My mother, sister and I are thinking of doing this (Brooklyn Botanical Gardens) mid-July. I'm wondering a couple of things. We are staying at the Grand Hyatt..what would be the best way to get there and is there a cute place we should stop along the way that is convenient and good. My mom is elderly. Could this be too hot of a thing for July? Thanks.

The fastest way to get there is by subway but on a hot day, the subway platforms are very steamy and subway generally requires climbing stairs. You might want to splurge for a taxi (~ $20) to get there. To get back, you'd probably need to order a car service since taxis don't cruise in Brooklyn the way they do in Manhattan.

Here's a list of places to eat nearby from their website.
http://www.heartofbrooklyn.org/visit..._and_bars.html

Have you considered the NY Botanical Gardens in the Bronx? You could take Metro North from Grand Central and it lets you off across the street from one of the entrances. And there would be a schedule for your return to the city. I love it there and am a member.

July can be very hot and humid, but the NYBG has a tram that you can hop on and off.

I posted a thread not too long ago about the outdoor Henry Moore exhibit that is currently there. Search 'Moore Exhibit at NYBG' and also look at www.nybg.org for a lot of info. You can look online and see what special things are going on the day of your visit. Also, you can have a simple lunch there.

Are there any nicer restaurants near the NY Botanic Gardens for lunch?

mclaurie - when I go to the NYBG, I go in the morning by car and then usually drive over (5 minutes) to Arthur Ave. for lunch and a little shopping. Even if they weren't with their elderly mom, I wouldn't suggest to anyone to walk to Arthur Ave. The food at the NYBG is upscale cafeteria - wraps, salads, etc. eaten on an outdoor patio surrounded by lovely greenery.

I like to go when they open and leave when it gets real crowded - that's my MO.