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Spring is in the (gritty New York) air!
- by aliciak
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- September 04, 2009
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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!
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!
Drinking it up at the New Leaf Cafe
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!
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!
Boat Basin Cafe
This Bryant Park chair has your name on it!
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.
The Pergola at the Conservatory Garden, Central Park
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.
Ahhh, all alone in Battery Park.
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!
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!
“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet.”
-William Shakespeare
Shakespeare Garden
968 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10021
If you are a bookworm like me, you will 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
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.
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.
Grab Your Gear
A spontaneous trip to any of the above locales on a spring day is an instant recipe for success, but if you’re planning a picnic, or at the very least, planning for some serious relaxing time, you’d best be prepared. There’s nothing like curling up with that novel only to find that you are starving, or arriving at your picnic destination only to find bare, grass-less ground.
This classy plaid picnic blanket from kitchenware-wonderland, Sur La Table, is water-repellent and measures up at a whopping 67" by 53".
Sur La Table
Okay, I am obsessed with kitchen stores, and convince myself that all items inside Sur La Table are absolutely necessary. The staff is very friendly, even if they try to up-sell me every time, and there’s always free coffee samples and espresso machine demos. At least I can say I’ve had espresso from a $1200 machine!
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 the 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.
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@Steve, yes the Strand is still there! They actually renovated and expanded a year or so back, so it isn’t as rough around the edges as it used to be.
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I love the picnic backpack thing….how handy!
.jpg "Vincente")
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wow, is the Strand still there? Great to see an independent iconic business like that pass the test of time. RIP CBGB’s (RIP Hilly)
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