The Maine Monument commemorates the 260 American sailors who died when the battleship Maine exploded in Havana harbour (Cuba) in 1898.
A walk in Central Park
On a lovely Saturday at the end of May, a friend and I strolled through the southern end of Central Park. We entered from Columbus Circle (where the Maine Monument is, above), heading loosely for the Shakespeare Garden because I wanted to take photos of the garden. (My Shakespeare Garden post is here.)
I was pleasantly surprised at the many woodland retreats scattered around.
This is scene is more bucolic than I expected in New York City.
This bench seems to have grown out of the fence.
The Victorian Gardens Amusement Park were popular with children and adults alike.
A ride in a horse-drawn carriage is a very popular thing to do, though with prices starting at $50 for 20 minutes it didn’t seem like value for money. The poor horses seemed faintly embarrassed by their exuberant head gear.
Horse with red and white feather.
Bethesda Fountain is one of the best known fountains in the world — apparently. I have to confess that I did not recognise it, although it has appeared in a number of films. Interestingly, the statue at the top (“Angel of the Waters”) is the only sculpture in the park that was commissioned as part of the original design.
Bethesda Fountain – Angel of the Waters
What’s a park without performers? And yes, he was singing a Simon & Garfunkel song when I took this.
The park opened in 1857, and some of its solid brick and stone architecture can still be seen.
More modern architecture is on display in the towers of Manhattan, viewed across the lake.
Skyscrapers seen across the lake.
Rhododendrons or azaleas? I’m not sure what the difference is, but they are pretty.
If you have enjoyed this walk in Central Park, check out Jo’s Monday Walk to see where other bloggers have been walking.
Pics by Kaz 
Hi Kaz! 🙂 Many thanks for this. I saw over at Jude’s that you were planning to join me. I was in transit when I spotted it on my phone this afternoon but it wouldn’t let me join you. Never mind- here I am 🙂 I’ve often wondered about Central Park. Sometimes it looks very bland in photos but the statues and fountains look rather tempting. I’ll have to follow you to Shakespeare Garden to see more.
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I was quite surprised by how nice the park is. I had formed the idea that it was, as you say, bland. And it’s huge! We didn’t even get to the northern half.
I’ll comment on your latest walk post with this link for you. 🙂 And I have another walk from Sydney, which is actually the one I was referring to on Jude’s post.
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Ah-ha! Wonderful 🙂
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Great photos Kaz and I am in love with that fountain! All azaleas are rhododendrons, but usually have much smaller flowers and only 5 stamens. They appear in many yellow and orange shades, whereas there are very few rhododendrons in this colour range. I am now coming over to see Shakespeare’s Garden…
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Do you recognise the fountain? Did you exclaim, “aha, I’ve seen that in films!”? From England, yeah I suppose you could do a weekend jaunt just to see Shakespeare’s Garden in Central Park. 😉
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When I get there I shall seek it out 🙂
And no I didn’t recognise the fountain!
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Lovely highlights from your stroll through the iconic Central Park. Did the embarrassed horses look away whenever you snapped them in shame! 😉
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LOL, I think that’s why they are wearing blinkers/blinders!
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Central Park is an amazing park with so much to explore and adventure around – I agree, one would not expect such a park to be in the middle of Manhattan!
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You have to admire the various government authorities for keeping the area as a park, and for investing in it/maintaining it.
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I was wondering if I may use your photo of Angel of the Waters for my critical analysis paper in my art class at Kilgore College? Thank you
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Sure, no problem — regardless of whether your critical analysis is positive or negative. 😉 I appreciate that you asked for permission. If you like, I can email a larger, higher res image.
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Love your post – so glad you enjoyed your time in Central Park. For New Yorkers, it truly is our back yard. Any time I need to recharge my batteries I take a walk through the park, although right now there’s a bit too much snow to make it an easy stroll! I look forward to reading more of your posts in the future. Best wishes, Susan
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Thank you Susan! I’ve seen recent photos of people cross-country skiing in Central Park after that mega-snowfall. Very pretty, but not my idea of fun.
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There were people cross-country skiing, sledding, even snowboarding (pulled by cars down the streets in the peak of the storm)! The extent of my winter exercise is walking in the falling snow (and then watching it from indoors with a cup of hot chocolate)!
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