Lincoln Center

Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, the mother church of the Episcopal Diocese of New York and the seat of its Bishop. Church's pastoral, educational, cultural, and community outreach programs serve the needs of a diverse City, Nation and World. The Church invite to become part of spiritual energy that awaits all who walk through doors.

The Central Park Zoo is a popular destination in New York City, attracting thousands of visitors every year. It was originally opened in the late 1800s and has been through several renovations and upgrades over the years.<br/> The zoo covers an area of 6.5 acres and is home to over 130 species of animals, including penguins, sea lions, monkeys, and red pandas, among others. Some of the highlights of the zoo include the sea lion pool, which offers visitors an up-close view of these fascinating marine mammals, and the Tisch Children's Zoo, which is designed for families with young children and features domesticated animals, interactive exhibits, and a petting area. <br/> In addition to showcasing a variety of animals, the Central Park Zoo is also dedicated to educating visitors about wildlife conservation and animal behavior. The zoo offers various educational programs, including animal encounters and behind-the-scenes tours, as well as interactive exhibits and hands-on activities. Overall, the Central Park Zoo is a fun and educational destination for families and visitors of all ages

Hayden Planetarium captivates upon your initial approach. The visually stimulating Manhattan attraction, constructed from glass and steel, features a large spherical dome where the universe comes to life in front of your very eyes. The department of Astrophysics, located in the Rose Center for Earth and Space at the American Museum of Natural History, conducts research focusing on the formation and evolution of stars, star clusters, the effects of their radiation, and much more. The planetarium offers ongoing monthly lectures. Children and adults alike will love the vast amount of knowledge and beauty while exploring the stars in this awesome environment. 3-D models and vivid colors are not in short abundance here. School field trips are welcome; planning in advance is required. A wealth of educational knowledge is available through the website for teachers, parents and children. With a special section of interactive activities for children, you can’t go wrong learning about all that this Manhattan planetarium has to offer. A virtual joy ride through the universe with stops along the way to learn about the wonders of the Galaxies, a few hours can easily be spent just walking around the floors. In addition to the star/sky show, the exhibits are a joy to behold. From real meteorites, to scales that bring home the effect of gravity on other planets, to historic photos, all will enjoy.

Battery Park is a 25-acre public park located at the southern tip of Manhattan in New York City. The park is named after the artillery batteries that were positioned there in the late 17th and early 18th centuries to defend the city from naval attack. Today, the park is a popular destination for both tourists and locals, offering a variety of recreational and cultural activities. One of the main attractions of Battery Park is the stunning waterfront views of New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Visitors can take a ferry to these iconic landmarks from the park's ferry terminal. The park also features several monuments and memorials, including the Castle Clinton National Monument, a fort built in the early 1800s, and the American Merchant Mariners' Memorial, which honors the men and women who have served in the United States merchant marine.<br/> Battery Park is also home to several green spaces, including the Battery Oval, a large lawn and garden area, and the Battery Bosque, a serene and peaceful area that is perfect for a stroll or a picnic. In addition, the park has several playgrounds, a carousel, and a large dog run for visitors to enjoy.<br/> The park is also a popular spot for cultural events, such as outdoor concerts, film screenings, and festivals. The park also has a variety of food vendors and restaurants. Overall, Battery Park is a must-see destination for anyone visiting New York City, offering a wide range of activities and sights to see.

Walking through Lower Manhattan's quietest corners, you'll find two sprawling reflecting pools set into the exact ground where the Twin Towers rose. Nearly an acre each, these basins hold the continent's most impressive manmade waterfalls, their cascading waters creating a meditative soundscape even on winter's coldest days. The chill air and bare trees somehow intensify the gravity of what you're standing within. Every single name—nearly 3,000 lives lost during the 2001 attacks, plus the six who died in the 1993 bombing—has been etched into bronze edging the pools. Running your fingers along these inscriptions in the winter frost connects you directly to the scale of loss that unfolded here and at the Pentagon, as well as in Shanksville. Michael Arad and Peter Walker's design emerged from over 5,200 submissions worldwide to create something that honors both the civilians and rescue workers whose courage defined that day.

To carry out its mission, the New York Fed employs approximately 3,000 people who are organized into groups and offices. With the exception of its internal audit function, the Fed's business areas report to the President and First Vice President of the Bank, who in turn, report to the Bank's Board of Directors.

Castle Garden, today known as Castle Clinton National Monument, is the major landmark within The Battery, the 23 acre waterfront park at the tip of Manhattan. From 1855 to 1890, the Castle was America's first official immigration center, a pioneering collaboration of New York State and New York City.

When the 1900s arrived, this financial powerhouse had already cemented its place in America's economic backbone, fueled by explosive growth in market activity. Stock trades had surged threefold just between 1896 and 1899, then nearly doubled again as the new century took shape. The momentum demanded expansion. Rather than settle for incremental improvements, Exchange leaders orchestrated a prestigious design competition, challenging eight of Manhattan's most visionary architects to reimagine the space. The mandate was clear: craft a trading floor bathed in natural light, with breathing room for the frenetic pace of modern commerce and thoughtfully planned amenities for dealers and brokers. Today, visitors descending into that historic trading floor during winter's quiet months can feel the weight of that ambition still resonating through the soaring halls, a stark contrast to the frenetic energy of the pit during busier seasons.

Founded in 1697, Trinity Church is a vibrant Episcopal parish, where daily worship services form the heart of our Christian identity. Trinity is a grant-making organization, streaming funds throughout the city and the world, as well as a resource for Lower Manhattan's commuters and tourists, who find inspirational music within its walls. Through its congregational staff and maintenance teams, it is a sacred oasis amid the busy downtown streets. It is an important player in the world of New York City commercial realty, and home to an award-winning preschool. It is the home to the committees, guilds, and task-forces of a congregation committed to bringing God's Kingdom to this world.

The World Financial Center consists of four copper-clad granite and glass towers that offer over 8 million square feet of prime office space for corporations around the world. Central 10-story glass pavilion, Winter Garden, featuring over 40 retail stores, restaurants, specialty shops & Services; Outdoor space over the water with breathtaking views of the Hudson River. Winter Green and the adjacent outdoor space are dedicated to private celebrations and Brookfield's Arts & An entertainment program that offers free art exhibitions, musical and cultural performances to the public throughout the year. This collection of modern buildings is ideally located in the center of Manhattan's largest neighborhood where you can enjoy a successful atmosphere. The plans for 2013 are ambitious. A collection of the best local and international outlets, six signature restaurants with water accesses and varying prices, 15 casual chef-led restaurants in an eclectic market-style setting, and a European-style market with many culinary accents.<br/> There is also plenty of green space and water access for biking, hiking and exploring. Unique rooms, works of art and events make the World Financial Center a cultural destination par excellence.

A ferry ride across the harbor leads you to an island where a colossal copper monument rises 305 feet into the winter sky—a gift from France in 1886 marking America's centennial and cementing the bond between two nations. The structure combines a 151-foot statue with a 154-foot pedestal, creating an unforgettable silhouette against crisp seasonal skies. The climb to the crown involves tackling 354 steps, but the payoff delivers sweeping vistas across New York Harbor and the city beyond. Even in colder months when fewer visitors brave the journey, the views remain breathtaking. The pedestal area and integrated museum tell the story of this monument's evolution, including its recent transformation that wrapped up in 2013 with refreshed exhibits exploring both its physical restoration and deeper historical significance. Beyond its architectural grandeur, this landmark embodies ideals of freedom and democracy that have inspired countless people crossing into America's shores for generations. The statue has become shorthand for hope itself—a towering reminder of what the country represents to the world. Few New York visits feel complete without making the pilgrimage here to stand beneath it.

On Monday, April 30, 2012, at approximately 2:00 p.m., the Port Authority will mark a major milestone in the construction of One World Trade Center with the installation of steel columns that will make the skyscraper the tallest building in New York. When the columns are put in place, the building will officially surpass the height of the Empire State Building, which currently is the tallest structure in New York City.

The South Street Seaport is a historic area in the New York City borough of Manhattan, located where Fulton Street meets the East River, and adjacent to the Financial District. The Seaport is usually considered a historical district, distinct from the neighboring Financial District. It features some of the oldest architecture in downtown Manhattan. This includes renovated original mercantile buildings from the early 19th century, renovated sailing ships, the former Fulton Fish Market, and modern tourist malls featuring food, shopping and nightlife, with a view of Brooklyn Bridge. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org" target="new">Source</a>

Walk through the halls of this contemplative space nestled at the World Trade Center site, where the September 11th Families' Association has created a meaningful hub for anyone touched by the events of that day. The center draws together families, survivors, neighbors, rescue workers, and volunteers in quiet remembrance and shared experience. Inside, you'll encounter personal stories of the 2,973 lives lost, alongside accounts of the extraordinary rescue and recovery efforts that followed. Exhibits and artifacts chronicle both the tragedy and the wave of compassion that emerged from it. Winter visits bring a particular stillness to the space—fewer crowds, softer light filtering through—that invites deeper reflection and connection with the historical record. The mission here centers on gathering together information, testimony, and objects that illuminate what happened, who was affected, and how a city rebuilt itself through collective resolve. Whether you're retracing family history, educating yourself about this pivotal moment, or simply honoring the courage of first responders, this resource offers a dignified setting for those conversations. The center preserves not just tragedy, but the enduring strength that emerged in its wake.

The New York Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a memorial located in New York City that honors the men and women who served in the Vietnam War. The memorial features a series of excerpts etched into the walls of the memorial. These excerpts were chosen from letters, diary entries, and poems written by Americans during the Vietnam Era and were submitted to the New York Vietnam Veterans Memorial Commission. These quotes are supplemented by news dispatches and public statements about the war.<br/> The excerpts were chosen to provide a diverse representation of the feelings, thoughts, and experiences of those who served during the Vietnam War. They reflect the range of emotions felt by soldiers and their families, from the pride and patriotism of those who served, to the pain and sorrow of those who lost loved ones in the conflict. The Memorial serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by the veterans of the Vietnam War and their families.<br/> The location of the Memorial is significant as it is located one block east of Fraunces Tavern, where George Washington bade farewell to his officers at the end of the Revolutionary War. This location is symbolic of the connection between the sacrifice made by veterans of the Revolutionary War and the sacrifice made by veterans of the Vietnam War. It is a reminder that the sacrifices made by American veterans are not limited to a single war, but are an ongoing part of American history.

The Brooklyn Bridge, one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States, stretches 5,989 feet over the East River connecting the New York City boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. On completion, it was the largest suspension bridge in the world and the first steel-wire suspension bridge.<br> The Brooklyn Bridge has a center lane open to bicycles and pedestrians, just above automobile traffic. While the bridge has always permitted the passage of pedestrians across its span, its role in allowing thousands to cross takes on a special importance in times of crisis and becomes a symbol of New Yorkers' resilience.

In 1982, President Ronald Reagan asked Lee Iacocca, then Chairman of Chrysler Corporation, to head a private sector effort to raise funds for the restoration and preservation of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation (SOLEIF) was founded. <br> The Foundation's fundraising drive sparked a dramatic response. The American people contributed more than $500 million (and counting!) to the repair, restoration, and maintenance of these two great monuments to freedom. All funds for the Foundation’s projects have come from the American people – no government funds have been used.

Start YYYY in style with hot new end-of-year releases at the NBA Store. <br/> ##000221 ##000000 GET IN THE GAME!!! The NBA Store in Manhattan is your one stop shop for everything related to the NBA and provides fans with one of the most fulfilling shopping and entertainment experiences available in New York City. Whether you are a Knick fan, a Laker fan or any fan, the NBA store has your team’s gear at great prices. The sprawling 35,000 square foot store doesn’t just do team licensed gear but also has all of the basketball shoes you need to lace up and head to the court. Of course, if you are in the Manhattan store you don’t have to go far as part of the experience involves trying out your gear on the indoor half-court officially endorsed by the NBA. The fun doesn’t stop there - the store also has a consistent array of multimedia presentations that take you away from a basic shopping experience and instead puts you in front of 50,000 screaming fans on the court of your dreams. For a shopping experience like no other and a chance to look exactly like your favorite basketball heroes, look no further than the NBA Store in Manhattan!

Step inside this 20,000-square-foot entertainment hub at Rockefeller Center to explore NBC's world through interactive exhibits, exclusive studio tours, and a state-of-the-art HD theater. Located directly across from Studio 1A (home of the TODAY Show), the store features a Sweet Shop and DVD Café alongside behind-the-scenes access to New York's most iconic broadcasting landmark.

Stepping through these grand bronze doors, you're entering a structure that took decades to fully realize. The main sanctuary welcomed its first visitors in 1879, though the ambition didn't stop there—Archbishop Michael Corrigan returned in 1888 to crown the West Front with its iconic twin towers, and by 1901 had added the Lady Chapel to the east side, expanding the vision further still. Winter transforms the interior into something particularly serene, with pale light filtering through the renowned stained-glass windows and casting colored patterns across the stone floors. The towering nave feels both more intimate and more majestic during the quieter months. Today, this National Historic Landmark draws visitors from around the world who come to experience the soaring Gothic Revival architecture, intricate mosaic work, and that unmistakable sense of reverence that echoes through the space. Beyond its role as a working parish church, the cathedral stands as a tangible connection to New York's Catholic heritage and continues to inspire those who pass through its doors.

Picture yourself standing 70 stories above Manhattan's bustling streets, where the winter air carries the scent of roasting chestnuts from the plaza below. This sprawling 22-acre complex rises from Midtown with 19 interconnected buildings that emerged during the economic uncertainty of the early 1930s, financed entirely by John D. Rockefeller in what became the era's most ambitious private construction undertaking. Art Deco elegance flows through every corner—sculptural details, intricate tilework, and hand-painted murals adorn facades that tell the story of Depression-era optimism. The 70-story centerpiece commanded the title of world's tallest structure when it opened in 1933, and it remains the visual anchor of the entire composition. Walk through today and you'll find yourself moving between high-end boutiques, diverse dining spots, and live entertainment venues. The iconic ice rink transforms the plaza into a winter wonderland each season, surrounded by the towering evergreen that's become synonymous with the holidays. Broadcasting studios operate continuously within the complex—this is where countless television productions come to life. Head up to the Top of the Rock and windows on all sides reveal sweeping views across all five boroughs. What started as a bold financial gamble has woven itself into New York's cultural identity. The center pulses with commercial activity while standing as a testament to the city's ability to dream big and rebuild stronger, generation after generation.

Winter, lights twinkling on the tree, skaters gliding across the ice, carols ringing in the air and the annual Radio City Christmas Spectacular. <br/> Rockefeller Center is the nation's favorite Christmas destination. The spirit of the laborers who decorated the first tree on the site almost seventy years ago lives on in the giant, gloriously lit spruce that graces the Plaza throughout the holiday season. The tree lighting ceremony draws huge crowds eagerly awaiting the official start of the season. And for weeks, happy kids and harried commuters are stopped in their tracks by the sight of the gossamer angels with golden trumpets and the sound of music in the winter air. <br/> This year, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular celebrates 85 magical years of the Rockettes and will perform to cities outside of New York including Nashville, Chicago, Dallas and St. Louis.<br/> America's most popular entertainers have thrilled audiences at Radio City Music Hall since its doors opened December 27, 1932. Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Sammy Davis Jr. and Tony Bennett to mention only a few of the celebrities and luminaries to grace the Great Stage.

Explore a sprawling network of four research hubs and 87 neighborhood branches woven throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. The flagship sits grandly on 5th Avenue at 42nd Street—that marble-columned Beaux-Arts masterpiece you've probably walked past dozens of times. Step inside and you're surrounded by soaring chandeliers, vaulted ceilings, and the kind of hushed reverence that makes winter afternoons feel even more contemplative. The walls hold treasures like the Berg Collection of English and American Literature, the Theatre Collection, and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. Everything here is free: books, journals, newspapers, computers, and Wi-Fi. You can attend workshops, lectures, and book clubs throughout the year, or dive into the digital collections online anytime—millions of manuscripts, maps, photographs, and more available from your couch. During the quieter winter months, the reading rooms take on a particularly intimate quality, filled with researchers and curious minds seeking refuge in stacks of knowledge. More than a lending system, this institution functions as the city's cultural backbone, connecting New Yorkers to information, ideas, and each other through programs and collections that have shaped countless lives.

This 102-story Art Deco masterpiece takes its name from New York's state nickname, and its limestone and granite facade gleams particularly striking against winter's crisp skies. When it debuted in 1931, it claimed the title of world's tallest building for over four decades until the World Trade Center North Tower surpassed it in 1972. Following the events of September 11, 2001, it regained its status as New York's highest point. The structure earned distinction from the American Society of Civil Engineers as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Both the building itself and its street-level interiors carry landmark designation through the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission and received formal confirmation from the New York City Board of Estimate.

Chat with Mario - live at Nintendo World! Take a break from your holiday shopping to stop by and chat with Mario until January 6th. Ask Mario what his life is like in the Mushroom Kingdom. Check the calendar for dates and times of Mario's appearance in the store.<br/> In the heart of Manhattan, right in Rockefeller Plaza, people flock from all over the globe to visit, play, and shop at this one of a kind Nintendo World Store, a 10,000 square foot gaming paradise. Guests have a compelling in-store experience when they take a tour conducted by one of their Ambassadors, who are very enthusiastic Nintendo fans, always happy to share their knowledge with the visitors. The store staff can guide you through each of the interactive gaming areas, provide hands-on gaming demonstrations, show you their selection of Pokémon merchandise, help you find the right sized Nintendo-themed t-shirts and provide a bit of history by explaining the items in the store, absolutely free of charge. Come talk to Mario about Life in the Mushroom Kingdom; ask an Ambassador to demonstrate how AR Cards work; meet Sean, the resident Pokémon Trainer; bring your Nintendo 3DS and join up to six players in local or online multi-player battles when you participate in the Kid Icarus Tournament; take a picture with a life-sized Mario; take a look at the store selection of exclusive youth, ladies and men’s apparel, featuring your favorite Nintendo characters. Check out their schedule in advance to participate in the activities listed above to experience endless entertainment. By Ruth Cohen.

January 4-6, 2013. For the seventh straight year, the PBR is bringing the pain, as the toughest cowboys and baddest bulls on the planet rock Madison Square Garden in January! It’s the season opener of the elite Built Ford Tough Series, as the Top 35 bull riders in the world risk it all for three unforgettable nights. Don’t even think about calling it a rodeo … this is BULL RIDING! This is the PBR! THREE SNOT-SPEWING, BONE-CRUSHING, ADRENALINE-SOAKED PERFORMANCES! Please purchase your tickets in advance. There will be a $5 increase on each ticket bought day of show. If you plan on purchasing tickets day of show, please arrive to the box office early to avoid long lines. Make sure to be in your seats early- you don’t want to miss the exciting show opening! <br/> Often abbreviated as MSG, known colloquially simply as The Garden, has been the name of four arenas in New York City, United States. It is also the name of the entity which owns the arena and several of the professional sports franchises which play there. There have been four incarnations of the arena. The first two were located at Madison Square, thus the name. Subsequently a new 17,000-seat Garden (opened December 15, 1925) was built at 50th Street and 8th Avenue, and the current Garden (opened February 14, 1968) is at 7th Avenue between 31st and 33rd Streets, situated on top of Pennsylvania Station. The present arena is informally known to some by the advertising slogan "The World's Most Famous Arena". <a href="http://www.wikipedia.org" target="new">Source</a>

Don't miss the Winter Sale at the HBO store this holiday season, with up to 50% discounts off select products from your favorite HBO shows, like Game of Thrones, Boardwalk Empire, Girls, Veep, The Newsroom and countless other TV hits!##YY0301 <br> ##000000 The HBO Shop is an exciting extension of the HBO® brand, offering new products from HBO’s line of award-winning programming, including Entourage®, The Sopranos®, Sex and the City®, The Pacific® the hit HBO series True Blood and more. Selling items range from a variety of commemorative T-shirts and Hoodie Sweatshirts, collectible items like Sopranos Coasters; Game of Thrones paper-weights, laptop skins, pint glasses; Boardwalk Empire cigarette case, Nucky Thompson hat, playing cards; Entourage cap, King Ari mug; Eastbound & Down baseball hat, water bottle, to the entire collection of the HBO shows and series.<br/> Now you can deepen your experience with your favorite show by taking an actual bus tour of the Sopranos locations and following in the foot steps of Tony & Family, or by following in the footsteps of Carrie & Co as they conquer New York City! Drink where they drink, shop where they shop, and gossip where they gossip. Both tours visit more than 40 locations where the series where filmed and are organized and operated by On Location Tours, with a final stop at the HBO Shop in NYC at 42nd Street and 6th Avenue. Tour visitors will receive 10% off all purchases at the NYC Shop. Subway Stop: Times Square, 42nd Street. TRAINS: N-R-Q-S-1-2-3-7.

Uncover the child within you when you visit the Disney Store, located in the most visited place in Manhattan: Times Square! The Disney Store is a magical place where fantasy is around every corner, where you can impersonate your favorite character, where Disney legends come to life and where kids and adults alike can unleash their imagination in a kingdom of entertainment. Three floors display Disney Princess, Mickey & Friends, Tinker Bell & Fairies, Pooh & Pals, The Little Mermaid, Nemo, Cinderella, Bambi, toys, collectibles, DVD, music and house wares, including toasters, glasses and waffle makers. Make it personal with customized clothes & accessories. Add your name to backpacks, ear hats, fleece throws, jackets and snow globes. Make your child the Star when you personalize a Disney storybook. Tote bags, mugs, mouse pads, iPhone cases, iPod cases, iPad cases, binders, any of these items can be transformed into a unique gift when you customize your product of choice. Check our website to take advantage of their current special offers in toys, music & books, home & décor, adults & kids clothing and much more.

Picture yourself stepping into a space where hands-on discovery meets cutting-edge innovation—a place that transforms how you think about technology and imagination. This midtown Manhattan destination pulls together interactive exhibits that let you jump right into learning rather than just observe it from behind glass. The winter months bring a particularly cozy energy to exploring these galleries, with plenty to captivate visitors seeking indoor adventure during the colder season. The facility prioritizes creating that rare sweet spot where families actually want to linger, where curiosity drives the experience, and where playfulness sits alongside serious technological exploration. Whether you're tinkering with exhibits or watching demonstrations, the environment invites you to get your hands involved and test ideas in real time.

Carnegie Area has presented its 2012–13 season, and presented among the performers taking the prestigious hall's levels are a number of performers acquainted to visitors of the Nonesuch Publication, such as Kronos Quartet, Rich Goode, Beginning Upshaw, and Alert Will Audio, as well as world and New You are able to elite activities of works by Bob Reich, Jimmy Andres, and Donnacha Dennehy. Moreover, David Adams will cause a Professional Training Class for growing abilities through Carnegie Hall's Weill Songs Institution.<br/> Presenting major international and national festivals to offer audiences opportunities to undertake compelling journeys of discovery, which include not only extraordinary concerts at Carnegie Hall, but also films, lectures, readings, museum exhibits, and more, through partnerships with other cultural institutions. Equally important to each festival are educational programs in the New York City schools, designed to stimulate the imagination of students and nurture their creativity.

Build-A-Bear Workshop is a popular chain of retail stores that offers customers the opportunity to create their own stuffed animals. The company was founded in 1997 and has since grown to include over 400 stores worldwide. The stores are typically located in shopping malls, but you can also find a store in New York.<br/> At Build-A-Bear Workshop, customers can choose from a variety of stuffed animals, including bears, dogs, cats, and even licensed characters like Disney, Marvel and Harry Potter. Once they have chosen their animal, customers can then stuff it themselves using a special machine, and add a heart-shaped "wish to make it special. After that, they can add a variety of accessories such as clothing, shoes, and even sound chips that play pre-recorded phrases.<br/> The stores also offer special events and workshops for children, including "bear-making" birthday parties and school field trips.<br/> Build-A-Bear Workshop has become a popular destination for families and children, as well as adults looking for a fun and unique shopping experience. With a store in New York, it's a great place to create a special, one-of-a-kind stuffed animal as a souvenir of your trip to the city.

Escape the summer heat along this scenic waterfront ribbon on Manhattan's west side, where tree-lined paths, river breezes, and sweeping views of the Hudson create the perfect backdrop for picnics, paddling, or simply watching the sun dip below the New Jersey skyline. Beyond the greenery, you'll find piers for fishing and kayaking, playgrounds for the kids, sports courts, and cultural venues hosting everything from outdoor concerts to art installations. It's your chance to breathe easy without leaving Greenwich Village behind.

Paddle out onto the Hudson River for free at this beloved Greenwich Village waterfront hub. The all-volunteer nonprofit offers walk-up kayaking every weekend and holiday (9am–6pm, last boat at 5:30pm), plus Thursday evenings (5–7pm, last boat at 6:30pm). It's an easy, no-experience-necessary way to explore NYC's harbor and connect with the water.

Union Square (also known as Union Square Park) is an important and historic intersection in New York City, located where Broadway and the Bowery came together in the early 19th century. Today it is bounded by 14th Street, Union Square East, 17th Street, and Union Square West. It is run and operated jointly by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation as well as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.<br> In 1976, the Council on the Environment of New York City established the Greenmarket program, which provided regional small family farmers with opportunities to sell their fruits, vegetables and other farm products at open-air markets in the city. The most famous is the Union Square Greenmarket, held Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays between 8 AM and 6 PM year round. 250,000 customers a week purchase 1,000 varieties of fruits and vegetables at the market. The variety of produce available is broader by perhaps a factor of ten than what is found in a conventional supermarket.

An open space with a tradition of nonconformity, the park's fountain area has long been one of the city's popular spots for residents and tourists. Washington Square has been a center of the cultural life in New York since the middle of the 19th century. Artists of the Hudson River School, the country's first prominent school of painters, settled around Washington Square at that time. Samuel Morse and Daniel Huntington were tenants of the old University Building. (New York University once rented out studio space and residential apartments within the "academic" building.) Edgar Allan Poe, Mark Twain, Herman Melville and Walt Whitman contributed to the artistic climate, having notable interaction with the cultural and academic life of the university.

Built by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., son of the architect of Central Park, in 1935, and gifted to the city of New York by John D. Rockefeller in 1917, Fort Tryon Park remains one of the city’s most beautiful outdoor pieces of art and one of the best presents ever received. <br> Centuries after its creation, parkgoers can picnic, run, play, and enjoy the historic architecture that has survived and thrived within the park. Beyond its dedication to natural beauty, as evidenced by its gardens and grounds, Fort Tryon Park is unique in its dedication to manmade art. Perched high above its northern grounds are the Cloisters, a branch of the Metropolitan Museum that houses nearly 5,000 medieval works in a reconstructed medieval monastery. After soaking up ancient artwork, visitors can venture next door to the New Leaf Restaurant & Bar, an upscale restaurant perfect for romantic dinners and friendly brunches.