• About
  • Blog
  • Working together
  • Testimonials
  • Contact

Girl Gone Travel

Girl Gone Travel

North America, Travel
/
June 16, 2011

Favorite NYC Parks

Enjoyed this post? Give it some love and share!
Share

We talk so much about NYC being a concrete jungle. So much so that even Alicia Keys sings about it.

Truth is, and what most people don’t expect, is that New York City has a lot of green area that we can enjoy. There are truly countless of parks, from small to large, crowded to more private, for strolling through, playing in, and enjoy a picnic in.

In this post, I am going to share with you just a few of the city parks that we love that we hope you, your family and friends get to enjoy this Summer, or any season.

Five Island Park in New Rochelle, NY – My family and I first came to this park a couple of years ago for an event and absolutely loved it.

As noted on their official website: The park has a large grassy area as well as a large sandy, children’s play area with equipment, sunbather’s beach, picnic areas, pavilion, outdoor amphitheater, and beautiful paths for nature walks. Here you’ll find barbecue pits, picnic tables, benches and open air pavilions for rent and a dock for fishing.

The park is named Five Islands because of the small walkable bridges that connect it with four other islands around it, making this location not only a fun place for the family to come visit, but also a romantic and peaceful retreat.

Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx – This is the largest city park, with over 2,700 acres hosting a diversity in wild life, a variety of environmental features, historical spots, and beaches.

This park has a lot to offer, from playgrounds to barbecue pits and picnic areas, golf course, horseback riding, hiking, kayaking, baseball, and even boccie courts, just to name a few!

Inwood Hill Parkin Manhattan – This park is New York’s oldest living forest and upon our first visit there, even in the dead of winter, we were taking aback by its beauty and the serenity we felt while on our walk with the kids. It felt as if we had left the city completely and were some where far, far away.

Aside from nature walks, the park also offers tennis courts and soccer fields, eateries and spray playgrounds, barbecuing areas and baseball fields, just to name a few. It is one of the favorite destinations for educational tours in the uptown area, and that is because of the various historical sites and significance.

Flushing Meadows Parkin Queens – I will confess, I have a special place in my heart for Astoria Park in Queens, especially because of it’s proximity to the water, but it is much smaller than Flushing Meadows, which covers over 1,200 acres.

It also offers so much more, such as areas for cricket, tennis, basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis…you name it. In addition to that it has a zoo, science museum, botanical garden, an awesome promenade, and six playgrounds, with plenty of green space to picnic and play. In the summer they also host events and concerts for the entire family to enjoy.

Sunset Park in Brooklyn – This little talked about park in Brooklyn is where I spent most of my time up to my early teen years in New York. I have very fond memories of this park. It’s not as chic and trendy as its Prospect Park neighbor, but it provides the most spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline at sunset, and is also the home of a state-of-the-art pool, know for hosting regular swim competitions and lessons.

I spent many afternoons playing and having picnics here, and I like that it is still a park of Brooklyn that hasn’t changed so much that you forget that you are, in fact, in wonderful Brooklyn.

Wolfe’s Pond Park in Staten Island – One of Staten Island largest parks, it is also the most diverse in the area and one of the cleanest beach parks.

The host of a lot of same amenities as the other parks mentioned above, but has the special bonus of also being able to host family camping (see NYC Parks site for more info).

For some it is a place to observe and enjoy nature, for others it is a beach destination, either way, it’s a lot of fun and offers tons to do all year round.

These are just some of the parks in the New York area that are fun to hang out at and spend time in. We believe that an adventure can be had not just in traveling to far away places, but in the many discoveries to be made close to your home. Just get out and look for them!

Photos courtesy of NYC Parks and Recreation Website.

Related

Enjoyed this post? Give it some love and share!
Share
Pin this Post
Share this Post
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.

You May Also Like...

Christmas Tree Hunting in Long Island, NY

December 12, 2008

Fort Tryon Park, Washington Heights, NY

December 10, 2008

Winter afternoon in the Bronx Zoo, NY

December 16, 2008

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Previous Post
Taking The Ride Around NYC
Next Post
Things to keep in mind when renting a vacation home

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

Categories

  • Asia5 Post(s)
  • Caribbean17 Post(s)
  • Central America4 Post(s)
  • Europe53 Post(s)
  • North America316 Post(s)
  • Oceana1 Post(s)

Contact

  • carol@girlgonetravel.com

Follow @girlgonetravel

Every time I’m in NYC I feel both a longing for Every time I’m in NYC I feel both a longing for it and a relief to not be living here full time.

I love that there are still communities holding on to remaining close knit, authentic, and supportive of each other. Nowhere anywhere can compete with the diversity - food, people, languages - all of it. 😭

The access to creativity…and if you come in the spring (or in the fall) it’s magic. 

But…there is so much that remains inaccessible to so many. The inequality and economic disparities are glaring and any sense of balance is a dream, with so many living paycheck to paycheck trying to get their heads above water.

Don’t get me wrong. I love it here. I miss it, and feel so damn lucky that I can come and get my fix, see family, visit with friends any time I want without a hassle. It is my city and I’d be mad if someone talked sh*t about it 😂😂 But I get it. It’s tough. But that’s why I love fellow city folks too, because we’re tougher.

Grateful for everything life in the Finger Lakes has gifted us. We remain so happy to have made the move and have built such a dream life there. And also that my city is a short drive away. ♥️

#nyc #lifeinnyc
New York City moment: This poor hawk was just tr New York City moment: 

This poor hawk was just trying to have its breakfast when a large audience not only gathered to watch it, but also proceeded to mislabel it calling it an eagle. The insult. 😂 

One lady to her male partner:
 Her: “Omg. I didn’t know eagles ate other birds!”
Male partner: “Of course eagles do! They are predators!”
Me: 💀💀

#nyclife #nycmoment #nyc
Last night I explored the @tinbuilding located in Last night I explored the @tinbuilding located in the historic South St Seaport of Manhattan on Pier 17. 

This 53,000-square foot, two-story market really is a beautiful culinary destination. Shop for everything from delightful sweets, unique spices and aromatics, olive oils, coffee, and other artisan goods. Eat everything from vegan to seafood, pastas, and meats. Or, like I did, spend time with friends at any one of their eateries.

This marketplace opened in September 28, 2022, by French Chef and restaurant owner Jean-Georges Vongerichten and is helping to bring new life to a beloved NYC neighborhood that has continuously worked to recover after the devastation of Hurricane Sandy.

I absolutely indulged in shopping at this market, loved my dining experience at Frenchman’s Dough, and can’t wait to go back.

#nyceats #upscalemarketplace #tinbuilding #iloveny
This photo is 12 years old. Hahaha...can you tell? This photo is 12 years old. Hahaha...can you tell? This memory. I had just started blogging not too long before (2008!!!)...and was already experiencing so many accolades, a surge of opportunities, success, and growth. I honestly could not believe my life then; I had entered this space so blindly. I just wanted to share my insights with my family, not realizing it would reach so many more. And I certainly had NO idea how far it would take my family AND me. My goodness.

I recently sent my CV...yup, my whole resume, to someone who requested it, and in doing so, I seriously thought, "Oh, they're not going to think I've accomplished enough in my professional life." Instead, in the following interview, they expressed being in awe of all I have done and continue to do. "You are BUSY!" Though these hardworking-but-never-hard-enough immigrant genes don't always allow me to appreciate all I have accomplished, photos like these take me back to this moment that truly says, "Damn, girl. YOU DID THAT." Thank you to all the readers and followers who uplifted me and my work over these 10+ years and continue to do so. It's been an incredible adventure!
If you are a foodie traveler, Madison, WI is a des If you are a foodie traveler, Madison, WI is a destination for you. This list of good eats were all within close proximity to each other and spots we made time for during our short weekend visit. So definitely note that this doesn’t even begin to cover the tip of the iceberg, but makes a good starter list!

📍@ShortStackEats in the heart of Downtown Madison is clearly a UW favorite. Loved their pancakes! We thought it was a pricey for breakfast, and only offered drip coffee, but the scene was fun, food was good, and service was friendly.
📍@SardineMadison is a waterfront French bistro that has stood the test of time (we’ve been coming here since we lived in Madison!). It can feel very corporate some nights, but their Happy Hour and brunch are definite highlights and it’s a really nice dining experience overall.
📍@EatattheAudrey impressed us! It’s not your usual “hotel restaurant” and I would say it easily stands alone as an eatery worth checking out in Madison. Great breakfast options, cozy vibes, nice bar, and good service!
📍@RamenStation1124 good, affordable ramen.
📍BlindShotSocialClub We really loved this spot for brunch (sorry, was enjoying the company and totally spaced out on capturing food images!). Golf fans will love hitting the putt here (you can reserve a private room too), and what I though was most cool was the delicious and wide selection of non-alcoholic cocktails to choose from. This place is a total vibe!
📍@StringsRamen is a chain, but I have to say it is some of the best ramen I have had in a long time. I especially loved how you can choose your ramen but heat level but also by Japanese region which allowed us to taste a couple of new flavors!
📍@Parthenongyros has been around awhile (hubby recalls coming here during his college years!) and was voted #1 take out in Madison! Though we indulged inside and away from the snow. A delicious, quick bite when strolling around State Street.

And again, this is just a starter list. There is so much more to eat and enjoy in this top foodie city! What other spots would you add to this list?

#madisonwi #foodiegram #foodiedestinations #goodeats @destinationmadison
I love to travel. It has always been important to I love to travel. It has always been important to my family. My parents got my first passport weeks after I was born. They couldn’t afford to travel like I do now, but they understood, as immigrants, the absolute privilege that comes attached to having that shiny blue American booklet and they wanted me to have it.

I was yet again reminded of my privilege when my travel back home on this last trip was delayed over 24 hours. I have a village in place to make sure my kids were ok. Having my own business meant I didn’t have to report in to anyone, and was still able to work remotely so none of my clients were inconvenienced by it. Though the airline covered our hotel and food, we never worried that we couldn’t do it ourselves otherwise. While we were annoyed, we weren’t stressed.

So while I love to travel, and I love sharing my travels with you, I acknowledge that being able to do so, and dealing with the consistent travel disruptions so prevalent today without worries is a privilege…one that started with a little blue booklet that gives me more access to the world than some others do.

And I want us all in this travel space to be reminded of this. Of how lucky we are. Of our privilege to access and time and money.

So let us travel with grace and awareness. Let us remain rooted in reality and perspective. Acknowledging that our escapism isn’t one so easily accessible to others. Understanding that this is also why local stories have as much value as those to exclusive destinations, if not more. And, never forgetting, especially in the travel influencer and media space, that were it not for hosted campaigns and paid-for travel opportunities, most of us wouldn’t be able to afford the lifestyle we so beautifully curate online.

It doesn’t matter how often you travel, or how far. Just that hopefully you will be able to gift yourself the experience of doing so and experiencing something new.

#travel #travelmedia #travelinfluencer #wheretonext

Copyright © 2023 Girl Gone Travel | Privacy Policy | Copyright Notice