Central Park

I have always been swept away by NYC, ever since my dad took me on a weekend trip in high school. The city engulfs you, but within it there are small wonders bringing balance to the skyline.

Many of these wonders can be found in Central Park and I have yet to cover every square inch during each spectacular season, but this is my current fixation. If you’re with me on this, then away we go!

One Day Only

If you live in the North east or are passing through, you have the option for a day trip to Central Park. Check the weather and prepare a backpack! I bring:

• outdoor blanket/towel (sit off the beaten path)
• reusable water bottle (we love the environment!)
• charger pack (you can disconnect but be safe & stay charged)
• couple snacks (for convenience/budget)
• tissues/napkins (anyone else a mess?)
• wallet (with a little cash)
• keys (in a safe place!)
• small notebook & pen
• sunglasses
• chapstick
• perhaps sunscreen and deodorant.

I take an Amtrak train to Penn Station, which always makes me feel like I am in another world: a woman in a different era, going out into the world alone, despite society’s protests; or I find myself wishing that a cart will roll through the aisle offering honeydukes, chocolate frogs and pumpkin pasties. Will I see Hagrid soon? Though my imagination may run wild, this feeling of adventure is earnest.

From Penn Station, choose your favorite mode of transportation to Central Park. I take a cab, because my imagination is fully engaged and I want to throw my hand up like Carrie from Sex & the City and yell “taxi”!

Overnight

Your other option is to stay overnight for as long as your heart desires. If you’re ready for a splurge, 1 Hotel Central Park is the place! 1 Hotel uses reclaimed materials and is plant friendly! I managed one night of hotel ‘treat yourself” with views of Central Park. Note that the views are better up high, which costs more money.

As you enjoy your view, the people from the streets of NYC enjoy their view, of you, in the window reading book. This is your 5 minutes of fame, embrace it fully! I waved to everyone and received waves and pointing in return as well as some comical looks of confusion about that girl in the window.

As you have deduced Central Park is a short walk from 1 Hotel. You can use travel sites to find cheaper options, but never expect NYC to be dirt cheap. Particularly in ideal locations sporting short walking distances to landmarks such as Central Park. Consider that when you’re within walking distance of all your travel destinations there is no need to spend on transportation. 1 Hotel even offers stylish transportation around the local area in their Tesla with lambo doors.

Plan ahead for the overnight stays. I still pack a backpack as mentioned above to take into Central Park, because once I go in, I plan to wander through the park until dusk.

One day and weekend trips to Central Park both fill me with joy. I cannot recommend one over the other, it all depends on you. In my next blog post, I will delve into the secrets of the forbidden forest or Central Park, whatever.

Rae