NYC Fun: Parks, Concerts, Street Fairs, & Sightings of Reflectorman

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Spring is gorgeous I would say mostly everywhere in the world. But for this New York City girl, there is nowhere better than Spring in New York City.

I know, I know. I sound like a broken record. But this is one of those seasons where raising children in the city is just awesome because the weather is perfect to go outside and enjoy all that the city has to offer. And boy is there a lot going on!

On this particular sunny day, we decided to take part in our first Street Fair of the season, specifically in the West Village, near Washington Square Park.

Washington Square Park has come a long way since its days of druggie hangouts and petty crimes. Now, after much renovation and redesign (with still more work in progress), it has become a better destination for the many local artists, musicians, and yes, even families in the area.

They even have a playground, though small, to cater to those families that have moved into the area and their children. I still like to take my kids for the music scene. And on this day I wasn’t disappointed, for there, right upon my arrival, performing for all to enjoy, was The Baby Soda Jazz Band which I have seen perform many times in subways, and even parks such as these, though they do perform in many bars as well.

The crowd was smiling, enjoy the tunes and dancing under the sun without a care in the world. It was perfection to me. I shot pictures feeling complete joy in my heart as is often the case when I am enveloped in a NY moment such as this.

Shortly after we decided to walk a bit further West to check out the Street Festival.

Now, normally during warmer months in NYC it used to be that you couldn’t turn a corner without ending up in one street festival or another. However, city budget cuts have led to the decision of reducing the number of street fairs that take place. So, my advice: if you hear of good one, go to it! Of course, they have also gotten really expensive, where you will easily pay $5.00 for a corn dog or a funnel cake, but if nothing else, it makes for good “people watching” and browsing through a few local treats.

I had two favorites during this visit. King of Candy Apples, a staple in most NYC street fairs offers the combination of almost every fruit you can imagine covered in chocolate and/or caramel. Apple, bananas, pineapples…it’s all there. Displayed in a way that would draw any passerby with a weakness for such sweetness. Luckily for me, taking a few photos was enough. Sorry King…counting the calories!

My other favorite, and one where I was not so successful in controlling my spending, was at “Spice and Tease“. There was such an awesome scent surrounding this booth, and the incredible colors of all the spices placed together weakened my foodie heart and I spent way too much on way too little…but left with a happy heart and a brain already thinking up variations of culinary concoctions where I would use my purchases.

Then of course, you have the regulars, but must-haves of street festivals: the funnel cakes, grilled corn, shish kebabs, and fresh squeezed lemonades, cut fruit, and the mozzarepas!

We enjoyed it all. The park, the concert, and the street fair (not to mention the impromptu meet up with my darling Jessica from Food Mayhem and her hubby!).

As for the street art. Well, one of my absolute favorite delights is crossing the streets of NYC and discovering the mark of Reflectorman (AKA Stickman) on the crossways. He has been seen on other city streets as well, such Chicago and Philadelphia. No one knows who the artist is leaving his/her mark, but we love it! Go Reflectorman!

As seen on Christopher and Waverly Place

It was the best a Spring day in NYC has to offer without a doubt, especially with kids in tow. Also, for listings to this year’s NYC street fairs, I refer to Time Out New York.  I would suggest checking back with them periodically for updates.  Happy Adventures!

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