Central Park - New York Holidays and Short Breaks
From the excitement and glitz of the Upper West Side to the bohemian relaxed style of the West Village, there is something for all tastes in Manhattan. From the very second you enter the vast unstoppable metropolis of Manhattan you are bewitched by the familiar sights, sounds and excitement the city exudes. But of course no other sight is as familiar as the vast lush greenery of Central Park.
Located in what is known as Uptown Manhattan, Central Park has been the focal point of Manhattan since its creation back in 1876. In the heart of Manhattan, this immense park stretches from 59th street to 110th street and always exceeds your expectations. We have all seen the movies set in Central Park and thought how beautiful and peaceful it appears, which it certainly can be, although nothing can prepare you for the sheer enormity of it.
This man made park was the creation of two architects who were commissioned to create a rural paradise in the hub of Manhattan. Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux were the two men behind this massive task and on completion, the park was declared a “peoples park”. And to this day, that remains true, as hundreds of people gather here each day to take part in any number of activities from jogging, walking, baseball or boating, there is something to entice you.
Perhaps the best way to explore the park is to rent yourself a bicycle. This can allow easy and quicker access to the parks key features such as the boating lake and the zoo.
Or for a special occasion, treat yourself and a loved one to a carriage ride through the park at sunset. This is the most romantic way to see the park at its best as the sun sets on the high buildings which rise over the tree tops and remind you of the urban jungle beyond the serene Central Park landscape. Although beware of the cost involved for a carriage ride which can start at $35 for just a twenty minute saunter (remember to add a tip as well!).
A trip to Central Park is never complete without a visit to Bethesda Fountain. This glorious fountain is in the heart of the park and is used commonly as a meeting point for young lovers. You can often catch glimpses of fleeting office workers as they grab a bite to eat while sitting on the edges of the fountain trying to gain some perspective and peace on their lunch breaks before heading back to the grind.
Renting a boat and taking to the lake is the ultimate Central Park experience. This is a lovely way to see the park and quite often you will be rewarded with people playing all sorts of musical instruments along the banks. Another common sight on the lake is a newly wed couple embarking on their first journey together while enjoying some picturesque photo shoots, just be careful not to bump into them!
