HERE’S TO THE MAGICAL SPLENDOR OF SPRITED SPARKLERS, STAR-SPANGLED, SPONTANEOUS AND SPELLBINDING SPECTACLES!
FROM SEA TO SHINING SEA…LET FREEDOM RING!
HERE’S TO THE MAGICAL SPLENDOR OF SPRITED SPARKLERS, STAR-SPANGLED, SPONTANEOUS AND SPELLBINDING SPECTACLES!
FROM SEA TO SHINING SEA…LET FREEDOM RING!
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Trying to describe the singular sensation that is Central Park is like trying to describe…well, life itself (especially for us city dwellers)!
Each one of the park’s 843 acres is a most coveted haven from the madness of Manhattan, containing a treasure trove of art, entertainment, culinary delights, people watching and nature. It’s what separates our city – both literally and figuratively – from any other public space in the world. No visit to The Big Apple would be complete without a long, leisurely stroll through this 156 year old gem that is Central Park – truly New York’s jewel in the crown.
Where to begin suggestions for the far-too-many spots that capture the spirit, sights and sounds of this magical wonderland? Aaagh…there are far too many to numerate so herewith are but a few of my all-time favorites.
A tisket, a tasket…the perfect picnic basket! Whether heading to the park for an evening concert, planning a Sunday brunch al fresco or have aspirations of popping the big question in a more unique and personalized fashion, you should check out Perfect Picnic’s coterie of themes, european-style artisanal fare and comprehensive service. You pick your location and they do the rest. This is not the ‘ole marshmallow and hot dog roasting picnic paradigm from back in the day; rather this is all about taking time to smell the rose’ (flowers and wine) as it were!
Perfect Picnic NYC, 81 Allen Street, #212-228-2884 http://perfectpicnicnyc.com
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Upon stepping into this wonderfully wacky shop, I wanted to flail open my arms and break into a chorus of “Up, Up and Away In My Beautiful Balloon”! While I doubt you’ll react in a similarly enthusiastically unfettered manner, I can pretty much guarantee you’ll find some “happy” upon entering this emporium of all things inflatable. Besides the vast array of classic, colorful and character balloons (they supply thousands of them for the Macy’s Day Parade), Balloon Saloon carries party supplies, retro candy and toys (I’ve always been a sucker for Pez and Silly Putty!). Oh, and let’s not forget the inflatable floats in every imaginable incarnation. I can’t wait to inflate the “ice cream sandwich” I bought so I can literally go jump in a lake and float away on my frozen convection treat! How about making someone’s day and send them a balloon bouquet?
Balloon Saloon, 133 West Broadway, http://balloonsaloon.com #212-227-3838
One of the hidden wonders of Central Park is the Conservatory Garden at Fifth Ave. and 105th Street. A secluded six-acre oasis, just a few steps down from one of the city’s busiest thoroughfares. It is the only formal garden found in Central Park. The quiet calm atmosphere of the Garden free from runners and cyclists make it an ideal spot for weddings and relaxing afternoon walks. The Garden is divided into three different sections each representing its’ own specific style: the north (French Garden), central (Italian Garden) and south (English Garden).
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The next time you’re sitting, strolling or racing through the Park, take a moment to read the plaques that are affixed to each of the over 9,000 benches scattered throughout the expansive acreage. They are part of the Adopt-A-Bench program established in 1986 to maintain the park seating and their surrounding landscapes. Each plaque describes a personal, poignant moment in time, from marriage proposals “After she said yes, they walked through Central Park”, anniversaries “40 wonderful years together and more to come”, tributes to our 4-legged friends “To Maja & Bessie: 2 incredible ladies. Thank you for your kindness, friendship and love”, as well as honoring our 2-legged giants “In memory of Mike Nichols whose path led from the Upper West Side to the Delacorte Theatre and beyond.”
Shakespeare’s Garden, located on the West Side of the park and 79th Street, covers four acres of plants that change according to the season so that there is something in bloom 365 days of the year. Every flower, herb, plant and shrub in the garden has been meticulously planned and planted to coincide with Shakespeare’s works. For example there is a grouping of rosemary with pansies, a nod to a verse which the character Ophelia alludes to in “Hamlet.” Thistle, grown abundantly throughout the property is mentioned in “Much Ado About Nothing” and there is even a white mulberry tree standing in the garden, said to have been grown from a graft of a tree planted by Shakespeare himself. Bronze plaques with corresponding quotations from Shakespeare’s plays are placed sporadically along the path. It’s the perfect little quiet locale to meditate, pray or just let those sonnets fly!
If you ever lose your sense of direction in the park, head to the nearest lamp post or “luminaries” as they are called. There are 1,600 throughout the park and each one can tell you your whereabouts. On the post you will see four numbers. The first two digits tell you the nearest street and the second set of numbers will tell you whether you are on the east or west side. Even numbers mean east, odd numbers west. No compasses (or bread crumbs a’la Hansel and Gretel when lost in the forest) needed to retrace your steps! Just look to the lamps. Who knew?!!!
Nothing signals the start of summer more than the annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, America’s largest ongoing Independence Day pyrotechnic show. Celebrating it’s 40th year, this visual wonder will be lighting up the sky above Manhattan’s East River with a 25-minute display set to contemporary and patriotic tunes, fired from four barges located along the waterway. If you can’t be there in person you can always watch the live broadcast from the comfort of your couch on NBC starting at 8pm.
Join in song with our founding fathers (also known as some of Broadway’s finest voices) as they perform the score from the beloved Broadway musical “1776”. What a perfect way to cap off your 4th of July celebration! One night only (4th of July, naturally).
Feinstein’s/54 Below, 254 W. 54th St., http://54below.com #546-476-3551