I have been feeling a bit gloomy lately. When I start feeling a little blue I like to grab my camera, put on my comfy sneakers, and walk the city, especially on sunny days like today. Granted it was cold, but man was it pretty.
I took my time and pacing myself throughout my long walk. In doing so I was able to visit the parts of New York City that make me most happy.
SOHO
The streets are always crowded and thus this is a great place to walk around while window shopping and people watching. Celebrity sightings are frequent and discount shopping, despite the high-end stores found there, can always be found. Stopping to eat at Balthazar is a special treat, and on cold days like these a creamy serving of their macaroni and cheese with bacon is sure to lift my spirits and make you smile.
Goat cheese and grilled vegetable salad
Macaroni & cheese with bacon
CENTRAL PARK
No matter what the weather, walking through the winding paths of this park helps to reflect and de-stress, especially on weekdays when most of the city is in the office. During the cold weather it becomes a Winter Wonderland, providing endless opportunities to take great pictures and have fun in the snow. Stopping for a hot chocolate break while watching skaters at Wollman Rink is also a lot of fun and a great to look out into the beautiful city skyline. If looking for a more solitary walk to gather your thoughts, the path along the Reservoir offers icy views, and somewhat of an icy path, but it’s incredibly peaceful and wonderfully quiet.
MUSEUM MILE
Strolling along Fifth Avenue, between 82nd St. and 105th St., is most encouraged during warmer weather, and especially during The Museum Mile Festival, but the walk is a great one any time of the year and if you take advantage of Free or Discounted Museum Days (NewYorkology.com offers a great list on when those are), it makes for a pleasant day spent doing something really low-key as well as inexpensive.
RIVER PATHS along Hudson River (West Side) and East River (East Side)
Dog walkers, bikers, and joggers all know what I am talking about. For miles and miles, these paths are my immediate go to when I just need to get away from it all. The views of the water never fail to give me that “I’m so lucky to live here” feeling and if I need to just sit down and read a book or reflect on my day or my life, I am always able to find a nice bench with no one to disturb me for hours if needed.
Other wise, if time is a concern, I just make sure to get out and walk. It’s easy to get caught up in all hustle and bustle of the city rush, and though finding a rose to smell may be hard to come by, it is enough to slow down and look around to help remind me there is a lot to smile about.
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Michelle
Those are great pictures! Makes me miss Manhattan-yet again. I loved to walk around City College and Hamilton Heights. Those little winding streets in the West Village are great too.
Carol Cain
Thanks Michelle! Oh yeah, the Village on an early Fall or Spring AM…divine!
cassie
the mac and cheese and goat cheese veggie salad look amazing… walking through nyc is always amazing, you always discover something new…and it reminds you of the beauty of our city
Kirsten
I find myself hard pressed to be unhappy in NYC. BUT – I can still understand the motivation and usually find if I am unhappy anywhere that photo walks always help uplift my mood! Sounds like a great way to make a positive outcome from a downer situation 🙂
Carol Cain
Thanks Kirsten : ) I'm not typically sad in NYC, but it's been a looooooong winter!! lol!
adal
Well, winter has been too long if you ask me but, I think I see the light coming 🙂 Saludos, Adal
Veronica
loved seeing your voyage! thank you for sharing!
Carol Cain
VeronicaThank you Veronia!
Patrick
Oh I love this post! Isn't it just so amazing to walk cities and discover them by foot with your camera? Thanks! Patrick
Carol Cain
PatrickYes, Patrick! It really is : )
Neil Nanda
Finally a restaurant I recognize! Have been to Balthazar twice and both times had goat cheese salad. Very good place to hide out while the wife is shopping down Broadway.
Carol Cain
Neil NandaOMGosh Neil, that goat cheese salad is to die for! Glad you enjoy it : )