Few new Yorkers can proudly say that they have their own back yard. Why do we need private lawn, if the city has a magnificent Central Park: a natural oasis in the heart of the concrete jungle area of 843 acres, is located between Fifth Avenue and Central Park West. In Central Park there is always something to do ranging from boating and ending with a fun vintage carousel with horses.
However, you lose a lot, if I devote all my free time extremely popular locations. One has only to get off the main track and deep into the forest, you will no doubt run into dozens endless picturesque lawns, secret paths and long — forgotten attractionsthat are just waiting to get their newly found inquisitive traveler. If you do decide to go on an adventure, you will enjoy the iron horse, he’s a bike to explore the most interesting hidden spots of Central Park.
Whispering bench in the Shakespeare garden
source: centralparknyc
Residents of the Upper West side and fans of the bard must have heard about Shakespeare garden – corner of the Park, planted flowers and other plants mentioned in the plays of Shakespeare. Each flowerbed with columbines, quince, Rue, nasturtium, wormwood or Primula is marked by a plaque with suitable citation. Even if you have already visited this place before, you could miss one of a kind carved granite bench. She keeps a very curious secret: if one person sits on one end of the bench and whisper a few words, the other person sitting at the opposite end, you will hear all this as clearly as if he whispered all in my ear.
The Loch
source: flickr
Although this charming small Creek now referred to as Loch, a lake in the 17th and 18th centuries it was called Montayne»s Rivulet. It can be found in the Central part of the Park, which is known as North Woods. Loch connects the Pool and Harlem Meer, and the creators of the Park, Olmsted and put him on the levee in three places to get a beautiful man-made waterfalls. In addition, the Central Park Conservancy has led the forest around, making the scenery even more spectacular.
Arch Glen Span and Huddlestone
Two stone arches are at the Creek Loch. Closer to its southern end you can find the majestic geometric Glen Span arch. Go under the bridge, and you will discover two of the grotto. Then head North, where you’ll find the Huddlestone arch, which was built in 1866, without a drop of cement. Massive stones are kept in their places only by gravity.
source: centralparkBank Rock Bay
A Paradise for lovers of bird watching is on the North shore of the Lake. Few visitors come across a small clearing surrounded by trees. That is why there you can spend time in peace and quiet reading a book or watching the feathered terrors. And considering that in the Central Park is inhabited by 200 species of birds, you can see not only the standard of pigeons and ducks.
The Blockhouse
source: wikimedia
At the intersection of 109th Street and Central Park West is the oldest building in Central Park. Blockhouse was built as a fortification during the war of 1812 and is the only surviving witness of the events of those days. And don’t be fooled by its modest appearance – thieves have been working really hard, taking away all valuable. In addition, the Blockhouse is a great attraction where you can take a fascinating trip to a bike.
The former building of the Academy of Mount St. Vincent
The first school in new York city where women could receive higher education, once stood in the Central Park. In 1847, the nuns founded in the current North-Eastern part of the Park Academy Mount St. Vincent. And although the sisters left the first building before the Park opened, the structure has long been used for various purposes, such as restaurant, hotel, art gallery and even a military unit during the Civil war. Unfortunately, the body was burned during a fire in 1881.
Reserve Hallett Nature Sanctuary
source: magicphotodesign
This place can be called the most modern item in this list, since the reserve Hallett Nature Sanctuary opened to the public only in 2016 after 80 years of inactivity. Originally, this area was fenced to become a nature reserve for birds. However, over time the forest area of 4 acres of seized plants such as Wisteria, Norway maple, and others, making it impassable windbreak. Currently, from the invaders from the plant world carefully removed and cited the woods in proper form. Hallett Nature Sanctuary are again available to the public, however, only at certain times.
Cave Ramble
You will have to pass by this cave many times. Currently, the entrance to this natural cave is bricked up, but the place attracts kids, Teens and dubious personalities. The cave was even too popular – there was recorded a case of suicide and the many accidents with men who had «caused inconvenience» to women. Then the cave was closed for the benefit of Park visitors.
