This beautiful “Imagine” memorial located in Strawberry Fields (so named for the Beatles song “Strawberry Fields Forever”), was dedicated on October 1985 on what would have been John Lennon’s 45th birthday.  The space is located directly across the street from The Dakota apartment building on West 72nd Street, the building where Lennon lived with his wife Yoko Ono, before his untimely death.  As one of the most popular sights in the park, visitors from around the world leave flowers, stuffed animals and photos of their beloved song man.  A bird’s eye view of Strawberry Fields shows it is shaped like a tear drop, a design request from Lennon’s widow who worked with the park’s  landscape architect. The area is a living testament to the intense love that John had for this city – and it for him.

Need a jolt from those hours spent running on your treadmill or  pedaling on that stationary bicycle?  The folks at Shadowbox have just the answer. A 45-minute class here will have you channelling your inner “Ali”.  High energy music gets you in the groove for intense shadowboxing, interval training and body weight exercises (as in those dreaded but oh-so-effective planks),  making this a terrific yet grueling full body workout.  Put up your dukes!

Shadowbox,  28 West 20th Street    http://shadowboxnyc.com

Don’t leave the park without taking a ride on the famous carousel located at 64th Street in the middle of the park. Taking a ride on one of the 58 beautifully hand-carved horses is a thrill no matter your age.  The carousel has an interesting history: from 1871 to 1924  it was powered by a real four-legged animal!  The wooden horses that riders sat on were actually set in motion by a live mule walking on a treadmill in an underground pit.  The current carousel (the fourth incarnation from the original and one of the largest in the country) was discovered by the Parks Department, abandoned in an old trolley terminal in Coney Island.  Further proof that one person’s trash is another person’s treasure!

July 4th  12 noon

With a combination of expandable stomach, limber lips and lots of determination, competitors in the annual Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest devour dogs galore to the delight of screaming fans.  A select group of skilled eaters gather at noon to eat Nathan’s hot dogs and buns for a full 10 minutes   The current record holder is Joey Chestnut having eaten an impressive 69 hot dogs.  Catch a glimpse of Joey and the rest of these hot dog eating legends at the celebration that is uniquely as American as it is a Nathan’s tradition.

Nathan’s Coney Island, 1310 Surf Ave.

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At a time when book stores — or books for that matter — are disappearing at a rapid pace, it’s comforting to know that one of the rare city spots that first ignited my imagination as a child still stands.  Thirty-five years since opening, Books of Wonder continues to enchant new generations of young book lovers with its unparalleled collection of 1st and limited editions, rare, signed antique books as well as art from children’s literature.  With a super friendly, knowledgeable staff, it’s no “wonder” that kids of all ages (this “kid” included) choose this oldest and largest independent children’s bookstore as their magical escape and retreat.

Books of Wonder, 18 W. 18th St.,   http://booksofwonder.com #212-989-3270

Hans Christian Anderson 

Erected in 1956 to commemorate the author’s 150th birthday, the large bronze statue depicts Anderson seated upon a bench, reading from his beloved children’s tale, The Ugly Duckling.  For the past 60 years generations of children have gathered around the foot of this statue every Saturday morning from 11am-12pm, rain or shine throughout the summer months, listening to storytellers from the Hans Christian Anderson Storytelling Center read passages from Anderson’s heartwarming tales including The Little Mermaid, Thumbelina and The Little Match Girl. 

Hans Christian Anderson Statue is located near 72nd and Fifth Ave.

Alice In Wonderland

“Alice” stands eleven feet tall, surrounded by the Mad Hatter, the White Rabbit and a few of her tea party friends.  Unlike most sculptures, children are encouraged to climb, touch and crawl all over the beautifully bronzed sculpture so much so that much of the iconic statue’s exterior polish has been worn down to a smooth finish, thanks to generations of admiring “climbers” of all ages.

Located just north of the Conservatory Water at East 74th Street

Balto

“Balto,” the real-life hero sled dog, has stood his guard with great nobility from high atop his boulder since 1925.  Legend has it that back then, in the town of Nome, Alaska, there was a horrific outbreak of diphtheria.  Balto battled a blinding blizzard and traveled 674 miles to deliver medicine, thus saving the lives of literally thousands of desperate citizens.  Located near The Tisch Children’s Zoo, beloved Balto stands ready to offer complementary rides on his bronzed back and accept hugs from his admiring fans.

Balto is located west of East Drive and 67th Street and north of the Zoo

If you’re as obsessed with all things Alexander Hamilton as I’ve become — or fascinated by true stories of the people from past and present who have defined New York and the country through the centuries — then you must book a tour with Jimmy Napoli of Outside In Tours.  This particular “Hamilton Tour” starts at the Morris-Jumel Mansion in Washington Heights (George Washington’s headquarters in 1776) and over the next three hours you are transported back to one of the most illustrious times in our nation’s history.  The mile-long walk winds up at the Federal-style house Hamilton built in Harlem in 1802 to escape to the quiet country from Wall Street.

You can’t put a price on Jimmy’s knowledge, passion and animated descriptions of the places and personalities that shaped our country’s ideological, political, social and cultural identity.

OUTSIDE IN TOURS -#646-483-6063.  Website: http://outsideintours.com

Who would’ve thunk it possible to navigate the high seas of the Hudson, the wind at your back, the sails unfurled…and you’re in charge of the steering (aka “tiller” for you seasoned sailers)!  Make it happen at this illustrious school which is one of the largest and most popular sailing schools in the country.  Classes offered at all levels.  Ships ahoy!

2 locations in New York Harbor:

1. Pier 25 in lower Manhattan
2. Liberty Harbor Marina, Jersey City, N.J.

For information http://sailmanhattan.com or call 212-786-0400

The Bethesda Fountain is one of the largest fountains in New York and one of the most well known in the world.  This neoclassical sculpture also known as the “Angel of the Waters” features an eight foot bronze angel who stands above four small cherubs representing health, purity, temperance and peace.  The angel carries a lily in one hand, while the other hand is outstretched, delivering a blessing on the water pouring from around her feet.

Located at 72nd Street half way between the east and west sides of the park.

Who needs the expense, airport hassle and jet lag of an overseas adventure when you have a place like this to go to right in your own back yard?!  You can literally row, walk or horse and carriage your way over to The Boathouse – truly one of my favorite places in all of New York.  The site of numerous iconic movies (When Harry Met Sally, 27 Dresses, Enchanted just to name a few) with its lakeside setting in the heart of the Park, this establishment has it all.

Originally built in 1873, The Boathouse is a haven for romantics and nature lovers alike.  Indulge in a sumptuous meal, grab an evening cocktail or jump start your day with a cup of “Joe” on the go at the Express Cafe, all the while gazing upon the hills and dales of Central Park.

The Loeb Boathouse Central Park, East 72nd St. and Park Drive North, #212-517-2233