The leaves are at peak color in Central Park right now. Come walk with me and see the park clad in red and gold!
Inscope Arch
I entered the park at the Scholar’s Gate (Fifth Ave and 60th St.) and headed towards The Pond. My first stop was at the Inscope Arch. The arch was built in the 1870’s of gorgeous pink and gray granite.
The inside of the Arch is 34′ in length and runs roughtly parallel with 62nd St. It’s long enough to feel and smell the change in the air.
It’s absolute PEAK for the leaves! What a wonderful contrast of color.
The Pond
One of the great things about The Pond is it’s below street level, so you can actually feel for a while that you’re away from it all.
The Steinway Tower has real presence in the southern part of the park. It was fun to watch it being built, but I kind of wish it weren’t there. It’s on Billionaire’s Row at 111 West 57th St.
Myself and others took photos of a newlywed couple as they posed for their photographer. This one from behind is my favorite:
The Gapstow Bridge
I found it – the perfect spot for breakfast. Under the Gapstow Bridge.
This second Gapstow Bridge was built in 1896, and here I am, sitting under it, eating a bagel. Life is good.
The Wollman Rink
The rink has been open since 1950. You can skate here at night, and its gorgeous. In the summer it gets transformed into a pickleball court.
A feel-good photo:
Another new tall building to remind you you’re in the middle of Manhattan: the almost-finished 69 storied 50 West 66th Street
I’m happy with this photo – to me it’s a photo of freedom.
The Dairy
The Dairy was built in 1871 as a Victorian country cottage. Years ago children could come to the Dairy to get fresh milk. It now serves as a welcome center and gift shop.
Chess & Checkers House
Just a corner of the Chess & Checkers House, built in 1952, where you can borrow and play chess and checkers (and dominoes and backgammon).
Central Drive
Coming up on Central Drive, it’s time to stop and enjoy the folks passing by.
More of Central Drive:
The Central Park Tower took 6 years to build, and was completed in 2020. Sitting on Billionaire’s Row (57th Street), it’s the second-tallest building in NYC and the tallest building outside Asia by roof height!
The brightest of the bright: Sugar Maple
Central Park Carousel
The Central Park Carousel, was installed in 1951 but was created in 1908. It has 57 hand-carved horses and two chariots.
Hard to believe in just a few weeks all these leaves will be down and the ground will begin to freeze for the winter.
Looking south over the Heckscher Ballfields is the Central Park Tower and 220 Central Park South. I can only imagine the view they have from up there.
West Drive
Sheep Meadow really was once home to 200 sheep. The sheep spent their nights in what is now Tavern on the Green restaurant.
The statue of American statesman Daniel Webster stands along West Drive at East 72nd Street. Sculpted by Thomas Ball as a statuette, this larger than life size version was cast in 1876.
The Lake and the San Remo
Below is the scenic Wagner Cove Pavilion, a popular spot for weddings.
And here’s the photo I came to the park to take today. The wonderful San Remo, at 145-146 Central Park West, looking down on The Lake.
The San Remo was actually built in 1930 to conceal water tanks! There’s a courtyard between the two towers – I wonder what it looks like in there. A slew of celebrities have made the San Remo their home: Warren Beatty, Bono, Glenn Close, Jack Dempsey, Rita Hayworth, Mick Jagger, Donna Karan, Steve Martin, Bruce Willis, Eddie Cantor, Robert Stigwood, Tiger Woods, Barry Manilow (who sublet it to Raquel Welch), Mary Tyler Moore…the list goes on.
Bethesda Terrace
I was looking forward to a stop at the Bethesda Terrace. Though it’s always very busy, the beauty here makes it worth the visit.
The Terrace was constructed from sandstone in 1862, during the Civil War. It’s the best spot ever for sitting in comfort and people watching, or reading.
The stairs contain stone balustrades with carvings of birds and plants. Jacob Wrey Mould designed the details, which include lambs’ heads representing spring; butterflies and berries for summer; holly leaves, pine boughs, pine cones, and birds for fall; and firewood for winter.
Bethesda Fountain
The pool and fountain are already shut off for the season, but there’s no reason not to stop and pay homage to the lovely Angel of the Waters.
The angel carries a lily in one hand, representing purity, and with the other hand she blesses the water below. Beneath her are four four-foot cherubs representing temperance, purity, health, and peace.
This lovely statue was designed by Emma Stebbins in 1868 and unveiled in 1873.
I did walk through the arcade and snap some photos of the wonderful carvings and ceiling tiles…but I’ll save those photos for a special post. Below is a last look back at the so European-looking Bethesda Terrace…
It’s a perfect day to sit by the water. It hit 65 degrees today – in November!
I left the part for today at the Children’s Gate, at 5th and East 76th Street.
Thanks for coming along with me on an autumn walk through Central Park. Come back soon for more real photos of the real NYC!
Want more Central Park? Check out my photos of Cherry Blossoms in Central Park
Sources:
Wiki – Bethesda Terrace and Fountain
Wiki – Central Park Tower
All photos property of debbieinthecity.com. May not be duplicated without written permission. Any links or mention of products or services are for information purposes only and not an endorsement.
One response to “Central Park in Fall”
This made me feel such a yearning for Central Park in autumn. Fewer things epitomize the coziness and grand colors of fire among the trees as this park does every year. Excellent photos and a great story you’ve put together here.