Category: Fitness & Health

Spring is in the (gritty New York) air!

By aliciak
updated 3 months ago

New Yorkers are renowned for breaking out the light jackets and plopping down at the nearest sidewalk cafe as soon as the thermometer hits 55 degrees, myself included. We have finally woken up from the cold, harsh winter to the few short weeks of spring before the humidity sets in. It is time to take advantage of outdoor relaxing, whether that means picnicking in the park or settling down with a book in a flower-filled sanctuary.

Park Yourself!

New York can be a claustrophobic city, and many of us don’t have a backyard to call our own, but that is where parks come in! Even if you aren’t in the picnic or barbecuing mood (and all the lugging of stuff involved with those!), many of Manhattan’s parks have gourmet dining and drinking options. If it’s simple repose you are in need of, there are ubiquitous shady spots and ample grass space. Weekend booked solid? Maybe it’s time to take one of those “mental health” days.

15 Madison Square Park North

21 E 26th St, New York, NY 10010

A few years back, Danny Meyer’s Shake Shack took Manhattan by storm, bringing frozen custard, burgers, and fries to a park surrounded by imposing skyscrapers. The lines have been forming ever since. Now with the technologically-advanced ShakeWands, buzzers that tell you when your order is ready, you can freely wander around while you wait.

If you don’t happen to work in the area, take a peak at Manhattan’s first coin-operated public restrooms. It’s about time, Mayor Bloomberg!

New Leaf Cafe

Fort Tryon Park, New York, NY 10001

The New Leaf Cafe is one of those hidden gems of the city that makes me grateful I live in a place full of surprises just waiting to be discovered. However, this American fare venue is not as hidden as I previously thought—make a reservation!

Bryant Park

11 West 42nd Street New York, NY 10036

“42nd Street” makes me think of a Broadway show or congested Times Square, but it is also home to serene Bryant Park. Peel yourself away from the free wireless, and instead, take advantage of the rows of tulips, snack kiosks, and the many seasonal events.

One of my favorite memories from Bryant Park is taking some kids to the mini carousel, like those you see all over Europe. They did not believe that I would actually be riding with them, but there is no age limit and I refuse to grow up.

Floral Options

Manhattan is the only borough of the five to lack an official botanical garden; the New York Botanical Garden (my wonderful, former employer!) is way up in the Bronx, a trek well-worth it, mind you.

There are smaller offerings scattered about that are perfect for some solo-reading or contemplation, however. And really, when you just need some time away from that cramped apartment or “cozy” cubicle, a simple acre or two will do.

Conservatory Garden

5th Avenue and 105th Street New York, NY 10029

Sheeps Meadow in Central Park is the desirable grassy area, but desirable=crowded in my experience! The Conservatory Garden is less-visited, probably due to its Northern location close to Harlem. Designed with three landscape styles in mind-French, English, and Italian-I have rarely come across more than a handful of people at a time here, and they are always quiet types.

Battery Park

1 New York Plaza, Manhattan, NY 10004

For whatever reason, every time I come to Battery Park, it looks like the picture above: deserted. Visitors tend to hang around the ferries, and the gardens are partially hidden unless you meander your way down nondescript paths. In my book, that is a definite plus!

Shakespeare Garden

968 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10021

If you are a bookworm like me, you fill find the Shakespeare Garden enchanting: only plants mentioned in his literary works are found here; bonus points if you can whip out some specific quotes if you happen to be wooing someone. Otherwise, get your sonnet-reading on in peace!

Nearby is one of my other favorite Central Park locations: the Belvedere Castle. Climb the few stories and there are a few look-outs and photo opportunities.

General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church

175 9th Avenue, New York, NY 10011

A seminary smack-dab in the middle of Chelsea is not the turf of the average New Yorker, but it is one of the more secluded gardens in Manhattan and one of those places unknown by so many that you can impress friends with your insider knowledge.

Once you leave an ID at the desk, enter into the block-long, weeping willow-filled courtyard and take a seat in an Adirondack chair. The seminary itself is over 180 years old, so the Gothic architecture alone is reason enough to visit any time of year.

Strand Books

Behind on the latest novels? With its 18 miles of books, the Strand should be able to provide you with some new, but discounted material. Maybe while you’re at it, you will “accidentally” bump into one of the cute staff members and strike up some literary conversation. Future park partner???

I’ve got to be in right book-hunting mood to take on the Strand, because rarely do I find what I’m looking for. Its much more about browsing and finding surprises, and climbing up on the tall rickety ladders before one of those cute staff members I mentioned comes to your rescue.

We carry more on our backs than most folks outside NYC, so this bicycle picnic set is the ultimate backpack for your edibles and utensils. One side even keeps your goodies at the proper temperature. No more wooden picnic baskets that may look cute and traditional, but turn out to be too awkward on the subway.

I think I may need to upgrade from my NorthFace to this pimped-out backpack so that my tupperwares of egg salad and green beans don’t explode this year.