If you find that you need a break from all the hustle and bustle of the city, but don’t have the time to actually leave the city, there’s a good chance that there’s a park nearby, and there’s an even better chance that it’s Central Park.

I was able to visit a few parks during my visit and they are all unique and beautiful.

Central Park is the biggest park in the city.  I didn’t even get to explore the entire park.  Here you can find something for everyone.  If it’s warm, and you have a chance, rent a bike and explore the park.  It’s by far the cheapest and easiest way to see the whole park without killing your feet and your wallet.  If you want to do something different, and special, take a horse drawn carriage ride.

There’s a carousel, sectioned off areas to play sports like beach volleyball, roller skate, and frisbee, a castle, boat rides, ice skating, and so much more.  My highlight was the John Lennon Memorial and Strawberry Fields.

Bryant Park used to be home to New York Fashion Week, but has since moved to other locations around the city. The park is still beautiful, even without the big white tents.  Here you can play bocci ball or bask in the sun.  There are tables and chairs scattered throughout the park so you can sit back and enjoy some Waffles and Dinges while watching a bocci ball tournament.  Feel like fine dining? There is Bryant Park Grill on the far end of the park that has a beautiful outdoor seating oasis.  Want to curl up with a good book and some coffee?  Check out a book from the New York Public Library, directly behind the park. In the winter, the park is transformed into a winter wonderland! Be sure to check out the free ice skating! Tip: The bathrooms are super clean, there is always an attendant both male and female on duty, as well as a security guard while the park is in normal operating hours.

Madison Square Park is located between 23rd Street and Madison Avenue.  There are beautiful pathways that meander through the park under Gingko Biloba trees.  The great thing is that there are always programs and events going on year round.  To check out more about the events happening, CLICK HERE.  Currently there is a beautiful art installation that you must see before it leaves in early 2016!

Battery Park is a 25-acre park located in Lower Manhattan.  This is the place you need to be at if you want to visit The Statue of Liberty, or take a ferry. Face one way and you will have a beautiful view of the Hudson River, face the other and you will get a view of the tallest building in New York, The One World Trade Center Building.  There seems to be a lot of contraction currently taking place, and hopefully it will be done soon. To find out more about this park CLICK HERE. I don’t know how I missed it but, you can also find this awesome carousel here.  http://seaglasscarousel.nyc

Everywhere you go, there is some kind of small park located here.  What blows my mind is that each is very well maintained, and you can find a park attendant roaming around. Just look for the people in the army green color ranger looking uniform.  I hate to say it, but their parks are taken care of so much better than the parks here in Hawaii! How can that be!? We pride ourselves in being a natural state, our playgrounds and bathrooms are in disrepair and well I’m not going to get into it, but good job New York on keeping your bathrooms clean and parks beautiful!

XO
Thay