Central Park: An Autumn Stroll
As I write this, the beautiful maple tree outside my window is in the midst of its annual transformation from green to gold. The autumn sunshine magnifies its gorgeous light, which both puts a smile on my face and reminds me of a wonderful stroll I took through Central Park in New York City a year ago. I was on a weekend bus tour to New York from Montreal where I had visited a friend. The sun was streaming brightly through the remaining leaves on the trees and providing a little warmth on a gorgeous, crisp morning.
Our stroll began among the gorgeous, luxury apartment buildings of Manhattan’s Upper West Side, directly across from the Dakota. The fact that this had been the home of John Lennon seemed to set the theme for my first visit to Central Park. For shortly after entering the park through a nearby gate, we came upon ‘Strawberry Fields’, the touching memorial to the life of this iconic Beatle. The song ‘Imagine’ played in my mind as I viewed the mosaic and the surrounding Garden of Peace.
Moving further into the park, we came upon The Lake. From our vantage point, more Upper West Side apartment buildings glowed in the distance above colourful tree tops. 
And a little further on, the graceful and romantic Bow Bridge appeared, spanning a narrow part of The Lake. Its name comes from its shape which is reminiscent of an archer’s bow. Bedecked with classical urns filled with chrysanthemums, whose colours mimicked those of the surrounding trees, it was a gorgeous sight to behold. 
Continuing on, the gently curving path was accented with long, green benches that provided the visitor an opportunity to further contemplate the surrounding beauty while taking a little rest. I was struck by the lovely inscription embedded in one for it seemed to be a recipe for happiness.
While this was a peaceful spot, parts of the park were a hive of activity in preparation for the New York City Marathon being held there the following day. Organizers were making the finishing touches while runners from around the world familiarized themselves with the route, some taking time out for a photo or two. 
My friend and I did take some time during our ramblings the following day to watch part of the marathon from in front of the Plaza Hotel on the southern edge of Central Park. As you can see, human beings weren’t the only observers that day! 
My favourite spot on this autumn stroll was the gorgeous Bethesda Terrace. Build into a small hillside, the upper Terrace provides a sweeping view of both the spellbinding ‘Angel of the Waters’ fountain and the lake behind it. This fountain was the first major public works commission in New York to be awarded to a woman, Emma Stebbins. She designed it with a healing theme in mind. And so, the angel holds a lily which represents purity, while the four figures below her represent Peace, Health, Purity, and Temperance. The terrace itself was designed with a nature theme and is covered in beautiful carvings depicting wildlife and seasonal motifs.
One of the surprises and highlights for me occurred when I wandered inside the lower terrace. There I found a guitarist playing the Beatles ‘Blackbird’, another homage to John Lennon. I captured a video of him playing while I took in the wonderfully enamelled walls and ceilings, which you can view and listen to below.
And tucked in off to the side of the fountain was the lovely Loeb Boathouse. I could only imagine how pretty it would look at night, all lit up. 
Our time in this treasure of Central Park almost over, we made our way back to our starting point, passing this lovely, vine-covered arbour along the way. 
18 Comments
PeanutGallery247
You’ve described this so beautifully, makes me want to experience it even more. It’s one destination my hubby isn’t keen on so maybe I should plan a girls trip one day soon 😉 lovely photos too.
L'Abeille Française
Thank you so much! You definitely must get there and a girls’ trip is a great way to do it.
agirlwhowrites
The images are as beautiful as the words, and I’m so glad I got to come across this. You certainly have an eye for beauty. Thank you so much, it was quite an experience. It all felt very real, as I was reading it. I’ve never been to America, but I can imagine myself there, in Central Park! 🙂
L'Abeille Française
Thank you for your kind words. I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
odell01
You seem like quite the gentleman with a blog this kinetic.
L'Abeille Française
Actually, I’m a woman. Thank you though.
Expatsteveblog
I very much enjoyed your post, it’s many years since I was in Central Park, so thanks for the memories! I visited the John and Yoko exhibition in Liverpool last week, which was really good, its always great to be reminded of what a fantastic artist and advocate for peace he was, something that Yoko has continued to be a voice for. Best wishes.
L'Abeille Française
Thank you Steve! I’m so glad it brought back wonderful memories for you. And how fortunate for you to be able to take in the Liverpool exhibit. Yes, it’s definitely worth remembering the music and messages of John.
Tina Stewart Brakebill
Love New York. Beautiful descriptions.
L'Abeille Française
Thanks so much!
annieasksyou
I like that a lot; optimism is the approach I always try to take. And I’m still trying. If you’d like to read my response to the hate and fear, here’s the link: https://annieasksyou.com/2018/10/31/the-stakes-couldnt-be-higher-vote-to-repudiate-violence-and-find-common-ground/
L'Abeille Française
Well said!
Marie
Central Park is such a gem, isn’t it? I couldn’t help but think that the Imagine mosaic would be a wonderful inspiration for a quilt. Not quite crazy enough for that yet!
L'Abeille Française
It is Marie! And I feel like I’ve just scratched the surface. The mosaic for a quilt – brilliant! If anyone can do it, you can.
annieasksyou
This is a lovely post. I’ve been to Central Park many times, but you helped me see it through fresh eyes. As we are in the midst of a very scary, unsettling time in the US (which I just addressed in a post on my blog, urging people to use their votes in our upcoming election to repudiate hate and violence), your delightful stroll was a balm to my spirits. Thank you!
L'Abeille Française
Oh, thank you so much Annie. I’m glad that it brought you a little peace in these turbulent times. In the words of the late Jack Layton, a Canadian politician: “My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.”
Rebecca Moon Ruark
Wow–beautiful pics!
L'Abeille Française
Thanks!