Strawberry Fields New York
In Central Park
When John Lennon was murdered at The Dakota in 1980, New York City was a mess. That night I joined a small crowd that stood outside his home and I remember having no idea of what to expect; things seemed bleak and far gone. There was actually a storefront on Columbus Avenue, outside my window---usually with a lineup---that sold marijuana and cocaine.
Dented and crushed from years of neglect, the city was slow-cooking artistically but suffering visually. What arose was the era of the New York punks, epitomized in music by the goings on at CBGB’s and OMFUG, down in the East Village with the Ramones, Police, Blondie, Lou Reed, Patti Smith. By today’s standards things were cheap; cocaine, disco, darkness and grit.
Central Park was dishevelled, shaggy and dangerous. Berkowitz had murdered and then Chapman struck down Lennon.
Yoko Ono’s response was to offer dignity and love of life to the mix and now her gestures are clearer; it can be seen how effective she was. Her infusion made the Strawberry Fields region of Central Park poignantly beautiful and lush, and my favourite place for privacy (believe it or not) and calm.
Today, around the Imagine mosaic, you will find lots of itinerant musicians, hear spoken multiple languages and see crowds of people whose generation is the age their grandparents --- the original Lennon fans --- were. That’s a lot of love.
It's nearly always crowded, there is almost always a guitarist or two and you might see Yoko Ono.
Find your way with 300 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in New York
Grandma's Place
Inclusive Books and Toys
I stumbled across a store about which I had read but never visited—the very inviting and colourful playground of Dawn Harris-Martine), retired teacher, now famous—named Grandma’s Place.
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Sisters Uptown Bookstore
African diaspora hub
"Sisters Uptown Bookstore" in NYC is a hidden shop/cultural center w/ an eye-opening trove of books by African diaspora authors. A true neighborhood spot!
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Color World
Curb Side BBQ
Color World sets up on the corner of 116th and 2nd Avenue, rain or shine. There they serve beef, pork, goat, oxtail, and chicken for $10 a plate.
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Don Alejo Coffee
Coffee, toasts and burritos
Their prices are in keeping with the neighborhood: a plate of two eggs, two pancakes, 'home' fried potatoes and your choice of sausages or bacon, is $12.
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Icons' Homes
James, James & Dorothy
There are three houses not far from each other in NYC of three icons: James Dean, James Baldwin, and Dorothy Parker...
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Heckscher Field/Central Park
Broadway show league
"Heckscher Field" in Central Park, New York, is used for softball. Here you can see games played for the Broadway Show League. Celebrity stars may be seen.
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
74st Café
American overlooking Beacon Theater
Among its offerings are a $10 breakfast special and its enormous $15 lunchtime hamburger, a price unobtainable anywhere else within walking distance.
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Verdi Square
People Watching
This sun soaked park bench is a destination neighborhood residents know, spending time there in observation. It’s one of the more fabulous NYC stages.
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Monumental Women
Central Park Monument Representing Real Women
"Monumental Women" has erected this monument in Central Park, NYC to especially important figures in the United States women's equality movement...
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Der Krung
Best Thai spot in town
"Der Krung" in Hell's Kitchen in New York City is by far my favorite Thai place around. One of the best things about it is the $9.75 lunch special...
By
Christian
Neely
Frick Collection
Intimate, reopened art museum
Visit the newly restored Frick Collection, a Gilded Age treasure with masterpieces by Vermeer and Fragonard, housed in a historic Fifth Avenue mansion.
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Apthorp Cleaners
Barbies, Barbies, Barbies
"Apthorp Cleaners" in NYC is different from the dozens of other neighborhood cleaners by its permanent but ever-changing window display of Barbie dolls...
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Heading to New York?
300 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to New York this weekend?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 300 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
Our team loves New York
Get to know our other Spotters from New York
As featured on:
