Category Archives: Central Park

Top 10 Central Park Sightseeing Locations

September 13, 2016 Peter Pen Adventures Leave a comment

Top 10 Central Park Sightseeing Locations

Central Park is one of the Big Apple’s biggest attractions. Its unspoiled beauty makes it a great place to get away from hustle and bustle of the city and it’s loaded with exciting “hot spots” which are very popular with tourists and residents alike!

If you want to make the most of your time in New York City, we definitely recommend spending time in Central Park. It’s a wonderful place to people-watch and it’s also full of interesting and historical things to see and do.

Central Park is unique, as it offers so many attractions which take visitors on a trip back through time. As well, it offers plenty of soothing green space, which allows visitors to relax and forget about the cares of the day. It’s also a great place to get exercise if you want to. This park is famous for good reason. It’s like an oasis in the middle of a hectic and vibrant metropolis. Since there is so much territory to explore, it’s helpful to have a plan before you venture into the park. This is why we want to discuss the top ten Central Park sightseeing locations.

Visit one, a few or all of them in order to learn more about the park’s history and New York City’s history. Once you’ve discovered these attractions, they may become places that you love to visit whenever you’re in New York. Before you drop by, be sure to put on comfortable shoes and bring your camera, as well as a bottle of water.

10. Central Park Sightseeing is Alice in Wonderland

This Central Park landmark is situated near the Conservatory Water, along E. 74th. The statue rises to a height of eleven feet and it is cast in bronze. Alice is accompanied by the Mad Hatter, as well as a few other buddies. This sculpture was created by an artist named Jose de Creeft back in the late 1950s. It’s a statue that kids are encouraged to play on, so you may find some little ones touching it and crawling on it when you visit. In fact, certain sections of the statue have been rubbed smooth by the hands and feet of kids! You may want to touch it yourself, as it’s just so charming and so well-made. It’s really one of the premier examples of sculpture in the Park, although there are plenty more!

9. Central Park Sightseeing is The Ramble

Central Park was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead and part of his handiwork is The Ramble. This is a wild garden which stretches a staggering thirty-six acres. The Ramble was designed to provide visitors with access to tranquility. It’s a great place to wander and collect your thoughts, surrounded by all of the glory of nature. This part of the park was built early on. It is completely man-made, except for its bedrock platform area. If you love to walk and look at plants and flowers, you’ll find that The Ramble offers you a perfect place to stroll and drink in beauty out of doors.

8. Central Park Sightseeing is Strawberry Fields

This section of the park is dedicated to the memory of Beatles’ singer, John Lennon. Lennon believed in peace and love and this serene part of Central Park is designed to be a beautiful homage to his legacy and values. Names for one of his most famous compositions, Strawberry Fields Forever, which was penned in the mid-1960s, Strawberry Fields opened in 1985 and its signature mosaic was the work of Italian artisans. It was a present from the Italian city of Naples. Strawberry Fields is so soothing and its meaning is very powerful. This landmark attracts tons of Beatles fans every year.

7. Central Park Sightseeing is Bow Bridge

This gorgeous bridge is crafted from cast iron and it’s the first bridge to be erected within Central Park. It’s actually the second-oldest bridge in America. Constructed between 1859 and 1862, it connects The Ramble’s wild garden territory with Cherry Hill. The bridge lies low and has a unique silhouette and a delicate appearance. It’s really a romantic place and people love to photograph it and to be photographed while they are on it (or in front of it). It’s ornate enough to be really special and it’s unique enough to be unforgettable!

6. Central Park Sightseeing is Waterfall and Arch

Central Park has its fair share of waterfalls, many of which are situated in its Ravine. To find the waterfalls, enter the park via Glen Span Arch, which is located near 102nd Street. At this point, just wander along where the moving water is. This moving water is known as “the Loch”. While the waterfalls are man-made, they look so real and they are very scenic and soothing. The Waterfall and Arch are great places to chill out and enjoy the soothing rush of water. They are also great places to take some stunning pictures!

5. Central Park Sightseeing is Reservoir

This Reservoir’s full name is the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. However, the reservoir was re-named in the late First Lady’s honour in 1994, so the name change is relatively new. Jackie used to run along this part of the park, as did former American President, Bill Clinton. The reservoir features a water quantity of over one billion gallons and it is close to 86th Street. It’s definitely a popular place for joggers and it’s also a great place to look for birds. Jackie O fans definitely seek out this part of the park, for its historical value alone. However, it’s also popular with bird-watchers, who spot loons and other birds while they are there.

4. Central Park Sightseeing is Obelisk

This historical artifact may also be called, “Cleopatra’s Needle” and it is ancient indeed! In fact, it was created in ancient Egypt way back in 1450 BC, in order to honour the third jubilee of a Pharaoh named Thutmosis III. Getting the obelisk to the Big Apple was no easy feat and it took several months just to get it from the Hudson River to the Park! The shaft of this structure rises seventy-one feet in height and the shaft alone weighs in at two hundred tons! Stunning and dramatic, this obelisk is well worth a look.

3. Central Park Sightseeing is Belvedere Castle

This castle is beautiful and it’s a wonderful place to enjoy exhibits with a distinct historical flavour! The castle features an array of exhibits, as well as a deck for observation. The castle is also the location of the park’s own weather station. You’ll find this picturesque castle on 79th Street. Its name means “beautiful view” in Italian and a beautiful view will definitely be yours to enjoy when you drop by. From its terraces, you may check out some stunning vistas and enjoy great views of Turtle Pond, the Delacorte Theatre and a range of other attractions.

2. Central Park Sightseeing is Conservatory Garden

This lovely garden is formal and style and it covers six acres of space. Within the garden, you’ll find a trio of small gardens, each of which has its own style. One garden is English, while another is French and the third is Italian. The main entrance to the Conservatory Garden is situated along Fifth Avenue, around 104 and 105 streets. The entrance features a stunning gate which is crafted from iron, which was constructed in Paris and used to guard the front of a famous 5th Avenue mansion known as the Vanderbilt Mansion. The Vanderbilts were very wealthy and part of the city’s social elite – TV reporter, Anderson Cooper, is a part of the Vanderbilt clan.

1. Central Park Sightseeing is Bethesda Terrace and Fountain

This famous Central Park terrace features a couple of levels which are connected by a pair of stunning staircases. There is also a third staircase beneath Terrace Drive, which takes pedestrians closer to the band shell, as well as The Mall. The Bethesda Terrace and Fountain provide optimal spots for checking out the scenic Lake. This Central Park landmark is crafted from a trio of stone types, which are Roman brick, New Brunswick sandstone and granite.

Central Park is Not-to-be-Missed

As you can see, Central Park is a wonderful place to spend time. There are few parks worldwide which offer the same blend of features and attractions. Since it’s possible to see so much in the park, from old-school mansions to ornate terraces to waterfalls and ancient Egyptian artifacts, as well as a lovely Alice in Wonderland sculpture, no trip to the Big Apple is complete without a jaunt in Central Park!

The history of New York City comes alive in this gorgeous place. Some people explore the vast park on foot, while others sign on for Central Park pedicab rides which allow them to see the highlights without tiring out their legs. Others explore the area while jogging or cycling. However you choose to explore, you’ll find that you never forget Central Park.

Hopefully, our guide to the top ten central park sightseeing locations will help you to create the perfect itinerary. There are other attractions in the park. However, our ten picks are probably the most popular and worthwhile. Now that you know more, why not plan a trip to Central Park today?

Useful link about New York City Sightseeing is New York City Bucket List about things to do and see in The Big Apple.

Central Park, Conservatory Garden

Conservatory Garden

April 27, 2016 Peter Pen Adventures 2 Comments

The Conservatory Garden

History and Where it is Today

Smack in the middle of a bustling Central Park is the hidden oasis known as the Conservatory Garden. This six-acre garden offers much needed quiet and change of scenery–a serenity in stark contrast with the city’s noise and numerous activities.

The Conservatory Garden took its name from the previous glass conservatory which stood in the same area during the period 1989 to 1934. The original garden in the area was maintained by head gardener Ignax Pilate. His efforts of planting the first plants and shrubs paved way to the development of the very garden every tourist and New Yorkers enjoy up to this day.

However, the apparent deteriorating condition of the conservatory proved it too difficult to push through with the initial plan. Restoration expenses and maintenance efforts became too costly and soon enough the structure was torn down.

It was then that the idea of cultivating a formal garden was born.

Through the joint efforts and expertise of designer Gilmore D. Clarke, landscape architect Robert Moses, and M. Betty Sprout, the Conservatory Garden was completed and finally opened to the public on the year 1937.

A Quick Tour Inside the Conservatory Garden

To find your way inside the garden, you must enter through the Vanderbilt Gate, originally known as the passageway to Vanderbilt Mansion at Fifth Avenue and 58th Street before its demolition on 1927. The impressive iron gate with intricate design and repoussé details was made in an iron foundry France by George B. Post, a renowned American architect.

Designer Gilmore Clarke made sure that the Conservatory Garden is unlike any other. The Garden is divided into three parts of distinct styles: English, French, and Italian. A small part of the garden for each style represents the lavish and rich plant life one will definitely appreciate while inside the area.

The Central Garden is notably of Italian origin. Its walkways lined with prominent crabapple trees provides borders for both sides of the garden. During spring, the crabapples will be in its full bloom making the garden all the more aesthetically pleasing to onlookers.

Upon reaching the west side of the garden, a wisteria pergola made of wrought-iron can be seen ornamenting an immaculate geyser fountain–a divine view made more special when violet flowers are in bloom around the pergola.

The meticulously kept green lawn promises relief and relaxation with its understated platform where a full view of the myriad of flowers around the area can be more appreciated. The Italian Garden is ideal for celebration of weddings and is a favorite spot for couples wanting to have precious photos as souvenirs.

France in New York

At the northern part of the area lies the French garden. What differentiates this classic garden from the other sections is its Three Dancing Maidens, a beautiful fountain made by German Sculptor Walter Schott in 1910.

This central attraction within the garden is lavishly surrounded by beds of well-kept array of flowers which change with each season. Indeed, the wonders of plant life inside the garden might very well be the ultimate reason why anyone should at least visit the garden in their lifetime.

You can just imagine how a thousands of tulips signaling the end of winder will suddenly change into numerous Korean chrysanthemums to proclaim the coming of fall–each dance of season an opportunity for a wild and mesmerizing floral display.

And to fully appreciate the significance of the changing seasons, four entryways are connected to the center of the garden where each pergola is adorned with Silver Moon roses famous for their attractive pink and white hues.

English and Blooms

Finally, you’ll step into the south garden patterned in English style. What makes this part different from the first two is its lack of extreme formality–making it more laid back and closer to the heart of anyone who just want some time off the busy streets of New York.

What makes it even better is that you don’t have to wait for the season to change to see that much-awaited blooms you can admire as you can see it almost every week.

If you’re a reader and a fan of Frances Hodgson Burnett, you’ll immediately take note of the Burnett Fountain, a bronze sculpture of the young boy and girl characters in the book The Secret Garden. The fountain was designed by Bessie Potter Vonnoh in 1936.

Hundreds of floating water lilies can be found in the surrounding pool where a number of sophisticated goldfishes are freely swimming as well. The planting beds, collection shrubs and perennial trees are found in the southern part of the area and completes the whole mesmerizing aura that the English garden offers.

It’s safe to say that the English garden is a true favorite of many due to its dependable seasonal blooms and beautiful walkways. It is the place favored by strollers, gardeners, sight-seers and even readers who are looking for tranquil and open space.

Rich in History and Beauty

The beauty of the Conservatory Garden does not only lie in its rich background and history–it is found in the marvelous cycle of life seen with each bloom and season, heard in the very rippling sound of the fountain and the whistle of the wind, and felt in the hearts of every visitor.

Indeed, a glimpse inside the Conservatory Garden will transport you into a world you’ve never imagined can be found in the midst of the ever-busy New York City.

To take guided tour of Conservatory Garden please reserve 3-Hours Central Park Rickshaw Tour.

Central Park

Things to Do In Central Park With Kids

November 19, 2014 Peter Pen Adventures Leave a comment

Whether you are going to be visiting New York City as a family or you are raising your kids in the Big Apple, there is arguably no better place to bring them than Central Park.

No matter where you go in Central Park, you are surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere in the city, and your kids will have plenty of room to run around and play.

But did you know that Central Park boasts a number of sites and activities which are aimed in full or in part at children? Let’s explore a few of them now so that you can plan the perfect day with your kids in Central Park!

1. Visit any of Central Park’s playgrounds

Central Park is home to a number of really cool playgrounds. Some of these include:

Heckscher Playground: You’ll find this playground between 61^st Street and 63^rd Street. This park offers swings and slides, sand to play in, and water to splash around in. This makes it an ideal choice for the hot months of summer.

Ancient Playground: Look for this playground at Fifth Avenue and 85^th Street. Located right next to the Met, it is a lot like Heckscher Park both in terms of its appearance and its features.

Tarr-Coyne Tots Playground: Head to Central Park West and 68^th Street if you have toddlers—this playground was built specifically for the very young. It features a lot of sand.

Tarr-Coyne Wild West Playground: At Central Park West and 93^rd Street, you will find a unique playground with an Old West theme and a lot of shade from the surrounding trees.

This isn’t a full list. There are a number of other playgrounds scattered throughout Central Park as well. Be sure to drop by at least one of them during your visit.

2. Tisch Children’s Zoo

Those who love animals will not want to miss out on the chance to visit the Tisch Children’s Zoo. Here, kids can see snow leopards, sea lions, grizzly bears, penguins, and other critters. They can watch staff members feed the sea lions and penguins, and can attend a film at the “4-D Theater.” There is a petting zoo as well where children can get to know pigs, cows, sheep, and goats.

3. Adventure Theater for Kids

The Adventure Theater is not a traditional theatrical experience on a stage. It is an immersive interactive experience which ranges across the park. Kids become part of the story, solving puzzles and exploring. This is the perfect activity for children who love to use their imaginations and play make-believe games to have an adventure like no other.

4. Friedsam Memorial Carousel

There has been a carousel in this spot in Central Park since 1871—but not the same carousel which is standing today. Reportedly there have been three or four different carousels here in the past, but they burned down.

The present carousel has been here since 1950, but it actually dates back to 1908. It used to be located at Coney Island. The colourful horses are a major draw kids and an interesting bit of Central Park history for grownups.

5. Enjoy a fairytale at the Hans Christian Andersen statue.

This statue can be found at 74^th Street close to Fifth Avenue. Kids who love fairytales will be excited to visit the statue at any time of day, but for a real treat, stop by around 11 in the morning during the summer months. At that time, children can gather round and listen to the HC Andersen Storytellers as they share one of Andersen’s famous tales.

6. The Henry Luce Nature Observatory

You will find this exhibit inside Belvedere Castle. The castle itself will captivate kids’ imaginations with its beautiful architecture and astonishing views of the surrounding park. But the exhibit offers more in terms of being an educational experience.

At the Observatory, kids can find out more about the plants and animals they will see as they explore Central Park. There are telescopes and microscopes in the Observatory for children (and adults) to use to see the natural world in a whole new way.

Kids also can borrow Discovery Kits which they can bring with them as they roam around. Thee include maps, binoculars, and supplies for note-taking. The Observatory is open every day of the week except for Mondays.

7. Go for a boat ride.

Most kids will be excited by the thought of climbing into a boat. So drop by the Loeb Boathouse and rent a rowboat with your children. Not only will kids have fun learning to row, but they’ll also be able to see ducks, swans, egrets and herons up close on the water.

8. Go skating

Visiting Central Park during the winter? While a lot of the activities on this list are ideal for the warmer months of the year, there is still fun to be had when the temperature drops. Rent some ice skates or bring your own and go out with your kids on the Lasker or Wollman Rinks.

You won’t want to miss this area during the rest of the year either. After the ice melts, the space is converted to serve as a summertime attraction called Victorian Gardens. Here you will find a mini-coaster, a slide, and a variety of fun rides and games in a carnival atmosphere.

9. Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre

Near West 79^th Street, you’ll discover a delightful little theatre where you can bring your family to enjoy a marionette show. Kids will love watching classic stories brought to life on the stage by the amazing puppets.

10. Take a swim.

While the fountains and streams at some of Central Park’s playgrounds can be refreshing, on a really hot day, nothing beats an actual dip in a swimming pool. Take your family to the Lasker Pool to cool off. This place is huge—up to 1,824 people can swim at a time!

11. Let kids explore the Alice in Wonderland sculpture.

Usually, sculptures are to be admired from a distance, not touched and interacted with. But the Alice in Wonderland sculpture was placed at East 74^th Street with kids in mind. Children are encouraged to climb up on the mushrooms with Alice and her friends.

12. Visit Turtle Pond.

Do your kids love wildlife? Drop by Turtle Pond, and they will have a chance to look for some of the numerous turtles which live there along with other reptiles, fish, insects and birds.

13. Enjoy the Delacorte Music Clock.

One more sight to add to your bucket list for a family visit to Central Park is the Delacorte Music Clock. It is conveniently close to the Children’s Zoo. Each hour, mechanized bronze animals put on a musical performance, rather like a giant cuckoo clock.

14. Go on a Central Park pedicab tour.

Finally, one more fun activity to do with your kids in Central Park is go on a pedicab tour. This is a lot of fun in its own right, since children can ask questions of the tour guide and see the park in comfort (getting little ones off their feet for a bit can help you enjoy a longer day out).

It is also a wonderful idea because it can help you to do more of the activities above. Your tour guide can plan an efficient route which can take you and your kids to experience as many of these sights and activities as possible.

Whether you just have an hour or two to spend in the park or all day, you’ll be able to get the most out of your visit.

Grand Finale is to see Jessie’s apartment from TV Show Hey Jessie!

Central Park

Conservatory Water: Your Guide to One of Central Park’s Most Famous Attractions

July 12, 2014 Peter Pen Adventures Leave a comment

While there are numerous destinations worth exploring in Central Park, one which should be on every itinerary is Conservatory Water. This iconic pond is a picturesque location offering a number of fun activities for the entire family. Let’s learn all about Conservatory Water in this Central Park attraction guide.

Conservatory Water location is East Side from 73rd to 75th Street.

The History of Conservatory Water

When you visit Conservatory Water, it may not be immediately obvious to you how this pond got its name. The answer has to do with its history and original intended purpose. The pond was the work of Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. If all had gone according to the original plan, it would’ve been part of a larger attraction which included a conservatory flower garden.

For budget reasons, this plan was scrapped. The pond, however, was still made, along with a Conservatory Garden. It still has the markers of its original inspiration, which was the Grand Basin pond located in the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris.

What is There to Do At Conservatory Water?

Sail a Model Boat

The main activity at Conservatory Water is to sail model boats. This activity is offered during the months of April through October with races scheduled on Saturdays. If you do not have your own model boat, you can rent one. Here are the hours for model boat rentals:

Monday to Thursday 11am-5pm
Friday 11am-7pm
Saturday 1pm-7pm
Sunday 10am-6pm

The price for a rental is $11 for 30 minutes.

If you discover that sailing model boats is something you enjoy, you can take lessons at the Kerbs Memorial Boathouse.

If something about sailing boats at Conservatory Water seems to ring a bell from childhood, it could be because you remember reading the book Stuart Little by E.B. White or watching the film. Conservatory Water is featured in the children’s classic.

Visit the Kerbs Memorial Boathouse

You can’t miss the Kerbs Memorial Boathouse on the edge of the pond, the green patina of its copper roof reflecting in the peaceful waters below.

The charming structure is not the original one which used to be located on the premises. The previous boathouse was made of wood, while the current building dates back to 1954. At the boathouse, you can:

Take a model boat class, as previously mentioned.
Enjoy the perennials planted on the patio while gazing out at the pond and watching the boats.
Rent a boat to sail yourself.
Grab some refreshments at the café operated by Le Pain Quotidien.
Enjoy the lovely architecture of the Boathouse.

Visit the Nearby Sculptures

Just to the north of Conservatory Water, you can view the Alice in Wonderland bronze sculpture group by artist Jose de Creeft. To the west of the pond, you can also visit the sculpture of Hans Christian Andersen by artist Georg John Lober. Children are allowed (and encouraged) to touch the sculptures or climb on them.

Discover Nature

Like the rest of Central Park, Conservatory Water is a wonderful spot to watch birds and other animals. In particular, you will want to be alert for the appearance of the mighty, graceful red-tailed hawks which sometimes swoop overhead. Indeed, the famous Pale Male built a nest on the nearby 927 Fifth Avenue apartment building.

Also noteworthy is the population of Craspedacusta sowerbii which make their home in Conservatory Water. This is a species of jellyfish able to live in freshwater.

Make Conservatory Water a Stop on Your Central Park Pedicab Tour

What is the best way to get to Conservatory Water? While you can walk through the park, a faster and easier way to reach Conservatory Water and Central Park’s other iconic destinations is by taking a Central Park pedicab tour. Ready to book? Just click below, and look forward to sailing model boats on the pond’s tranquil waters!