NYC's Bryant Park – A Midtown Gem
European Charm Tucked Behind the New York Public Library
Oct 25, 2009
Located one block East from Times Square and seven blocks North from the Empire State Building, Bryant Park is an oasis for tired travelers. The park, which has gained worldwide fame in recent years for hosting the biannual New York Fashion Week, has much to offer year round.
Named for the poet William Cullen Bryant, Bryant Park has gone through some tough times in the past. In the 1930’s the park was used as a storage facility for construction materials that were used to build the Sixth Avenue subway line. By the late 1970’s Bryant Park had been over-run with drug dealers and locals avoided the area. Thanks to the Bryant Park Corporation (BPC), a private non-profit, the park has been restored to its current state of beauty.
A European Feel in Midtown Manhattan
Designed in the French Classical tradition, Bryant Park boasts gravel paths, a fountain, several monuments and a large central lawn. Plantings in the Bryant Park gardens are changed seasonally. The park has 3,500 moveable French-style café chairs that allow visitors to move from shade to sun as they wish. Bryant Park is a great spot for people watching and catching up with friends. Free wireless Internet service is another amenity that attracts park-goers.
Le Carrousel in Bryant Park
The beautifully crafted classical merry-go-round with 14 assorted classical creatures (not just horses) is located mid-park on the 40th Street side. For $2 riders can take a spin on the carousel to the tune of French cabaret music. Le Carrousel can also be rented out for children’s parties. The merry-go-round is open year-round, weather permitting.
Ice-skating in Bryant Park
During the winter months, the center portion of Bryant Park is transformed into an ice skating rink. The Pond at Bryant Park is a great destination for free ice-skating. Locals might use The Pond before work of on a lunch hour while NYC visitors can enjoy the views of the city while circling the 170’ X100’ rink. Skate rentals, lockers and lessons are available for a fee. Hungry skaters can grab a quick snack at Ice Bites or enjoy a sit-down meal at Celsius Lounge over-looking the rink. After skating, shoppers can find unique gifts from around the world at the Holiday Shops at the Pond. More than 100 boutiques, artisans and food vendors display their wares at this annual event that is open only from early November to early January.
Other Bryant Park Eateries
There are four food kiosks in the park serving light meals, snacks, coffee and ice-cream. For more formal dining, the Bryant Park Grill is an upscale restaurant located directly behind the New York Public Library on the Park’s Upper Terrace between 40th and 42nd Streets. The Bryant Park Café located on the 42nd Street side of the Upper Terrace is more a more casual bar and restaurant popular with the after work crowd. Another option are the numerous delis, salad bars and casual restaurants line the streets bordering the Park.
Entertainment and Activities in Bryant Park
There is a constantly changing menu of entertainment choices in Bryant Park. During the warmer months, there are frequent outdoor movie screenings – just grab a blanket and picnic dinner and watch classic films under the stars. Summer lunch hours are often filled with entertainment from some of the popular Broadway shows. Fall brings concerts and previews of the new season of opera and dance. Free Tai Chi classes are given early mornings April through October. There is also a board game area near the fountain on the 6th Avenue side. For a small fee, visitors can use the chess, checkers, Scrabble and backgammon sets. At any time of year, there is always something new and exciting to see and do in Bryant Park.
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