One of my favorite things to do in Manhattan, and I know I risk seeming a complete geek by relating this, is to run around the Central Park Reservoir at sunset in the wintertime, the geeky part being I love listening to Garrison Keillor on NPR while I do it (although Peter Gabriel and Tom Petty come a close second). There is something about watching the crystal clear depths of the night sky as it darkens around the skyline (New York City dressing for for the evening) juxtaposed with the (admittedly) corny intimacy of an imaginary radio broadcast that somehow brings together everything I love about my life in one brilliant, breath-fogging, layer soaked moment. My other favorite thing being the last set at an intimate jazz club, a favorite piano player and a lot of old friends in ugly hats (jazz thing) sharing the sublimity. I like to think that the nerdy-ness of the first is balanced by the tragic-coolness of the second.
In any case this practice is especially magical the next two weeks, not to mention a very inexpensive holiday treat. For the next two weeks The Prairie Home Companion will be broadcasting from the Town Hall theater on 43rd St. here in Manhattan. Tonights performance included Michael Feinstein, Metropolitan Opera Tenor Raúl Melo, and the soulful jazz vocalist Inga Swearingen. So, imagine, running around the reservoir, gazing down across the water towards the skyline below and listening to a hysterically funny sketch about opera. No really. First time for me since the Marx Brothers. Anyway – two more weeks of holiday fun, and a great place to listen. Not that I’m advocating running around the park alone after dark. Bring friends. And say hello, I’ll be the guy trudging and chortling.
About Central Park
Find all the information you need to enjoy your visit to New York City’s iconic Central Park.
Attractions
Central Park features 843 acres filled with classic architecture, gorgeous statuary and up to date sports, educational and performance facilities. Besides all of this there is the world famous Central Park Zoo and Wildlife Center and the Children’s Zoo.
Things To Do
From The Philharmonic on the Great Lawn to Shakespeare in the Park to SummerStage, Central Park offers an endless array of things to do, see, hear – and, with two full service restaurants and several cafes, taste. You can visit The Shakespeare Garden, take in a performance at the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater, take a ride on the Carousel – or just sit and people watch at Bethesda Terrace!
Contact Us
Contact Info
5th Ave.
New York, NY, 10028