Central Park to the Battery

Central Park is truly bustling this afternoon, the perfect park day. The carriages are very busy and picnics are found at nearly every turn. Everything Central Park should be on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. We zigzag our way around the zoo and artists, playground and ball fields, traverse little bridges and meander back out through a tunnel escape into the Upper West Side area. A bit hungry, we find an adorable eatery that is just perfect, Le Pain Quotidien. Fresh baked breads fill the welcoming bakery entry. Small and family style tables dot the small restaurant area, filled with locals, always a good sign. A fellow diner heartily suggests the mediterranean sampler platter, loaded with a variety of those breads we passed and spreads of hummus, babaganoush and taboule. A huge platter, easily shared, we added one of their interesting tartines and a cup of soup. Beer and wine accompanied and we were more than happy. Our walk has caused us to work up a bit of an appetite and the indulgence is wonderful.




















A taxi ride from here brings us down to the battery for the obligatory Statue of Liberty viewing. Our driver takes us by Carnegie Hall and through the financial district en route. The three of us board the Staten Island Ferry for a closer view as we sail by and subsequently encounter an amazing New York skyline on the return trip. Right out of the movies, folks! We are not alone on this journey, as you can imagine. The views afforded make it well worth the crowd. Upon our departure, we stroll along the shore for one final glimpse toward Ellis Island. Time does not allow a trip out, unfortunately. We've made the best of our time on this quick tour and catch a final taxi back to the train station. We pass under the Williamsburg Bridge we found ourselves on two days ago on the way to the Hamptons, and also the Brooklyn Bridge (we can almost see Steven and Amanda meeting halfway across!)

Back at Grand Central, we find time for a final cocktail and some oysters at The Grand Central Oyster Bar. This is the perfect end to our day here. Evening is coming in and the place is starting to fill, patrons waiting to catch trains and locals in for a bite, some on their way to the theater. We can feel the city night start to come to life. Alas, it's time for us to catch our train back to Connecticut.


Returning home, we extend our evening a bit longer sitting out by the water. It's so peaceful. Though it's a bit chilly, we toss on jackets and sip some wine, reflecting on the fun and full day. The quiet is a stark contrast to the busy city we've just left. It's amazing! This is the perfect place. The calm beauty of the sound in Connecticut on one hand and a short train away the city that never sleeps. Who could want for more?!