New York City is such a wonderful place to visit. Our son and daughter in law live on the west side and on our recent visit we told them we wanted to just enjoy the area where they lived and keep it low key. It ended up being the perfect visit.
We were able to walk from our hotel to their apartment very easily and the bonus is that they live so close to Central Park. I am a huge fan of Central Park and one of my bucket list items was to just explore a bit. They indulged us and we spent Sunday afternoon just walking in the park. It was the perfect day, perfect weather and perfect company. The trifecta.
Central Park is a beautiful space in the heart of the city and boasts being the first landscaped public park in the United States. Unfortunately the development of the park displaced over 1600 poor residents when the city exercised the power of eminent domain to acquire the initial 700 acres of land.
The park did not magically appear either. A design contest was held with the idea that the final design would have a pastoral feel to it with rolling meadows and thoroughly planned out paths and trails. In 1857, the Central Park Commission held the country’s first landscape design contest and selected the “Greensward Plan,” submitted by Frederick Law Olmsted, the park’s superintendent at the time, and Calvert Vaux, an English-born architect and former partner of the popular landscape gardener, Andrew Jackson Downing.
Central Park was built with the labors of 20,000 plus laborers and was a massive undertaking. The landscape was drastically changed and the park is a beautiful example of what can happen when people work together to create a place of beauty. I discovered a lot of information at the website CentralPark.org including a wonderfully detailed history. If you ever plan to visit it is a hugely helpful resource.
A favorite tourist picture spot.
Of course there are also plenty of beautiful buildings in the city and I was drawn to photographing some of those as well.
There is always something going on and we caught a few numbers at a free concert as we were walking around.
Beauty is everywhere. Whether it is green space in the park or flowers or architecture – all you have to do is open your eyes.
If you have been to New York City what was your favorite thing? If you haven’t visited have I tempted you a bit with this post? Leave me a comment. All comments this month mean a 50 cent donation to our Comments for a Cause – UMCOR Hurricane Florence Relief.
17 Comments
Leave a commentI won a trip to New York in 1987 and loved it. Central Park was one of my favourite spots and I can see why you like it so much.I found Strawberry Fields to be very emotional. I love the picture of the red door. So nice that you have a good reason to visit this remarkable city.
We are so happy to be able to visit such a great place and spend time with our family at the same time. The red doors were on a church—beautiful. Thanks for stopping by!
In my other life when I worked in advertising I was in New York about every 6 weeks and would often extend my stay over the weekend. I loved it. I always felt so good in New York. The energy! Central Park was always a favorite as was Time Square, like you and Mr Diamond I enjoyed walking and exploring. I never felt unsafe but maybe that is because I live in Chicago 😀 and I used common sense. I know those red doors and I like them back in the day and again now. Funny enough Cole has never been to New York but we are planning a weekend trip to hit a restaurant that is on his list in the near future. I’m looking forward to. Glad you had a nice visit with good company!
I love that you used to go to the city for work and extend your visit. So much to see and do and just an amazing place. Your trip with Cole will be amazing! I can’t wait to hear all about it.
I LOVE visiting NYC and believe it or not, neither times that I’ve been there have I gotten to visit and explore Central Park, so it’s definitely on my bucket list!
You would love it. But I think you need to take Nike to get the full experience. 🙂
“All you have to do is open your eyes…” to the beauty. This is so true whether in a rural or city setting.
I’ve been to New York once. While in college, to visit an aunt and uncle in New Jersey. My aunt took me into the city. I remember the street vendors, the men in three-piece suits walking in the Wall Street area and someone pushing a rack of clothing in the garment district. Oh, and all those tall buildings. It was nice to visit then, but I hold no desire to return.
Central Park is lovely as is the architecture you photographed.
I remember you talking about your trip to NYC. A few things have changed since then but I imagine a lot of your memories still would be the same if you visited today.
I loved Central Park when we were there a few years ago and would definitely love to visit during a greener month one day. Beautiful photos!
It is such a lovely place and we definitely did not see all of it. We will work our way through it on our next few visits.
It’s always an adventure visiting New York! I can’t really name a favorite because there is so much to see and so much to do, but the Empire State Building lit up at night as well as Times Square at night rank up there pretty high for me. Loved your photos!!
Thanks! Yes, there is certainly a ton to see. I don’t think I ever even blogged about the 9/11 Memorial –now THAT was something.
It sure was. I blogged about seeing it in the rain a couple of years ago. Tears fell as quickly as raindrops that day.
I have never been to New York but would love to. My husband has been there on business but I would love for us to go together. Your pictures are beautiful and just make we want to go that much more.
You need to put this on your bucket list and I hope you can make it happen. There is so much to do and see!
Forgive-this-comment-as-my-spacebar-broke.
Next-time-KATZ’S-Deli.
Best-pastrami-in-the-world.
Where-the-I’ll-have-what-she’s-having-scene-in-Harry-Met-Sally-took-place.
I am cracking up on your broken space bar!!!! I am sorry but it totally made me laugh!!!