I've lived in the New York City metropolitan area for 26 years. I take many things about New York for granted. I still haven't been up to the top of the Empire State Building, and I haven't been to the Statue of Liberty. I did (back in 1982, when I was in college) get to the World Trade Center, and I've been to Windows on World for dinner. I've also been to the Top of the Rock and the Rainbow Room (which I preferred to Windows on the World).
None of these really compare to Central Park, though. It's just a great place to hang out, and thankfully is very close to my office.
(more pics below the fold)
It doesn't look like much, but the Sheep Meadow is normally covered with blankets, people sunning themselves, dogs, and people playing Frisbee or flying kites. I've watched several movies being filmed here, as I sat nearby and munched on a sandwich. Nothing was going on the day I took my walk. Sometimes that's more fun.
Taken from the other side of the Meadow, here's how the Sheep Meadow got its name:
The building with the Gables is The Dakota, famous for John Lennon, "Rosemary's Baby", and so named because when it was built (1880s), that section of New York was as sparsely populated as The Dakota Territory.
On the other side of the Park is the Conservatory Water, also known as the Sailboat Pond (none were out the day I was there):
The apartment buildings on the right overlook 5th Avenue from 72nd to 80th. I've been lucky enough to be in some, and they have tremendous views of the Park. Kind've pricey, though.
The Conservatory Water is usually where you'll find people plying their motorized boats. Another view, from the other side, shows how it got the name "Sailboat Pond":
I try to walk through Central Park during lunch at least once a week during the winter (it was mighty brisk the day I took these pictures, that's why there are no sunbathers or leaves on any trees), and two to three times a week during the summer. There's always something to do or see in the Park, and if I'm in the mood, I will watch skaters on Wollman Rink or go to the Central Park Zoo. I've seen Woody Allen and Robert Vaughn walking in the park. I took my kids to see The Gates, which wasn't much as 'art' goes, but I realized that it was an event and since they lived in the area, they should see it. I let them play on the rocks which are visible evidence of the fault line (made of Manhattan Schist) which runs through Manhattan.
I've seen the New York Marathon end here, and I've been to Tavern on the Green (sadly closed) many times. While there are many things about New York that I take for granted, Central Park is not one of them.