Socrates Sculpture Park combines two of my favorite things about New York City: outdoor public spaces, and ambitious inventive art. Located on the shore of the East River, with beautiful views of Manhattan and Roosevelt Island, it is my oasis and a vital cultural center for the Astoria community.
Socrates Sculpture Park is an outdoor museum that invites local artists to create site-specific artwork for their spring and fall seasons. Between seasons, I love to watch the sculptors at work in the park's open-air studio. As I watch the artwork grow from raw materials into beautiful sculptures, I can feel the creative vibe pulsing throughout the entire park.
In addition to its biannual sculptural exhibitions, Socrates Sculpture Park offers a huge variety of cultural events. Farmers’ markets, folk dance performances, kayaking, and outdoor foreign film screenings, are all among my favorite activities at Socrates Sculpture Park.
Socrates Sculpture Park seems to hibernate during the winter. While you can still visit the park for the nice outdoor space and great East River views, you'll have to wait until springtime for new sculptures and outdoor events.
Find your way with 301 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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.
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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.
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"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!
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"Patisserie des Ambassades" in New York has extensive opening hours and prepares dishes & desserts for every time of day. It's refreshingly old-fashioned.
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"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...
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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...
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The MTA in NYC offers subway "nostalgia rides" during the summer months on old cars from the '30s and '40s. Book your ticket now!
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"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...
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"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!
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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!
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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!
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301 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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