here we are now, going to the west side

With a gorgeous day in the forecast (and Chelsea and my parents along for the ride), I decided to explore the Upper West Side  – a  part of the city I rarely visit.

First stop was the new Illumination Lawn at Lincoln Center.

Illumination Lawn  is actually the sloping “green roof” of a restaurant, and part of a major renovation of the Lincoln Center complex by the renowned design firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro. I had been avidly looking at pictures of the lawn on-line and was excited to see it for myself.

Except – it was closed.

illuminations lawn, lincoln center

I was a little bummed, but reminded myself that I know how to take lemons and………….so I walked around the base of the lawn  and took some pictures anyway while the gang waited for me. It really was so cool and I plan to get back there soon, take my shoes off and run around with Noah.

illuminations lawn, lincoln center

illuminations lawn, lincoln center

Next I decided to wander around the west side of Central Park. The park is one of my very favorite spots in all of New York. Seriously, I could go there once a week as it is magnificent in every season. The thing is, I find myself traversing the same paths on every visit. This time I was hoping to see some new sights, and maybe find a playground for Noah along the way.

We lucked out – immediately finding not one but TWO great playgrounds:

tot playground, central park

tot playground, central park

adventure playground, central park

After a good run on the slides and climbing structures we headed deeper into the park and found ourselves standing in the magnificent Sheep Meadow:

sheep meadow, central park

How have I NEVER been here?

sheep meadow, central park

We walked some more and wound up at Bethesda Terrace. Look at this place – I love everything about it – it’s a truly magical setting and I never tire of walking around, admiring the lake and fountain and doing some great people-watching.

bethesda terrace, central park

bethesda terrace, central park

bethesda terrace, central park

bethesda terrace, central park

bethesda terrace, central park

bethesda terrace, central park

We finished the day with a stroll through the Mall and Literary Walk.

literary walk, central park

sheri and noah

I felt a little like a tourist and made a mental note to start a list of sights and neighborhoods – in New York – that I’ve never been to. I read somewhere that it’s a good idea, once in a while, to treat yourself like a visitor to your town and see the landmarks and attractions that you would show to an out-of-town guest. I love this idea.

How about you? Do you “take for granted” the place that you live in, frequenting the same spots over and over again? Or do you make it a point to discover new neighborhoods from time to time?

And for you New Yorkers – any “hidden gems” that I should know about?

 

8 Comments

  1. Sara on June 23, 2012 at 8:18 am

    We do this part of the city and park all of the time. Absolutely need to start the list of places and neighborhoods we never go to …

    • sherisilver on June 23, 2012 at 2:42 pm

      We should compare/swap lists!

  2. Jennifer Cullen on June 23, 2012 at 8:22 am

    Love this! When I moved to NYC after college, I lived on the Upper West Side. And spent many a hungover Sunday afternoon lying out in Sheeps Meadow (Warm months of course. Cold month Sundays were for going to Zabars and spending the day inside reading the NYT.) There was this really cute Italian-Puerto Rican guy from work who played soccer in the field. Ahh, memories!

    • sherisilver on June 23, 2012 at 2:43 pm

      Why does this not surprise me?

  3. Hotly Spiced on June 23, 2012 at 6:38 pm

    What a great day out and it seems the weather is wonderful for you at the moment – a great time to be outside and doing the touristy thing! xx

    • sherisilver on June 24, 2012 at 9:00 am

      Yes – it’s been glorious – and it’s about time!! 🙂

  4. Lisa on June 25, 2012 at 11:45 pm

    Sheri, this looks like such a fun day trip! I’m sitting at my laptop dreaming of illumination lawns, sheep meadows and Central Park in general. Noah looks like he’s having a blast! Your family looks so wonderful – beautiful pictures!

    • sherisilver on June 26, 2012 at 6:59 am

      Thank you Lisa – I have a dream that one day we take each other on the best tours ever of our cities! xo

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Hi! I'm Sheri!

Welcome to my little corner of the web where you’ll find easy, delicious recipes, the best kitchen hacks and simple tips for turning your home into a clean haven that is free of toxins. So glad you’re here!