From the hub of Olmsted’s & Vaux’s Central Park - Bethesda Terrace - spoke the elm tree lined Mall and the 72nd Street transverse roadway, now closed to traffic.
To its north lies The Ramble (on the other side of The Lake). To its west lies the main body of The Lake and Strawberry Fields. To its east are row boat rentals, the Boathouse Restaurant, and The Boat Pond (officially, Conservatory Water) - the little boat pond - as in E B White’s children’s novel, "Stuart Little". And, around it, the spectacular Alice in Wonderland and Hans Christian Anderson bronze sculptures. All can be experienced in one fell walking swoop.
At The Terrace itself, breathtaking sculptural balustrades frame magical depictions of wild animals, while framing the staircase (pictured) that leads you from The Mall above to the Bethesda Fountain below, and whose name is "Angel of the Waters". She is atop the fountain featured in the 2003 film Angels in America, as the finale of the camera’s swooping 'one shot' opening credit roll that begins in San Francisco. The sculptor was informed by the Gospel of John, which describes an angel instilling healing powers to the waters of the Pool of Bethesda.
Its maker, Emma Stebbins was, in 1863, the first woman (and first openly gay) ever to receive a public art commission in the City of New York. Its earthly raison d’être is its commemoration of the Croton Reservoir water system which led to the end of a cholera outbreak in the city in the 1840s.
Find your way with 308 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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
There are three houses not far from each other in NYC of three icons: James Dean, James Baldwin, and Dorothy Parker...
by
"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
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
Among its offerings are a $10 breakfast special and its enormous $15 lunchtime hamburger, a price unobtainable anywhere else within walking distance.
by
"Monumental Women" has erected this monument in Central Park, NYC to especially important figures in the United States women's equality movement...
by
"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
"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
Taco toppings include cheese (Cotijam, oaxaca and mozzarella), pineapple, jalapeños and pico de gallo. Norteñas & Cubanos sandwiches are not to be missed.
by
"Dinastia" is a great Cuban-Chinese restaurant in New York City. They definitely make soul food here. Consider the squid and rice: it's always good...
by
"Studio Museum in Harlem" in New York focuses on local, national and international artists of African descent and other work inspired by black culture...
by
Its bright neon sign is easy to spot. Stand Up NY feels like a proper theater as it has a street-level entrance and the programming is mad extensive,
by
308 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 308 Insider Tips