New York reveals a surprising number of green spaces where you can wiggle your toes in the grass and forget that you’re in the concrete jungle. Central Park is, of course, de rigueur on every New York itinerary, but venture farther afield and you’ll find quiet pockets of greenery that you might share only chirping birds, creating ideal spots for peaceful moments of contemplation or engaging in the art of birdwatching.
For a reminder that Manhattan is, in fact, an island, head to its southern tip. Tucked behind the sun-speckled promenade lies the petite, peaceful Robert F. Wagner, Jr. Park, with its gentle grassy slopes, pretty linden trees, and sweeping views of the East River and the Statue of Liberty.
For a romantic escape, roam the lush Brooklyn Botanic Garden, with their acres of fragrant foliage, from orchids to honeysuckle. New York’s coastal areas have some splendid patches of greenery, including Fire Island’s Sunken Forest, one of the few remaining maritime forests on the eastern seaboard.
The ferry to Staten Island is one of the city’s great deals, offering top-notch views of the Statue of Liberty and the city skyline – for free. Upon arrival, make for the center of the island, where you’ll find the Greenbelt, a lush nature reserve of verdant forest, streams, and lakes
Music Venues
New York’s indie music legacy has included punk rock icons the Ramones, the New York Dolls, Talking Heads, Blondie, and Sonic Youth. Many innovative jazz and blues musicians, such as freewheeling artist Ornette Coleman and Thelonious Monk, also made their start here. New York’s alternative music scene continues to flourish, and you can groove to creative tunes throughout the city, from East Village haunts with cheap booze and tiny corner stages to low-lit Harlem jazz joints. Check out local bands seven nights a week at the lively Cakeshop in the Lower East Side.
In the West Village, the cheery Cornelia Street Café showcases local music of all stripes, from improvisational quartets to “po’jazz,” a blend of poetry and jazz. Tap your toes to jam sessions and Afro-Cuban and Latin jazz at the intimate lounge Smoke in Morningside Heights. The Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) has long been at the forefront of contemporary music, dance, and theater. Tune in to free live shows, from world music to modern vocalists, at the BAMcafé on weekends. Indie music fans might want to time a visit to New York for the CMJ Music Marathon in October, one of New York’s largest musical events
New York’s indie music legacy has included punk rock icons the Ramones, the New York Dolls, Talking Heads, Blondie, and Sonic Youth. Many innovative jazz and blues musicians, such as freewheeling artist Ornette Coleman and Thelonious Monk, also made their start here. New York’s alternative music scene continues to flourish, and you can groove to creative tunes throughout the city, from East Village haunts with cheap booze and tiny corner stages to low-lit Harlem jazz joints.
Last word
Todt Hill, the highest natural point in the five boroughs of New York (and also where the 1972 epic The Godfather was filmed). Trek to the top and gaze out at the rolling greenery that gives way to the sparkling Upper Bay. Standing here, you might just forget you’re in New York.
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