Post updates by email:
the ice skating rink in Central Park

During my rendezvous with New York City last week, I decided to take a long walk through Central Park. And it was the perfect afternoon to do so because by the time I got there the sky had turned grey; adding an almost Gothic ambiance to my stroll.

When I lived in Manhattan, I had a studio apartment on 65th Street between 5th and Madison Avenues, which was located directly along Central Park. Yet, it's funny how when you live in NYC, you often take something like that for granted, not realizing how fortunate you are to be so close to this massively green oasis, surrounded by a concrete jungle.

I walked through Central Park from 57th Street to 72nd, where I eventually found myself at the Bethesda Terrace, built in the 1860's. And I have only one word to describe it - MAGNIFICENT. Bethesda Terrace is also home to the iconic Angel of the Waters Fountain, which has been featured in countless films.

Please enjoy a walk through New York City's Central Park...


I love how the bare tree branches resemble roots.


Park benches


The Naumburg Bandshell - such greats as Irving Berlin, Benny Goodman, and Duke Ellington have entertained at this bandshell.


The Bethesda Terrace


You can see the angel fountain peeking over the bridge.


A view of Central Park East. 


Look at that amazing stonework. The attention to detail is mind-blowing.


A view from beneath the bridge. Notice the tile work on the ceiling.


The Angel of the Waters Fountain

And since I'm true believer in angels, I edited this next photograph and added one of my favorite quotes...


Have a beautiful weekend everyone!
X


57 comments:

  1. Good morning Ron. I loved this post. It showed me things I didn't get a chance to see when in New York. Yes, I went into Central Park but only on the outskirts because of time limits. Wow, look what I missed. Love those steps and you're right about the detail - it is incredible. I can imagine ladies of old trailing their dresses behind them as they descended. And those park benches are quite something... nobody could possibly steal those!


    Loved your quote on the angel.... I must try and remember that one.


    Have a wonderful weekend. We have snow so I don't think I'll be venturing far.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ron, these photographs of Central Park are beautiful! And every time you post about New York, I get so homesick. I've only been to the Bethesda Terrace once and it was during the summer. I went with girlfriends because we were huge fans of Sex and the City and some of the episodes were filmed there. We wanted to sit by the fountain where Carrie and Big sat in Central Park Lol! And I didn't know you lived on 65th and 5th. Wow, that's a prime location. Your rent must have been insane.

    I love the last photo you edited with quote.

    Great post! I can't wait to see more on the Big Apple. Have a wonderful weekend, Ron x

    ReplyDelete
  3. I've only been to the park twice, but last time I did see Bethesda Terrace, too! Did you also stop by Strawberry Fields area? Central Park was my daughter's favorite part of that trip. She was really having sensory overload by that time, so it was exactly what she needed.

    I'm looking forward to more of your photos!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Killer photographs, Ron! I love the first one of the tree branches. And being a fan of Goth, you really captured the feeling in these images. That last edited photo is so Goth! The stonework on those stairs is phenomenal. The craftsmanship back then cannot be duplicated today.

    " such greats as Irving Berlin, Benny Goodman, and Duke Ellington have entertained at this bandshell." That is so cool!



    Can't wait to see more of New York, dude!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Good morning Valerie!

    " Yes, I went into Central Park but only on the outskirts because of time limits. Wow, look what I missed."

    I know, Central Park is SO massive that it takes a lot of time to see it all. Even having lived in NYC, I still haven't seen many parts of it. It's 843 acres!

    "Love those steps and you're right about the detail - it is incredible. I can imagine ladies of old trailing their dresses behind them as they descended."

    Me too!!!! In fact, that's exactly what I was imagining while there! Whenever I visit places that are rich in history, I try to picture what it was like and what they wore back then.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, dear lady. Have a wonderful weekend!

    X to you and Joe

    P.S. Yes, we're supposed to be getting some snow this weekend as well.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hola Denise!

    "I've only been to the Bethesda Terrace once and it was during the summer. I went with girlfriends because we were huge fans of Sex and the City and some of the episodes were filmed there. We wanted to sit by the fountain where Carrie and Big sat in Central Park Lol!"

    HA! OMG...that is so funny because I do the same thing whenever I visit a location of a film or TV show. Last year while I was in NYC, I stood were Carrie and Big stood in front of the Plaza Hotel during one of the final episodes of SAC. I also stood were Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford stood in The Way We Were!

    " And I didn't know you lived on 65th and 5th. Wow, that's a prime location. Your rent must have been insane."



    I lived there during the late 70's-early 80's and my rent was $290.00 per month! Back then that was a lot, but now it seems like peanuts. The apartment building I lived in turned condo and I can't imagine what they must go for now. Prime location indeed!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Have a wonderful weekend too!
    X

    ReplyDelete
  7. Ron, your love for New York City is so evident in the passion of words. These photographs are superb. I love the very first one of the ice skating rink facing Central Park South. Beautiful shot!


    You make me miss my hometown. Looking forward to more photos!

    ReplyDelete
  8. This is a beautiful post and a gorgeous send off to the weekend ahead! I would love to take a stroll in Central Park to see all these amazing sights! I love your last quote too. I had an Aunt who was obsessed with angels and she has passed on but I still hold a special place in my heart for angels and I know she is an angel watching over me.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Aw...thank you, Arlee. I love NYC!


    Have a super weekend. And thanks so much for stopping by!

    ReplyDelete
  10. "I've only been to the park twice, but last time I did see Bethesda Terrace, too! "

    You too!?!? lsn't it a GORGEOUS spot? I'd been there many times while I lived in NYC, but totally forgot how fabulous it was.

    "Did you also stop by Strawberry Fields area?"

    Yes, I did, and I cannot believe I forgot to take a picture of the "Image" monument!?!

    " Central Park was my daughter's favorite part of that trip. She was really having sensory overload by that time, so it was exactly what she needed."



    Yes, NYC in general can be sensory overload indeed, but OMG...I love it!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a fantabulous weekend!
    X

    ReplyDelete
  11. Those photos were lovely. It was like being there except warmer.

    Arlee Bird

    A to Z Challenge Co-host

    Tossing It Out

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hiya Matt!

    I took so many pictures while I was there, but my favorites are the ones in Central Park. The weather that day added so much to the "feel."

    "The stonework on those stairs is phenomenal. The craftsmanship back then cannot be duplicated today."

    I thought the same thing. And to think how long they've withstood the test of time, just show you how amazing the craftsmanship was!

    " such greats as Irving Berlin, Benny Goodman, and Duke Ellington have entertained at this bandshell." That is so cool!"

    Can you imagine what that must have been like to see those greats performing there? That bandshell was also used in one of my favorite Woody Allen films, "Mighty Aphrodite."



    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a most excellent weekend!
    X

    ReplyDelete
  13. Ron, what beautiful photos! As a native New Yorker, I've been to Central Park countless times, but I have to say your images really gave me a fresh perspective.


    I had no idea so many great musicians played at the band shell. Bethesda Terrace looks beautiful, especially in this wintry setting. (And you KNOW how much I hate winter!)


    I love that angel image and the accompanying quote.Thanks, buddy, that was just what I needed to hear this week!


    Have a great weekend and do take care!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Ron, these are STUPENDOUS!! I can see where so many of these locations would be perfect for wedding photos (like that stony bridge -- just stunning!). And the angel fountain is a place I'd visit EVERY time I got to the City, you know. So peaceful and comforting! Where did you find that quote? I'm going to have to borrow that one -- it's beautiful!

    Thanks for a lovely stroll in Central Park -- I've only been to NYC once, and sadly, I never made it there. I love seeing it through your eyes and your camera's lens!

    Happy weekend to you, dear!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thank you for a beautiful walk; I really needed to get out of the house today! What beautiful stone designs!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Margie Smith (Jr.)Friday, January 30, 2015

    Hi Ron! Great post. This is my neighborhood and it's a great reminder to GET OUT THERE and look around! Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  17. The 'angel of the waters' statue is ATOP the Bethesda Fountain. Central Park is just about my favorite place in New York. When people would ask me if I ever got out of town on the weekend to the 'country' to alleviate the 'concrete crazies' I would answer "Why would I, I have Central Park". I am, and have always been a concrete and carbon monoxide girl. Central Park is all anyone needs. You used to be able to go skiing in Van Cortland Park in the Bronx. There was very little that couldn't be done in NYC. Why go anywhere else?

    ReplyDelete
  18. Though I've been to NYC before, I have never seen Central Park. I'm going to have to talk Tara into a long weekend there sometime - I imagine we'd need a good three days minimum to even begin to scratch the surface.


    Great pics, by the way. I love the minimalist feel of the winter-bare trees. The whole thing does look rather Gothic, now that you mention it.


    Cheers, and have a great weekend. Go, football team!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I really had no idea how many lovely scenes were in Central Park. I've always heard of it, but have never seen it in person. Thank you for the tour! I'm sure a person could spend days walking around in it and never see everything. You captured some gorgeous details. Hope your weekend is a good one. We're forecasted for a little snow and I'm excited!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hello there Shae!

    "I would love to take a stroll in Central Park to see all these amazing sights!"

    If you ever get a chance to visit NYC, you have got to see Central Park because it's AMAZING! And it's so big that you can't really see it all in one day. Hell, I lived there for 5 years and never saw it all.

    "I had an Aunt who was obsessed with angels and she has passed on but I still hold a special place in my heart for angels and I know she is an angel watching over me."



    Yes, she SURE is. And I believe it!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have an awesome weekend!
    X

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hey there Elaine!

    "Ron, your love for New York City is so evident in the passion of words."

    HA! I know, can you tell? I truly love that city with all my heart.

    "I love the very first one of the ice skating rink facing Central Park South."



    I was standing on a HUGE rock when I took that photograph.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a super weekend! Did you see it snowing today? I heard we're getting more Sunday and Monday. Can't wait!


    X

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hey there Rob!

    I was so thinking of you while I was in NYC last week. In the Spring, we have got to meet up again (and hopefully on a weekend) so that we can tour the city together!

    "I had no idea so many great musicians played at the band shell."



    Yes, can you believe it? I was so impressed when I read that. That bandshell was also featured in one of my favorite Woody Allen films, Mighty Aphrodite, with Mira Sorvino. Hilarious film!


    Have a super weekend, buddy. And thanks so much for stopping by!
    X

    ReplyDelete
  23. Helloooooo Debbie!

    "I can see where so many of these locations would be perfect for wedding photos (like that stony bridge -- just stunning!)."

    OMG, I can't believe you said that because while I was there last week, I saw a photographer taking photographs of a wedding couple! Yes, it's the perfect location for weddings photos, I agree. So romantic!

    " And the angel fountain is a place I'd visit EVERY time I got to the City, you know. So peaceful and comforting! Where did you find that quote?"



    Yes, and that's what you feel when you look at that angel - peace, comfort and strength. I first read that quote years ago when I started my fascination with angels. However, I found it again online this week while I was looking for it!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Happy weekend to you too!
    X

    ReplyDelete
  24. Glad you enjoyed the walk, Suzi :)


    Aren't the stone designs AMAZING?


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a terrific weekend!
    X

    ReplyDelete
  25. "I really had no idea how many lovely scenes were in Central Park. I've always heard of it, but have never seen it in person. Thank you for the tour!"


    You are so welcome, Lisa :) In the 5 years that I lived in NYC, I've only seen parts of Central Park because it's so massive. So each time I go back, I try to visit another section. The park is 843 acres!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a FAB weekend! And yes, we're getting more snow this weekend as well. And I can't wait!


    X

    ReplyDelete
  26. "Though I've been to NYC before, I have never seen Central Park. I'm going to have to talk Tara into a long weekend there sometime - I imagine we'd need a good three days minimum to even begin to scratch the surface."

    You're right, you need time to see Central Park because it's so massive. In the 5 years that I lived in NYC, I barely saw it all. That's why whenever I go back I try to visit a different section.

    "The whole thing does look rather Gothic, now that you mention it."



    Yes, doesn't the grey day and bare trees add a Gothic feeling? Love it!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a super bowl weekend!


    X to you and Tara

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hello there Grace!

    Yes...the angel DOES sit atop the fountain.

    "Central Park is just about my favorite place in New York. When people would ask me if I ever got out of town on the weekend to the 'country' to alleviate the 'concrete crazies' I would answer "Why would I, I have Central Park"."

    HA! You're right. And use to love walking through Central Park during the summer because it's packed with people lying on the grass; enjoying the sunshine.

    " You used to be able to go skiing in Van Cortland Park in the Bronx. There was very little that couldn't be done in NYC. Why go anywhere else?"


    Amen, I agree. And that's why I love that city so much. Why go anywhere else?


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have an awesome weekend!
    X

    ReplyDelete
  28. I absolutely love this post! You have done a magnificent job of showcasing the beautiful architecture and stonework in the park! It is just stunning! Beautiful! Happy Weekend Ron! The pictures are awesome! Xo Jeanne and the girls

    ReplyDelete
  29. Ron, as Debbie said, these photos are STUPENDOUS! Your photographs just keep getting more and more impressive the more you keep developing your talent. You've got such a great eye for taking pictures and capturing the essence.


    The Bethesda Terrace looks like such an amazing spot in Central Park. Whenever most people think of New York City they only think of the concrete buildings, not realizing it's got this massive green oasis in the middle.


    Love that last photo of the angel. And also the quote!


    Thanks for the walk, Ron. Enjoyed it!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Hey ho Robert!

    Thank you for your sweet and encouraging words :) I'm always trying new things with my camera; attempting to develop my skills more.

    " Whenever most people think of New York City they only think of the concrete buildings, not realizing it's got this massive green oasis in the middle."



    Yes, you're absolutely right, they do. And even when you live there you forget that.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a most excellent weekend!
    X

    ReplyDelete
  31. Aw..thank you, Jeanne :)


    Every time I go back to NYC for a visit, I appreciate so much of what that city has to offer. I think going back as tourist, you notice it more.


    Happy weekend, my friend. And thanks so much for stopping by!


    X to you and the girlz

    ReplyDelete
  32. Oh my gosh. Holy cow. WHERE DO I START. These are amazing. SO SO AMAZING. I have two very favorite pictures, although I love them all. The trees blew me away. The second picture. That is astounding. The other is the one with the tiles above... where it looks like you caught a picture of a person taking a picture. It makes me wonder if YOU are posted somewhere online where the woman is in front of you and you are taking the picture of HER! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Thank you, Katherine :) I had so much fun taking these pictures and being in NYC last week.

    "where it looks like you caught a picture of a person taking a picture. It makes me wonder if YOU are posted somewhere online where the woman is in front of you and you are taking the picture of HER!"

    HAHAHAHA! OMG...I didn't even THINK of that but you're right!

    I saw so many people that day taking pictures. In fact, I spotted a professional photographer taking wedding photographs. And I took a picture of HER taking pictures!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a fantabulous weekend!
    X

    ReplyDelete
  34. It's been a few years since I walked around Central Park. It's always cool to see everything in there, especially the people. The images you picked for the post are excellent and I think it's a great reflection of the park.

    A few years ago, me and some friends did a Geocaching challenge there based on all the bridges and arches of the park. We walked everything that day (as well as one other challenge) and spent 10 hours walking some 13 miles. It was crazy. But we saw every nook and cranny of that park, which was really fantastic.

    ReplyDelete
  35. I REALLY enjoyed taking this cyber-tour of Central Park, Ron; thanks so much! I actually pictured it a lot differently than these photos are, not so many structures, stairs etc...more of a green space that was open with mainly trees.


    How cool that angel is, I just love that statue and your quote too. Terrific post!


    Have a great weekend, G

    ReplyDelete
  36. Hello there Geraldine!

    "not so many structures, stairs etc...more of a green space that was open with mainly trees."



    Yes, the green space in Central Park is amazing, especially during the spring and summer months when all the trees and flowers are in full bloom. The greatest view is from on top of the Empire State Building because you can see just how VAST Central Park is!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
    X

    ReplyDelete
  37. Matt, it's the scene where Mira Sorvino and her date are walking through Central Park and pass by the bandshell with the Greek Chorus.


    It's one of my all-time favorite Woody Allen films. I'm a big fan of Woody Allen. But people either seem to like his movies or don't.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Hey there P.J.

    I actually had to Google "Geocaching" because I didn't know what it was. That sounds so cool!

    " We walked everything that day (as well as one other challenge) and spent 10 hours walking some 13 miles. It was crazy. But we saw every nook and cranny of that park, which was really fantastic."

    Wow...that's AMAZING! I lived in NYC for 5 years and never explored all of Central Park, so that's very impressive! It blows me away how HUGE Central Park is.

    Thanks so much for stopping by. Have a great rest of your weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Ron, I saw Mighty Aphrodite a long time ago, but I'm going to have to rent it again because I don't remember the bandshell in the film. What a great movie! I like a lot of Woody Allen films.

    ReplyDelete
  40. What an absolutely beautiful tribute to Central Park, Ron! And you lived right there?! How wonderful is that?! Yes, to get up close and personal to the treasure troves. The architecture is stunning as is so much of Manhattan.
    I can only imagine the days of the big bands performing, Ron, though the Schaeffer concerts were incredible, too. Were you around then? Some of the biggest acts in the world. And, of course, Shakespeare in the Park. Always wanted to see Pavarotti, but wasn't fortunate enough.
    These photos have captivated such nostalgia. My ex and I had wonderful times sauntering before and during our early years of marriage.
    Just beautiful how you ended your post. So lovely, Ron! :))

    ReplyDelete
  41. Hello there Petra!

    "And you lived right there?! How wonderful is that?"

    Yes, can you believe that? And I appreciate it more now than I did when I lived there. I was much younger when I lived in Manhattan, so I think I took so much of it for granted.

    "Yes, to get up close and personal to the treasure troves. The architecture is stunning as is so much of Manhattan."

    I agree! And every time I go back for a visit, I appreciate it more and more.

    "....though the Schaeffer concerts were incredible, too. Were you around then? Some of the biggest acts in the world. And, of course, Shakespeare in the Park. Always wanted to see Pavarotti, but wasn't fortunate enough."

    No, I don't think I was there then. I lived in NYC from the late 1970's to the early 80's. And OMG...I can only imagine seeing PAVAROTTI there!!!

    "These photos have captivated such nostalgia. My ex and I had wonderful times sauntering before and during our early years of marriage."

    You know, anytime I go back for a visit, I too get very nostalgic. I even went back and visited my apartment on 65th Street and stood outside; reminiscing about the years I spent there. And I'm so grateful for those years.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, dear friend. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
    X

    ReplyDelete
  42. hey, ron. you know i love all things new york and your photos as well. as many times as i have been to central park, i haven't seen all of it. i'll have to make that a to-do on my list this spring or summer. take care, my friend.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Hey there Val!

    Great to see ya!!!

    "you know i love all things new york..."

    Yes I DO! You and I are so sympatico about NYC. And that's why I love to visit with you.

    "as many times as i have been to central park, i haven't seen all of it. i'll have to make that a to-do on my list this spring or summer."

    I haven't either. I try to see a different section each time I visit. The next time you and I go in for a day trip, we'll take a walk, okay?

    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Hope you're having a super weekend!
    X

    ReplyDelete
  44. Wow....such cool photos. They almost take on that sepia look in the grayness. I love the trees gnarled branches. And what awesome details on and inside the terrace bridge/arch. Whatever it's clled, you'd find me laying on steps and bricks trying to capture it on camera. If it's this impressive in photos, I can only imagine strolling through it. The craftsmanship transcends excellence. My mind would be trying to imagine it all, back then...wow, what a cool walk-about.
    And the angel...she was breathtaking before you put words to her.
    Those words were very much appreciated.
    So thank you.

    Roads are impassable, there's a towing ban, and travel isn't advised tonight.
    We got 10" of snow....and 35mph winds.
    Oh, but the snowdrifts are 4' or better....gorgeous and persistent.
    Maybe we'll be dug out tomorrow. ;-)
    Here's hoping you get/got a much tamer version and a chance to shuffle through the white stuff!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Hiya Mel!

    Yes, you're right, they do take on a sepia look in the grayness. It was such a great day for taking photographs because the lighting wasn't harsh in anyway, due to a lot of overhead sunshine. I find that on gray days it easier to take pictures.

    " I can only imagine strolling through it. The craftsmanship transcends excellence. My mind would be trying to imagine it all, back then...wow, what a cool walk-about."

    Isn't the craftsmanship amazing!?! I kept touching it with my fingers to feel all the detail.

    OMG.....10" of snow!?!!? I wish I were there! They keep saying we're getting a lot tonight through tomorrow, and I can't wait!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, dear lady. Have a terrific week and stay warm and cozy.


    ((((( You ))))))

    X

    ReplyDelete
  46. Beautiful pics Ron!

    ReplyDelete
  47. We only saw a very small part of Central Park when we were there so I really enjoyed your photos of the parts we didn't see. x

    ReplyDelete
  48. Thanks, Benze :)

    And thanks a bunch for stopping by!

    ((((((( You ))))))

    X

    ReplyDelete
  49. Oooo....I am so happy to hear that you visited Central Park. Even having lived there, I haven't seen ALL of it myself. I try to see a different section each time I go.


    I can't wait to see your photographs!


    Thanks for stopping by, m'dear!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  50. I haven't been to New York/Central Park in years and years. It really is great so much green space was set aside - it's a lovely park.

    ReplyDelete
  51. " It really is great so much green space was set aside - it's a lovely park.'

    It sure is! 843 acres!!!!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a fantabulous week!
    X

    ReplyDelete
  52. If they ever invent a teleport machine, Central Park is one of the places in America that I'd pop over to check out. Great pictures.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Thank you, Dale :)

    "If they ever invent a teleport machine, Central Park is one of the places in America that I'd pop over to check out."



    I think you would really enjoy Central Park. As well as NYC in general. It's not a place that everyone could live, but it's a city that's worth visiting just once. I imagine it to be in some way similar to London.


    Have a great rest of your week!
    X

    ReplyDelete
  54. I've never been to central park. I LOVE how the history of the place and how it has been reserved, rather than modernized. Thanks for tour and info Ron...

    ReplyDelete
  55. "I LOVE how the history of the place and how it has been reserved, rather than modernized"


    Meeeeeeee too, Pat! It feels like you're walking through a different period in time. The stonework was AMAZING!

    ReplyDelete
  56. I'm so glad to hear you got to go back to NY and I'm quite enjoying the catch up on the wonderful photos from your rendezvous. We've only been a few times and, unfortunately, didn't get to Central Park. Horrors, I know! Someday. :)
    Bare tree branches against the sky always thrill me.
    Beautiful fountain. I like how you edited the photo and the caption is perfect. Angels are magnificent.

    ReplyDelete
  57. " We've only been a few times and, unfortunately, didn't get to Central Park. Horrors, I know! Someday. :)"

    Mary, even when I lived in NYC, I don't think I ever saw ALL of Central Park because it's so massive. Each time I go back, I try to visit different areas of Manhattan because when you live there, you very often take that city for granted.

    "I like how you edited the photo and the caption is perfect. Angels are magnificent."

    Thank you :) Aren't angels magnificent? They always make me feel both calm and strong.

    X

    ReplyDelete

I moderate all comments before publishing. Thank you for stopping by.