Springtime in Central Park – A New York City Photo Essay
After my post about the New York City Easter Parade, I’m continuing with the springtime theme here at Travel Rinse Repeat. In the vein of my photo essays from Louisiana State University and the Santa Barbara Mission, this week I’m bringing you my favorite photos of Central Park. I was specifically looking for scenes that epitomized springtime in New York City – a great time to visit.
Of course, the park is beautiful in any season, but it really comes to life in April and May. New Yorkers are eager to get out of the cramped apartments and offices that they’ve been hibernating in and flock to the park in droves on the first warm and sunny days of the year.
It’s also a popular time for visitors, but then again, when isn’t it in New York City? I hear more foreign languages spoken in the park than anywhere else I go in the city – on this visit alone I overheard French, Chinese, German, Spanish, Dutch, and an indecipherable language that was obviously Scandinavian in origin.
I took way too many photos on my morning walk in the park, and I’ve selected my favorites to share with you below.
Though the park has a famous ice skating rink in the winter, it is the thawed out water features that attract visitors in the spring and summer.
The grey squirrels are a fixture in Central Park. Living right in the middle of the in the largest city in America, they seem to have lost their fear of humans. Skinny from the winter, this squirrel was on the hunt for his next meal.
In the springtime, The Mall is a busy hub of activity in Central Park. Families rest on the benches, vendors hawk their goods, and buskers perform trying to draw the largest crowds.
Much like the city itself, Central Park is full of bridges and tunnels. I found this tunnel especially beautiful and apparently other photographers did as well. Right after I finished taking this picture, a couple walked in to have some of their engagement photos taken in the same spot.
Artists, magicians, b-boys and girls, and musicians all use the park as a stage to perform their crafts. In the spring, the warm weather and large crowds of visitors attract the buskers in droves.
The Bethesda Fountain is a popular gathering spot towards the center of the park. The view from this terrace is also one of the iconic Central Park vistas.
Flowers were starting to spring up throughout the park on my visit – brilliant hues of pink, yellow, purple, and more transformed the park.
New York City is one of the fashion capitals of the world and Central Park is its’ iconic backdrop. Here a model is being tended to by a wardrobe assistant before a shoot begins.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir is the largest body of water in Central Park and the path around it is a favorite for runners and photographers alike.
At the Conservatory Pond, visitors can become the captain of their own sailboat – a model one that is.
If controlling a model boat isn’t your thing, there are boathouses in Central Park where you can rent the real deal.
Now it’s your turn. In the comments, tell me which photo (or photos) you like the most. And to make it more interesting, I want to see your favorite photos of springtime too. Include a link to your favorite image representing the season. I’ll feature the best in the next edition of the Travel Rinse Repeat Roundup. And if you run a website, I’ll be sure to give you some link love as well.
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19 Responses to Springtime in Central Park – A New York City Photo Essay
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Great Photos! The bridge photo is my favourite – finding a quick moment of serenity in an otherwise crazy-busy place always feels so refreshing!
Cheers!
Dana – Our Wanderlust recently posted..Robots Pay My Bills
Thanks Dana! I think that’s exactly what Central Park represents.
The pictures were all great, but my favorite one was Amy Winehouse’s sister being attended to by a really short assistant.
Traveling Ted recently posted..Five nearby places to adventure travel when you need to roll out of Las Vegas
Hahaha love your interpretation of that picture Ted. I was wondering if/when someone would point out the huge height differential. They actually weren’t too far off in height – it’s a trick of the lens. The assistant is on her knees AND the model was wearing heels that looked about eight inches tall.
Awesome photos! I especially love the one of the ice skating pond and flowers… so pretty!
Amanda recently posted..The Sights of Iceland’s South Shore
Thanks Amanda! The spring flowers in Central Park make photography easy.
John recently posted..Springtime in Central Park – A New York City Photo Essay
Amazing photos. You seem to always have the perfect depth of field. I especially like the one of the tunnel! Something about your lighting just brings out the detail which I haven’t seen in any other photos of the famous tunnel. Here’s a photo I took last weekend at Northwestern College in Minnesota, where springtime is evident on campus with the sunshine bringing out the greens and reds: http://www.flickr.com/photos/two4travel/7072849371/in/photostream
Claire recently posted..Instagram for InstaTravelers
Thanks Claire. Wanna know my trick to always having perfect depth of field? Not publishing all the terrible pictures I take which easily makes up 95% of them! Thanks for your submission – beautiful shot.
John recently posted..Springtime in Central Park – A New York City Photo Essay
Wow, the tulips sure are beautiful! So bummed I was in town the same weekend and didn’t squeeze in a wander through Central Park OR a viewing of the Easter Parade (I had no idea!).
Camels & Chocolate recently posted..Photo Friday: New York, New York
The park is so close to my buddy’s place (where I stay when I’m in the city) that I always manage to squeeze a visit in. It’s fascinating to watch how it changes depending on the season.
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Beautiful shots! Way to ring in spring!
JoAnna recently posted..Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum
Thanks JoAnna! I thought it was especially relevant.
Fabulous article, and I love the photos! Actually just got back from a jog in Central Park myself, and you’re right…the park is bustling with residents of the city who are anxious to get out of their apartments and enjoy some sunshine!:-)
Jess @UsedYorkCity recently posted..5 Things You Should Know About Bristol, England
Thanks Jess. I’m jealous that you can go there whenever you like!
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Great photos – makes me feel like I’m there (and I wish I was!).
Wanderplex recently posted..Don’t let the weather put a damper on your vacation: 17 ideas for a rainy day
Thanks Reena! It’s an amazing location, but it’s closing down in 2013 so you have to go while you can!
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