Apr 9, 2025

Central Park Benches New York

Poignant inscriptions

""Central Park Benches" in NYC (apart from their comfort) are known for their commemorative plaques. One of them is dedicated by the citizens of Liverpool..."

Entering Central Park through the Women’s Gate (72nd Street West), then following the sidewalk edged on either hand with benches where sitting idlers observe your passing, then between and under the Katsura Trees (which in the autumn smell of caramelized sugar) framing the pathway entrance to Strawberry Fields, you will encounter even more benches with many more idlers listening to buskers like The Meetles, all inspired by The Beatles and the lyrics of John Lennon. Of course, it was Yoko Ono who brought this shrine into being.

Central Park benches—apart from their comfort—are known for their commemorative plaques. Park lovers have embraced the idea to the degree that it is uncommon to find a bench without a plaque.

One such is on a bench in Strawberry Fields just beyond those Katsura Trees on your right hand, near where a first glimpse the Imagine mosaic is had.

It commemorates those who died in the World Trade Center collapse but what holds my attention is that it is dedicated by the citizens of the City of Liverpool.

Its presence invokes the powerful message that this Liverpool native who was murdered by an American using a handgun at the entrance to the Dakota Apartment across the street, wrote words that need to be considered by the nation that also experienced a murderous attack in 2001.

Point taken. The message is clear:

Imagine all the people
Living life in peace…

The nearby subway station holds large, inspiring mosaics also designed by Ono.

002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

2 West 72

US$

free

Find your way with 301 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our New York guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in New York

American Folk Art Museum

Free recitals

The American Folk Art Museum in New York hosts free live jazz and eclectic concerts, with thoughtful exhibits and a folksy gift shop worth browsing.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

May 7, 2025

Fall Foliage

Central Park

A walk through Central Park in New York is probably your best way of appreciating the folliage change colors. I recommend walking along the allée of elms.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

May 7, 2025

Sisters

Soul/Jamaica Fusion in Harlem

"Sisters" in New York is a Jamaican restaurant. Let's put it like this: when I go to Jamaica, I don't seek a restaurant until I come back!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

May 7, 2025

Patisserie des Ambassades

Senegalese/French café

"Patisserie des Ambassades" in New York has extensive opening hours and prepares dishes & desserts for every time of day. It's refreshingly old-fashioned.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

May 7, 2025

Loeb Boathouse

Central Park

"Loeb Boathouse Restaurant" in New York's Central Park is in the vicinity of the Bethesda Fountain and I think it's best for a warm-weather drink...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

May 7, 2025

1166 Sixth Avenue

Lichenstein & Otterness

In the lobby of 1166 Avenue of the Americas in NYC hang some significant tapestries by Lichtenstein & a large bronze homage to capitalism by Otterness...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

May 4, 2025

Subway Nostalgia

Vintage subway train excursions

The MTA in NYC offers subway "nostalgia rides" during the summer months on old cars from the '30s and '40s. Book your ticket now!

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

May 2, 2025

Teranga

Senegalese food at the Africa Center

"Teranga" in New York City, in the Africa Center, is a restaurant as well as a library. It feels musical and maintains a feeling of communal comfort...

002-building
Art & culture
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

May 2, 2025

Grand Bazaar

Flea market UWS

"Grand Bazaar" NYC is the city's largest outdoor market, also with an indoor section. Here you can find absolutely everything and for bargain prices!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

May 2, 2025

S&P Lunch

1928 Lunch Counter

S&P Sandwich Shop, opened in 1928, serves Jewish classics like matzoh ball soup and latkes in a nostalgic setting that feels like stepping back in time. A must-visit!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

May 1, 2025

Dive 75

Quality trivia contests

"Dive 75" in NYC is a noteworthy sports bar for its Tuesday Night Trivia contests. Clientele is also big on board games, and the beer is relatively cheap!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Apr 30, 2025

Professional Baseball

April 4 opener 2025

Games of Professional Baseball in New York doesn't just mean watching the Yankees play and paying 100s of dollars: watch a Class A game for much cheaper!

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Apr 28, 2025

Heading to New York?

301 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

301 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves New York

Get to know our other Spotters from New York

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
63
Filters