The five boroughs are filled with beautiful parks & public spaces, from Pelham Bay to Prospect Park to Central Park. Someday, I would love to try and visit them all. My favorite is Bryant Park which shares the block with the New York Public library mid-Manhattan branch. The location is perfect; it’s runs between 40th and 42nd Street and 6th to 5th Avenue. It’s in midtown Manhattan, and on the border of the east and west side. It’s within walking distance to Grand Central Station, Port Authority and close to multiple subway stations. It’s surrounded by great architecture, a Whole Foods cafe, other eateries, two Chipotles and Kinokuniya bookstore and maid cafe (one of my favorite places to visit).
All year long, there are different events and activities to keep you busy. There are daily activities to partake in such as the Chess & Backgammon tables, the Games area, Ping Pong tables, the Reading Room, Putting (mini golf) & Kubb (Scandinavian lawn bowling) green, and the Le Carrousel. There are also classes like juggling, exercise boot camps, yoga and fencing. When the lawn isn’t being renovated, you are free to bring a blanket and lay about.
In the winter, the area is converted into the Bank of America Winter Village & Holiday Shops. Part of the grassy field is turned into a skating rink and the surrounding area is occupied by retail and food booths selling holiday items. It’s a great alternative to the Rockefeller Center skating rink, which can get pretty crowded. In the past, opening night and the Tree Lighting Skate-tacular have been hosted by Olympic figure skaters like Johnny Weir with performances by Olympic gold medalists Meryl Davis & Charlie White. Visitors were able to enjoy selfies at an igloo, free winter gloves, and live music. Even if you don’t go skating, pull up a chair and enjoy a cup of melted hot chocolate.
In the summer, they break out their huge screen for their summer HBO Film Festival. Stop by for a free bag of popcorn and your favorite movie. There is also the Bryant Park Picnic Series including the New York City Opera and The Drilling Company’s Shakespeare plays, Trivia Tuesdays, and salsa dancing. Throughout the year, there are other fun events such as the Tartan Day Pipes and Drums, and the upcoming Scooper Bowl New York, an all-you-can-eat ice cream festival. The proceeds will benefit the Jimmy Fund, which focuses on cancer care and research. If you get hungry, there’s the Southwest Porch, Bryant Park Grill & Cafe, and booths such as Wafles & Dinges, Joe Coffee, Le Pain Quotidien and Breads Bakery.
How to get there: Bryant Park is in walking distance to most of the subway trains including the 7, D, F and M train stops at the park.
Cost: Most events at Bryant Park are free to attend with a few exceptions. The Scooper Bowl is $20 with the proceeds going to the Jimmy Fund. Skating at the Winter Village is free, but skate rentals are $20.
Interesting fact: The Le Carrousel was designed to match the Park’s French classical style.
Whatever you choose to do here, take a moment to use one of the cellphone charging stations, pull up a chair, and enjoy the architecture, monuments and horticulture that surrounds the Bryant Park. What’s your favorite thing to see at Bryant Park?
