Thank you to Rachel Brown @Rachelphotoblog (Twitter) who wrote this blog for us after her visit to NYC and Central Park last fall. Rachel is a travel and lifestyle photo blogger who lives in Australia.
THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO CENTRAL PARK~NEW YORK
It's easy to forget that you are in a crowded city while walking through this spectacular park!
The original plan for the City of New York, laid out by the City Commissioners in 1811 did not include the park. As the city grew rapidly in size, New Yorkers needed a place to get a breath of fresh air, and Central Park, with its 843 acres of meadows, lawns, ponds, lakes and more, was the solution. Today it's one of the best-known parks in the world and is enjoyed by millions-both locals and tourists alike.
I spent hours just wandering around when I was in New York last year and I had no idea how much I actually missed out on seeing. So, I've suggested two different 2-hour walks so you can experience most of the park.
If you want to find out what out whatis happening in Central Park or book a tour (walking, carriage, pedicab or bike) just check out this website, centralpark.com.
CENTRAL PARK LOWER SECTION
I think it's best to start your walk from the southwest corner of 59th St. and 5th Ave by the Pulitzer Fountain. It's easy to find the spot because the statue is located directly in front of the Plaza Hotel’s main entrance and if you follow the pathways you will end up at 72nd St. and Central Park West.
My suggestion is to do the southern half of the park, wandering the winding pedestrian paths, passing a pond, rocky outcrops, bridges, open fields and skyline views.
You can also include a stop in Strawberry Fields, a tribute to John Lennon, and ends in front of the Dakota Apartment building, where the great Beatles’ life was taken.
LOWER SECTION SELF GUIDED WALK INCLUDES:
Grand Army Plaza, The Plaza Hotel, Central Park Zoo, The Pond, The Dairy, The Mall & Literary Walk, Bethesda Terrace & Fountain, Sheep Meadow,Strawberry Fields, The Dakota Apartments
CENTRAL PARK MIDDLE SECTION
My second self-guided walk focuses on the middle of Central Park, starting in front of the beautiful American Museum of Natural History. You even get to see the pond where Stuart Little raced his sailboat in the children's movie! Don’t forget to bring along your camera, as there are so many awesome photo opportunities in this park.
You can start walking from the park entrance directly across the street from the American Museum of Natural History at the intersection of Central Park West and 79th Street, and if you don't get sidetracked, you will end up at Bethesda Terrace, on the 72nd Street Traverse through Central Park.
MIDDLE SECTION SELF GUIDED WALK INCLUDES:
American Museum of Natural History, Swedish Cottage, Shakespeare Garden, Belvedere Castle, Turtle Pond, The Delacorte Theatre (Shakespeare in the Park), Great Lawn, The Obelisk (Cleopatra’s Needle),The Ramble, The Lake, Conservatory Water, Bethesda Terrace
You can even ice skate during the colder months, so no matter what time of year you decide to explore Central Park,you will always find something to make you smile.
Thanks for being part of my journey.
