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Girl Gone Travel

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April 18, 2010

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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Carol Cain

Brooklyn native Carol is happiest when on an adventure, whether close to home or farther away. She is a small business owner and travel writer. In addition to creating Girl Gone Travel, she is the Founder and Principal of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. She's mom to three wonderful sons and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She lives, works, and plays in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of NY.

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10 Comments
  • Unseen NYC
    April 18, 2010

    OMG I love the pictures of the cherry trees, looks like a great time was had by all! I am a big fan of the NYC parks, love going to them. I am in Brooklyn, and come into Manattan 4 or 5 times a month, this week to MoMA. Love this blog!!

    Reply
    • Carol Cain
      Unseen NYC
      April 18, 2010

      Thank you for the comment Unseen NYC! It's definitely a wonderful time to visit all the parks…and the MoMA is so great! Have fun! And thanks for reading : )

      Reply
  • TheresaG
    April 19, 2010

    I was wondering about those little men in the cross walks! I don't know why, but they make me smile every time!

    Reply
    • Carol Cain
      TheresaG
      April 19, 2010

      Hi Theresa! Such a mystery surrounding this little guy, but I agree..makes me smile too!

      Reply
  • Mama Holli
    April 19, 2010

    I LOVE NYC!!!!! LOVE your blog too! Coming back to visit for sure!! Have a wonderful day!

    Reply
    • Carol Cain
      Mama Holli
      April 19, 2010

      Hi Mama Holli! Thanks for reading! Yes! Please come back to visit…it's so great right now : ) Have a great day as well!

      Reply
  • Nicole
    April 21, 2010

    The street fair by washington sq park was the first I visited in the city (now 6 years ago!)…and they never get old to me, love the food and shopping! Also, I remember seeing the movie "Kids" a couple of years ago and couldn't believe that just 10 years ago…well I guess 15 years now, that Washington Sq park was a completely different seen. As a NYU graduate I can't imagine not being able to comfortable sit in the park between classes to read, eat, etc.

    Reply
  • Kirsten
    April 24, 2010

    I LOVED Washington Square Park when I was in NYC and look forward to making it one of my regular places when I am a NYC resident starting in the Fall. The parks are one of my favorite things about New York! …and, the food!!!

    Reply
  • Diesel Men's Cl
    June 22, 2010

    "If we Didn't have Stupid thoughts, We'd have no Interesting Thoughts at all" Hehe, love it

    Reply
  • Alma 33: The Experience | NYCity Mama
    March 15, 2011

    […] March 2011 TweetShareWhen I think of the West Village, I think of many things: bars, music, NYU, Washington Square Park. Though there are a few great eateries in near by, not very many are on the area’s busy 8th […]

    Reply

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About me

Hi! I'm Carol! I am an award-winning travel blogger, a keynote speaker, and the Principal and owner of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. I a wife to a handsome Irish/Scot and a mom to 3 sons and 2 puppies. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading and for your support!

Carol Cain

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I’ve been a mom for a really, really long time. I’ve been a mom for a really, really long time. As the oldest of all my many, many siblings, caring for littles started very early in my life. I have cared for, changed diapers for, fed, rocked to sleep, booboo-kissed, advised, reprimanded, worried for, been frustrated and given anxiety by more kids than I care to count. Because I started caring for children so young, I was convinced I wouldn’t have any of my own. But I had my three beautiful boys.

I miss the little babies they were, sometimes to the point where it aches, but I love seeing the men they are becoming. I am most grateful to them for the ways in which they continue to help me discover more about myself both as a mom and beyond motherhood. My identity was never fully in being a mom, I never wanted that for myself and they all have respected, accepted, and given me space for that. And I love them unconditionally for it. Because as they start to find their own paths in life, I am not left with an empty anything, instead I find myself with a life fulfilled. Of which being their mom has been the greatest adventure.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing mother figures, caregivers, and humans who have provided for another in loving, maternal ways regardless of biology and traditional roles and societal expectations. ♥️ May you find fulfillment, love, and joy in the ways you have tried to give to others who needed it most.
The Village of Monticello is located right off NYS The Village of Monticello is located right off NYS Route 17 (future I-86), mid-way between New York City and Binghamton. It is also the largest community of the Sullivan County Catskills. Like many rural downtowns across the U.S., Monticello has experienced some hardships. However, what I found especially lovely was how there is a vibrant BIPOC community, especially Latino, thriving with their small businesses and eateries keeping Downtown Monticello alive.

Imagine my delight to have seen several Dominican- Puerto Rican eateries serving and sounding like a slice of home. Last night’s treat was had at @nellys_latin_restaurant. 

Roasted pernil, grilled chicken, rice and peas, yuca, sweet plantains, ox tail, goat….the list goes on and on. Right here in Monticello, NY. I ate and washed it all down with a cool papaya shake, just like from the islands.

So, if driving through, be sure to check out downtown Monticello for some good Caribbean eats…and wait till I tell you about breakfast!!! Thanks @nickfingdavis for the find! 🇩🇴🇵🇷

#monticellony #catskills #goodeats @sullivancatskills
Nothing like the beautiful golden hour in @flxwine Nothing like the beautiful golden hour in @flxwinecountry.🌞

#myflx
These days you will find me walking in the rain, c These days you will find me walking in the rain, chasing waterfalls, and anything nature filled. Such is spring in the Finger Lakes 🌷

#fingerlakes #lifeinthefingerlakes #cascadillagorge #ithacany
I sometimes can’t believe how easily I fell in l I sometimes can’t believe how easily I fell in love with this life.

There was a time when my DREAM was to be one of those old NYC ladies living in a 4 story walk-up, and who people would often see pulling around her shopping cart from market to market. And while I long for a NYC that barely exists anymore, I do have to say I am still often surprised at how dramatically that dream has changed.

Now I dream of uninterrupted days spent tending to my garden and growing food and other pretty greenery I never knew I could. Or figuring out new recipes and sitting by the fire with my puppies on my lap.

I crave mornings made foggy by the adjacent lake, and early wake-ups by the sound of the passing horse and buggy on Sunday mornings.

Yeah. The world is big and there is so much I want to see still but I also love this place where it feels like nothing else matters, not even the mud on my hands and boots.

📸 Gardening bliss on a rainy day at @theflxcottage.
Yesterday, we headed to @tanglewood_nature_center Yesterday, we headed to @tanglewood_nature_center to scout a photography location. The focus was work. But as we took the 3 mile hike to the overlook, through the mud, in the rain…and the sun, because spring, and as the birds sung, the woodpeckers pecked, and the deer strutted, I felt myself feel lighter, happier, and at ease. With just a walk, in this beautiful place. Alongside my beautiful partner.

If you call the Finger Lakes home, I hope you can also appreciate it and the gifts it offers, even when we least expect it. And if you need a reminder, just go outside.

#tanglewoodnaturecenter #fingerlakes

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