New York Loves - Central Park

This weeks New York loves is all about Central Park. Its one of my favourite parts of the city and every visit I spend many hours walking and exploring this beautiful oasis of nature.

The park is 843 acres and started being built in 1858. Following the depression the park slowly began to decline and the flower beds and lawns eroded and decayed. The park over many years became the playground for illicit and often illegal activities and gained a reputation as a place to avoid after dark. Over the last 2 decades a number of task forces and committees have worked tirelessly to bring the park back to its former glory and become a safe haven for families, communities, tourists and new-yorkers to meet, play and enjoy.

I have many favourite spots in the Park... here are 5 of many!
The Boathouse ~ featured in many movies and synonymous in Sex & the City when Carrie & Big end up in the water, this beautiful eatery is the essence of summer dining in the Park. From early morning breakfast to weekend brunch through to sunset dining, the views across the boating lake are delightful. Nestled mid point in the park, the boathouse is adjacent to a number of gorgeous walking trails and landmarks.... perfect, even if just stopping for a coffee. More from my visit here.



Alice in Wonderland ~ this gorgeous bronze statue is a short walk from the Boathouse and sits just north from Conservatory water. Commissioned by philanthropist George Delacore and constructed by Jose de Creeft in 1959.
Alice stands eleven feet tall. The Mad Hatter is a caricature of George Delacore and Alice is modelled on de Creeft's daughter... more information here.

Belvedere Castle - Sited halfway into the park, this quaint little castle offers panoramic views of some of the parks legendary landmarks, from The Great Lawn to Turtle Pond  and The Ramble. This landmark started out as a Victorian Folly, but has over the years been used as a post for the National Weather service and recently as a Nature Observatory.( more from my visit here.)

Hans Christian Anderson -This stunning statue was opened to the park in 1956 to celebrate the authors 150th birthday. The statue is extremely popular in the summer months as each afternoon story telling takes place around his feet, where little children and big children alike can listen to  Andersen's well-known tales, such as The Little Mermaid, Thumbelina, The Little Match Girl and The Ugly Duckling being told. The statue in recent years has been dedicated to all the children that lost parents in the 9/11 attacks.





Gapstow Bridge - this is my favourite little bridge in the Park. It was built in 1874 and then replaced in the stone structure that you see today in 1896 and offers some of the best views of the new York City skyline from the park. It is one of my musts on every visit. .. just a short walk in from the Plaza entrance to the park it really is delightful. I have visited over many seasons, from spring to autumn and my favourite time in the city.... Christmas. The picture below demonstrates what a difference a day makes in the city... Christmas day 2010 (top) and Boxing day 2010 (top).

As you can see the Park offers so much for so many and its why its a must for any trip to the Big Apple. Here are other posts from previous visits, along with my previous New York Loves posts.Please let me know if you would like a particular topic covered in my NY loves posts, pop back next week when I will be sharing my London loves equivalent.

A walk in the park!

During my week in New York it was not without a little drama, some of it involving men in uniform!... ( alas no Navy boys but the NYFD and NYPD!) and a little brush with a news crew!
Early on the Wednesday morning I crossed across the park heading up towards the Upper West side. I was on route to Michaels & TJMaxx home store (great for craft and home bargains) The sun was shinning and it felt like an autumn day instead of a day early in December!

 As I strolled through the park, getting nearer to me exit it was evident that something was happening as there where a large number of police about. Many years ago Central Park had a reputation for
being a dangerous place to be, especially after dark and away from the tourist sites, ( and watching too many CSI New York and Law & Order!) Over the last 15 years it has become one of the most popular and safest places to be and I have never felt unsafe in all the times that I have spent walking through its many avenues and forests.
Due to the volume of yellow Police Do Not Cross tape which was about, I had inadvertently stumbled on a crime scene!

What amazed me was with all the police activity going on, people were still going about their daily habits, walking their dog, chatting in the children's playgroud, and laughing over a latte. As I exited on 103rd street I was approached by a reporter and camera crew from Eyewitness news. I was asked if I was a resident, what had I seen and did I feel safe. Apparently a domestic situation had arisen between a man and a women, the female had been stabbed in front of their son and the man then went on the run in the park!... Alas I didn't make the news, Here's  the clip from the evenings news! the man was captured, the female was transported to hospital with her son with minor injuries. Just a normal walk through the park!

Bouchon Bakery

During my recent trip to NY I had a number of "cake" related things to do and places to go. One of these included a visit to Bouchon Bakery part of the Thomas Keller group... World famous for his French Laundry restaurant in California. Bouchon has two sites in New York, a small take out bakery in Rockefeller Plaza and then a larger eatery on the 3rd floor of the Time Warner Plaza at Columbus Circle. Both sites are great locations and on both visits were a hive of activity.

At The Rockefeller plaza I grabbed a coffee & Danish to go which was melt in the mouth delicious. At the Time Warner I sat and enjoyed the view over Central Park sipping coffee and a nibbling on a couple of festive macarons.

I loved both venues, but think the little busy bakery at the Rockefeller was my favourite. If I worked in New York it would be a struggle not to be in there daily! This is must visit venue for foodie fans.
After my afternoon treat in Time Warner it was time to enjoy a stroll through the holiday market on
the corner of the park... It certainly felt that the holidays were coming!

On my return to London I raved so much about the bakery, Santa must have heard as it fell into my stocking at Christmas!... Now I can have Bouchon at home too.... Mmm

A Grandfathers tale...

this year I have fallen in love with a magical Christmas story...  The Winter Carousel by David Melling.

The story is of a young boy and his grandfather and their discovery of a magical carousel in Central park.

It has also been the inspiration for this years Tiffany's windows, a variation is seen in all their stores but I am loving the 5th avenue windows the most!...

 would love to see them for real but can't have a Christmas in New York 2 years running!... will settle for the Bond street sights and Tiffany's skating rink at somerset house (story is being read at the Skating rink on selected days) Tiffany haven't released this book to buy, its only available by web. (think they have missed an opportunity of creating a beautiful legacy to hand down over generations.. ) it is beautiful and available here to read and listen to.
Today would have been my Gramps's birthday and this story tugged my heartstrings on the mutual love, between the little boy & his grandfather and I could imagine sharing this story with my Gramps, because Central park really is the most magical place to be in the snow....

Wonderland in New York.....

Sited just round the corner from my hotel on West 73rd and Columbus Avenue was Alice's Tea Cup... I had heard about this place sometime ago, but had never managed to get there on previous visits. As you are all aware I do like afternoon tea, so some of my last afternoon was spent here.
After frantic packing, last minute shopping and eviction from hotel room, this place was ideal to sit and relax ...
The shop and tea room are incredibly quaint, and on a par with Serendipity for quirkiness. The tables are fashioned from old sewing tables, complete with moving foot rests and machine wheels on the side. The boxed tables are real "through the looking glass" moments filled with Alice's treasures.

With a treasure trove of teas to tempt you and a varied afternoon tea menu; The Nibble, The Mad Hater and The Jaberwocky are a few to choose from, I opted for The Nibble, Tea, Scone with Cream & Jam, Sandwich & Assorted Cookies.... just the thing to keep me going before my flight home!..There was so many choices of Scone and Sandwich but I settled on a Blueberry & White Chocolate Scone and
Black Forest Ham & Gruyere with homemade mayo on semolina, raisin & fennel bread.

Both were absolutely delicious... which of course tempted me to purchase the cook book!.. Don't expect to come here and have something traditional,as we all know Alice was anything but!
Earlier in the day my walk across the park led me to the beautiful bronze statue of Alice in Wonderland. Commissioned by philanthropist George Delacore and constructed by Jose de Creeft in 1959.

Alice stands eleven feet tall. The Mad Hatter is a caricature of George Delacore and Alice is modelled on de Creeft's daughter... more information here.

If you are a fan of Alice in Wonderland, then these are a must on a visit to New York!

Park Life....

As the weather has been so lovely in London and I took an evening stroll in St James Park last night I thought I would share my other favourite park!...Central Park, my rambles in the park are usually mid winter, and often with snow on the ground! so this time around it was lovely to stroll amongst the greenery.
Central Park is half a mile wide and four miles long filled with many hidden gems. Due to a fabulously located hotel, ( I was half a block walk from the park on the west side, entering at 72nd street) the park was easy
access. 72nd Street entrance leads you into the Strawberry Fields area, a memorial to John Lennon, ( its across the street from the Dakota Buildings,where JL resided and was killed) This is a quiet zone of the park and the Imagine mosaic is often covered with flowers left by fans.

Most mornings I would sit and eat my breakfast overlooking the lake near Bow Bridge. This is the prettiest of the bridges and was blooming with blue hydrangeas whilst I was there. Across the bridge and around the lake by "The Ramble" leads you to Belvedere Castle which sits on a rock overlooking Turtle Pond and the Great Lawn. This was built in 1869 as a lookout but know houses the NY Meteorological Society.

This is a lovely building and captures a real fairytale essence of the park.The short hike to the top is worth it as the view is lovely. Early morning in the park you see the regular dog walkers, joggers, cyclists gathering together for a coffee & chat, a real sense of community... later in the day it becomes a great meeting place after work,
an evening stroll across Sheep Meadow saw lots of flying frisbees and softballs!

Sheep Meadow is a large field, with the Midtown Skyline as its backdrop....I took great delight in picnicking under a tree one evening, people watching... whilst reading a book..... often distracted by shirtless fit
joggers!....

The park has also had many a starring role in films.. here are some of my favourites, and contrary to most NY police/csi dramas is very safe!... I hope that you have enjoyed my slice of the park... a calming oasis amongst a city that never sleeps....

Breakfast at the Boathouse

Day 3 in the City dawned bright and warm.... my itinerary for the day was "Sex in the City"! Day started with a walk through the park and breakfast at the Boathouse...today's walk took me past the Bow bridge which is one of the most romantic bridges and a favourite in lots of films.
The boathouse overlooks the Lake in the centre of the park and has been used for several films but most famous for where Carrie & Big meet for lunch and end up in the lake!. The boathouse is only open between April & November and is sited in the centre of the park near to 72nd street.
Breakfast was scrummy, I opted for french toast & blueberries, with coffee & juice. The boathouse is obviously a great meeting place for the ladies as several ladies & their dogs were meeting for coffee.

Refreshed and energised I headed back up the park past the Hans Christian Anderson statue which is delightful.... and dedicated to all the children who lost their parents in 9/11. As you can see the attention to detail on the statue is amazing.

Moving up in the park I came across the Wollman rink ( which is usually an ice rink) which was being set up with a children's fair. I then headed out of the park by 59th street across from the Plaza passing my favourite bridge, and the ducks and turtles sunbathing!.

Park, Shopping & Village....

Day 2 in New York...
as the day was a little overcast I decided that it was best spent shopping!... prior to my arrival I had found out that a Target store had opened up on East 117th street in East Harlem, sited near to a subway stop it was very easy to visit. (Prior to this the nearest was Brooklyn or out near Woodbury Common)... why Target because its fantastic for everyday bargains!....(Victoria & Kelly will know exactly what I'm talking about!). In order for me to get to the subway I had to walk across the park from the west 72nd to the east 72nd side... This walk took in Strawberry Fields, Bethesda Fountain and the Boathouse... as it was 7.30am the park was very quiet, serious joggers and lots of dog walkers!...

A short subway ride and I arrived at Target, which is also sited with an Old Navy & a Costco. Trolley was required ( basket was never going to be big enough!) I picked up some Converse's for my niece and myself, $14 for Libs size and $20 for me.. bargain!...I then got waylaid down the candy aisle... M&M's, Hersheys and Reece's were all on the list... 2 packs for $5... m&m pretzel flavour required! The homebake aisle was equally as distracting.... Betty Crocker, Pilsbury & Oreo mixes all very tempting, Peppermint chocolate pancake mix was added to basket!... after a few other bits and pieces i thought it was safer to head to checkout!.... I picked up a bus outside Target which tool me through Harlem across the top of the park and back towards my hotel... bags dropped off i headed out again, this time up Columbus to Michaels & TJMaxx.

Further bargains purchased here for nephew... and Martha Stewart goodies for me!.... After a leisurely lunch in Shake Shack (separate post required!) bags were deposited back at hotel and I headed back out down to the village...

my walk took in the Kate Spade,(loving the bicycle in the window) Crate & Barrel and Washington Square before stopping for coffee in Bleeker street... I also sought out a vintage book store specifically for Cook books! (separate post required !)... headed back to hotel for a foot massage and supper.

Blizzard on Boxing Day...

waking up to every TV channel reporting Blizzard notices!...snow would start at 12, getting heavier by 4pm  with Blizzard hitting NY by evening with 40mph winds. There weather men were spot on!
Morning for me was Pancakes for breakfast and then I jumped on the subway and headed down to the Village. Strolled around and then walked back up towards the hotel as snow was beginning to fall.

After stopping for a rest I headed back upto the Park to have fun in the snow.... check out the difference between Christmas day pics & Boxing day pics... what a difference a day makes.

After drying off and a long hot bath, it was time to head out again... this time to see the much acclaimed Merchant of Venice starring the legend that is Al Pacino. Unfortunately camera was left back in hotel... but a fantastic night ... an amazing actor with a fantastic cast.

Christmas Day in New York...

can it get anymore magical?...I didn't know what to expect as this was my first Christmas abroad, but I couldn't have picked a better place to be. On awaking I opened the parcel that my niece & nephew insisted I pack.. it contained a grey cashmere jumper & socks which obviously became the Christmas day attire and some $ to spend!. After a coffee & Christmas gingerbread cupcake I headed up towards the Rockefeller to attend Christmas mass at St Patricks cathedral. This is a first for me church on Christmas day, but St Patricks is a beautiful church and it felt the right thing to do in New York. I think it will be the first time that I have experienced 'security guards' managing the Q's and people for a church service. Even the Bishop had his own personal bodyguard!

After mass I walked up 5th avenue to Central Park. The park was very busy but the atmosphere was lovely everyone wishing each other a Merry Christmas, free hot chocolate was being given out at Wollman Rink where skating was very popular. I managed 20 minutes but spent half of that sitting on the ice!

Whilst walking through the park I saw 2 brides having their wedding photos taken which was lovely.

Times Square was next which was extremely busy as the majority of places were open. I picked up a half price ticket for a broadway show for Christmas day night. By now lunch was required, between Times Square and my hotel I found a lovely Bistro which was very Christmassy. Lunch was lovely... Stuffed chicken breast, pumpkin & potato mash & spinach... followed by Apple pudding with cinnamon icecream... mmmm.

In the evening after a much needed rest I headed back to broadway Times square for my Christmas night entertainment which was the Donny & Marie Christmas Show!!... fantastically kitsch and soo NY!.. pure fun... Loved it!

Happy Holidays!...