Macy’s 2018 Flower Show

Macy's Flower Show
Macy’s Flower Show

I can’t believe I’ve been a Macy’s department store customer for years and didn’t realize they had an annual flower show exhibit. It’s amazing the things you discover later in life. Apparently, it’s been happening for 72 years now. The first show was held way back in 1946. Pots of plants were displayed around the store to promote their cosmetic fragrances. Over the years, the displays have gotten more and more extravagant. This year’s theme is “Once Upon a Springtime” blending floral enchantment with a fairy tale theme.  It is held at their three flagship stores in San Francisco at Union Square, Chicago on North State Street and New York City at Herald Square.

Lillypad under the bridge

The designs and arrangements are done by the same creative team that manages and coordinates the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular. Their plans include picking varying types of colorful species of plants and flower, handling the different temperature requirements, watering them after hours and ensuring that they all bloom at the same time. Their hard work pays off; the whole store looks and smells amazing. I would suggest downloading and reading the free storybook “Once Upon A Springtime” before viewing the display. You’ll be able to spot the different characters from the book including Sir Dillon the knight, Dagny the dragon and Princess Spring.

There are events happening throughout the 2 weeks the exhibit is on display. The exhibit last until April 8. Catch it before it’s gone.

The Traveler's Wagon
Bart’s traveling wagon
Sir Dillon the knight
Sir Dillon the knight
Scented potions
Scented potions
Fairy Godmother's cottage in the woods
Fairy Godmother’s cottage in the woods
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The Columbus Circle Globe

Steel Globe at Columbus Circle
Steel Globe outside of Trump Hotel and Tower at Columbus Circle

I’ve been to Columbus Circle in midtown New York many times before, but I’ve never stopped to look at the different sculptures and monuments. As I was coming out of the subway stop, I noticed a steel globe high above me. It was a lovely sight to see and I wondered how it came to be.

The globe sculpture, on 59th and Columbus Circle, is situated next to Trump International Hotel & Tower. It is a smaller version that was made in homage of the Unisphere. The Unisphere was designed by Gilmore David Clarke and commissioned for the 1964 New York World’s Fair. It celebrated both the “beginning of the space age” and “peace through understanding”. It weights about 400 tons including the base, measures 120 feet in diameter and is 140 feet high. It is a grand display of the country’s industrial accomplishments hence the use of stainless steel. The complex and delicate design required new wind tests created at the University of Maryland and high speed computers to ensure that the structure could hold up to wind, rain and its own heavy weight.

Unisphere globe structure in March 2018 – Flushing-Meadow Corona Park

The structure was created to be a permanent symbol in New York for future generations to enjoy. Like many structures in New York (such as bridges tunnels, etc), it eventually fell into disrepair. There was a 15 year, $80M project to bring the Unisphere back to it’s former glory and revitalize the surrounding park. After taking in the structures colossal size, you can visit the New York Hall of Science, the Tennis Center, the Natatorium Ice Rink, and other attractions in the area including the New York State Theater Observation Towers aka alien space ships. Just kidding… I would say wait until the weather is warmer and the fountains around the globe are turned on. Have you visited the Unisphere or an old World’s Fair building or structure recently? Comment below…

“Video detailing the complex issues and solutions when they created the first massive, open structure constructed of stainless steel.”

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