the mac and cheese a “good but not great” rating. He’s got high standards, though!

Overall, the food at Gunstock was solid. It’s not gourmet, but it’s convenient, satisfying, and fairly priced.

Woodstock Inn

We ventured to the Woodstock Inn for a scenic drive (and a nap opportunity for the kids). This massive restaurant rarely has long waits, even during peak season, and offers plenty to look at.

The kids stuck with their favorite—pizza—and gave it two enthusiastic thumbs up. My husband and I shared the blackened fish sandwich and the chicken salad sandwich. Portions here are enormous, and the food was even better than what we had at Gunstock. It made for a fun and tasty outing!

Canoe

The Canoe Chips and a martini!

Our favorite dining experience was at Canoe in Center Harbor. Reservations are recommended, but the large bar with high-top tables is a great alternative.

We adored the appetizers—the Canoe chips (stacked high with melted blue cheese, scallions, and bacon) were incredible, and the calamari was equally delicious. The lobster macaroni and cheese is a must-try, with a massive portion size that’s perfect for sharing. We also enjoyed a wedge salad to add some greens to the mix.

The kids’ meals came with Oreos for dessert, which they loved. They had chicken fingers and had plenty of leftovers to take home.

Canoe’s cocktails are generous, and they also offer a robust non-alcoholic menu. Our older son enjoyed a mocktail while I savored their martini with blue cheese olives.

Vida by the Lake

Our culinary adventure wouldn’t be complete without Mexican food, and Vida by the Lake delivered. The menu is extensive, the guacamole fresh, and the margaritas delightful. Portions were huge—we enjoyed the enchiladas, while our older son tried the taco combo, and our younger son devoured a quesadilla. This spot is definitely worth a return visit!

Final Thoughts

New Hampshire offered us more than just breathtaking views and snowy slopes; it provided a variety of dining experiences that catered to our whole family. From casual ski lodge bites to refined dinners, there’s something for everyone. If you’re planning a trip, be sure to check out these spots for a satisfying culinary journey.

Also not to be missed - the NH Liquor Outlets! We were able to purchase wine at a discount and had a delightful experience in the shop!

And for a snack for the drive… we went to a Buffalo Wild Wings. They also have great options for kids, many locations, and we had a good experience. I think the Bloody Mary is a bit spicy. We would recommend it!

Bon appétit and happy travels from Beyond the Bow Bridge!

Our First Family Ski Trip: A Low-Stress and Fun Adventure

As a family that loves to explore new experiences, we recently embarked on our first-ever ski trip! While my husband is an experienced skier, I am not, and our two sons, ages 3.5 and 7, had never been on skis before. We chose Gunstock Mountain in New Hampshire as our destination, and it turned out to be the perfect introduction to skiing for our family.

Why Gunstock Mountain?

Gunstock isn’t the fanciest ski destination, but it’s incredibly family-friendly and welcoming. From the moment we arrived, I appreciated the laid-back atmosphere. There was no sense of snobbery or impatience with beginners, which helped calm my nerves. The staff were kind and accommodating, and the operation felt well-organized and efficient.

One of my biggest concerns as a non-skier was accidentally breaking some kind of ski etiquette. Thankfully, I never felt out of place—even in my snow boots as I roamed around taking photos! Gunstock’s approachability made it easy for us to relax and focus on enjoying our trip.

It was also much more affordable compared to some of the high-end resorts out west, where private lessons can run as high as $1,500 per day. Gunstock’s affordability, combined with its warm and welcoming vibe, made it an ideal choice for our novice family.

The Week Between Christmas and New Year’s

We visited during the busy holiday week, which can often feel overwhelming at ski resorts. At Gunstock, while it was bustling, it wasn’t chaotic. The atmosphere remained family-friendly and manageable, even for us first-timers.

Gear and Rentals

Before our trip, we purchased some essentials for the kids: helmets, goggles, ski mittens, and neck gaiters (they already had snow suits). For skis and boots, we opted to rent instead of buying—a practical choice since we weren’t sure how much they’d enjoy skiing.

Ski School and Lessons

Gunstock offers a ski school from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM for kids ages 4 and up. The program accommodates all skill levels, from complete beginners to intermediate skiers. I appreciated how they grouped children by ability, ensuring that our 7-year-old didn’t feel out of place. He started with a half-day lesson the first day and progressed to a full day on the second.

Our 3.5-year-old was too young for ski school but had a private lesson and skied with my husband. We followed a 2:1 "lodge-to-ski" ratio, which worked perfectly for his age and energy level.

For the Non-Skier

While my husband and kids hit the slopes, I enjoyed a relaxing day in the lodge. Gunstock has a cozy food court and two bars, as well as a restaurant and bar that opens at 11:00 AM. I claimed a table, read a book, did some online shopping, and met the family for lunch. It was a surprisingly peaceful way to spend the day.

Next time, I’ll bring some snacks for the kids (trail mix, Gatorade, etc.) to keep them energized on the slopes.

Other Features

• Tubing Hill: We didn’t try it this time, but it’s on our list for our next trip.

• Snowmaking: Gunstock’s snowmaking capabilities are a big plus during seasons when natural snow might be unreliable.

• Nearby Attractions: We also visited Funspot, an indoor arcade near Gunstock, which was a big hit with the kids.

Travel and Accommodation

We drove from NYC to Gunstock, which was easy and convenient. Alternatively, I’d recommend flying into Gunstock. Having a car in the area was helpful for grocery runs and other errands. While we stayed at my in-laws’ house 45 minutes away, there are plenty of rental options nearby.

Final Thoughts

Gunstock Mountain might not offer the luxurious amenities of a high-end ski resort—no spa here—but it was the perfect, low-stress introduction to skiing for our family. We left with great memories and are already looking forward to our next visit.

Packing/Shopping List

• Snow Gear: Coat, snow pants, ski mittens, neck gaiter

• Base Layers: To wear under ski gear

• Ski Socks

• Skis, Boots, Helmet, Goggles (rent if needed)

• Snacks: Trail mix, Gatorade, etc.

• Entertainment for Younger Kids: iPad with headphones for lodge time

Gunstock made our first ski trip an incredible experience. If you’re looking for a welcoming, budget-friendly spot to introduce your family to skiing, I can’t recommend it enough!