Titanic Memorial Park - This smaller park pleasantly surprised me with its quiet atmosphere and…read morestrong historical background. It is located away from the main tourist crowds, which gives it a special charm. The Titanic memorial feels dignified and naturally encourages reflection. At the same time, it's a beautiful place for a short break with a view of the river, where you can slow down and relax.

It's a 60 foot Tall light house located at Fulton and Pearl Street, it was built in part due to the…read moreinstigation of Margaret Brown AKA "The unsinkable Margaret Brown" to remember the people who died on the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Interesting monument and history, definitely worth seeing when you are in the Seaport area

Hudson River Park is basically NYC's waterfront runway--part scenic escape, part people-watching…read moreparadise. Stretching along Manhattan's west side, it's where joggers, cyclists, rollerbladers, dog walkers, and sunset chasers all coexist in a blissful urban dance. The views of the Hudson? Postcard-worthy, especially at golden hour when the water glows and the city feels just a little softer. There's something for everyone--lush lawns for lounging, piers for fishing or picnics, playgrounds for the kids, tennis courts, and even kayaking if you're feeling adventurous. In the summer, the breeze off the river makes it a mini oasis away from the city heat. The vibe is equal parts laid-back and lively--yoga classes on the grass, couples strolling hand-in-hand, and the occasional street performer adding a soundtrack to your walk. Bonus: it's impeccably maintained for such a busy public space. Tip: Come for the sunset, stay for the twinkling skyline. And if you're feeling fancy, grab a snack from a nearby food truck and let the city do its thing around you.

I cruised on a tour boat from Starship on the Hudson River. I enjoyed seeing the Freedom Tower, The…read moreEmpire State Building and other sights from afar. It's funny because the first time I learned about the Hudson River was when I was a child, a character from the Disney Children's Cartoon Show Gargoyles was named Hudson and he took the name from the river. It was another enjoyable moment on my family vacation to New York this year.

Hudson Boulevard Park…read more One Summer day I decided to walk from my apartment across Central Park to the West Side. I began walking South down towards Hudson River/Boulevard Park starting around West 74th Street. I had a destination in mind. I was headed to Battery Park. Since it was early morning and clear skies I packed snacks and drinks to last the day. I have plenty of photos. I posted them at one time at the Yelp Page for each of the spots I visited that day. I stopped to photograph an Eleanor Roosevelt Sculpture in a Park, playgrounds, piers, ducks and more. I made my way to Chelsea Piers, I saw the location of the modern Whitney Museum. (I still need to go inside) I eventually ended up wandering my way to the battery. I don't remember the trip home!! Probably took the train. What a wonderful day and beautiful riverside park. I'm so glad someone had the forethought to create this recreational space. There's so much fun for residents in neighborhoods located adjacent to the park. It's cooler near the water on hot Summer Days too. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Just remember if you feel like a hike where you are not obstructed by traffic and intersections holding you up, take a long walk along Hudson River/Boulevard Park. The park is FREE! You have beautiful views, entertaining activities and I'm sure you will find food vendors along the way.

Hudson Boulevard park, is a nice long walking path and park approximately 4 acres of broad…read moretree-lined open space. That runs between 10th and 11th Avenues from West 33rd to West 39th Streets nestled between some current and to be built buildings. Ithink walking the park is better than the going via the 10th or 11th Avenue sidewalk with it's lack of stores and not every wide sidewalks in some places. You can walk from to and fro the Hudson Yards and/or the Hudson Yards Subway station. There are pliantly of places to sit and watch the birds and the sit by the fountains that around some the the circular plantings.

8 minute ferry ride to the island. Great, quick rice to paradise. The ferry is clean and safe…read more There are a lot of seats and room so you don't feel uncomfortable. They run on time. It's free if you are going to the spa. Still inexpensive. I will be riding again.

It's $2 round trip! Pretty good deal for a ride with a view. The island is not completely done as…read moreof this writing. The southern portion of the island is under construction and sealed off, but you can see that beyond the fence is the highest point on the island. It would be a wonderful place to picnic. In terms of the historical aspect of it, it's really nice to see some of the old colonial houses, fort, and churches. They feel abandoned but it's a good thing in a city that is always "on." I recommend biking around. We had or Citibike passes. There are stations on the island which is super convenient.

The beauty of not getting into any of the popular Open House New York sites is finding little gems…read morelike Kingsland Wildflowers. Kingsland Wildflowers does not have open hours to the general public unless it is by a reserved organized tour or event. Who knew that such a rooftop garden existed on Broadway Stages in the cuts of Greenpoint? If you enjoy nature, views of the city, and urban farming, you will get a kick out of Kingsland Wildflowers. The wildflowers are lush and thriving on this roof. It has three different levels and a gorgeous clean landscape. I was really impressed and felt at peace. If you can feel peace in front of a gaudy wastewater treatment plant complete with sewer odors, then you have achieved something great. It took three years to complete all three phases of this roof. The New York City Audobon is doing great things for the environment on this roof. Happy birds, bees, insects, plants, flowers, and soon bats. Yes, there are bats in the city!

Beautiful maintained trails with wildlife abound! The bathroom is luxurious for a public park…read more There are no fees to park or enter. The history is it was an armed battery for protection of the east coast during WWII.

Another delightful park in eastern Monmouth County. Nice variety of trails, well maintained,…read morepleasant people and their pets always with a hello.

Fiorello La Guardia Park is a neighborhood park for property type owned and operated by NYC Parks…read more It is named for Fiorello La Guardia who served as the 100th Mayor of New York City from January 1, 1934 to January 1, 1946. He was indisputably a great mayor. He was a lifelong native New Yorker. There is an outdoor 1994 sculpture by artist Neil Estern and several inground descriptions of a brief biography, his public service elected appointments, date sculpture was dedicated and name of sculptor. I like engraved granite plaques or headstones. I abhor this pose for appearance as it depicts anger and resentment. I prefer a statue when he is standing holding, waving a hat in his right hand, mouth open with an exuberant expression and left hand holding papers or documents. It is in this photo La Guardia seemingly appear to enter a car behind him. Behind this statue is another encroached New York University (NYU) building property.

Located in the Greenwich Village area this is a sprawling park and green space surrounded by…read morebuildings in the background. It's namesake is former mayor Fiorello La Guardia who served the city from the 1930's to 1940's. There is a sculpture of him on the ground, well maintained greenery, benches to sit on, and a small children's playground. Nice spot to give your feet a rest when walking around the neighborhood.

You already know about New York City. But do you know the food…read more It would be a New York Pity if you don't try these. Probably the greatest city in the world, though it's not what it was before Giuliani destroyed much of the soul of Manhattan, and people that are probably on Yelp killed Brooklyn's soul and re-invented it as something very overpriced and gentrified. So, come here, go out to Queens and parts of Brooklyn Manhattan and Bronx then you can seriously have the best meals of your life in this beautiful city. I specifically recommend the Chili Masala Dosa from Ganesh Temple, the N1 from Xi'an, the Cholado from Prontito, the Sicilian and Garlic Bread slices at Sunnyside Pizza, etc. Bear in mind, I've tried like 1000s of things in NYC, these are just the best of the best stuff. You won't like all of it, but if you get to try some of it, it might change your life! Queens has the best food, and the cheapest, so go there and explore if you can. But Manhattan is where all the famous stuff and the tourist stuff is, and where you'll be working, and it has lots of good food too. Queens. The real NYC, the immigrant NYC. Most will not tell you to go to Queens. That is their mistake, and will be your loss. If you want the greatest life-changing hole-in-wall food experiences, Queens must be on your menu. Here are my top 5 1. Ganesh Temple Canteen (just south of Flushing) - 14309 Holly - a subterranean canteen in a Hindu temple. Get the Chili Masala Dosa. Only $5. Perhaps the best Indian meal on earth. https://www.yelp.com/biz/ganesh-temple-canteen-flushing 2. Xi'an Famous Foods - there are a couple of locations in Queens and now 4 or 5 in Manhattan, so you can eat this there too - one of the best meals in NYC. get the N1 (Lamb Cumin Noodles). https://www.yelp.com/biz/xian-famous-foods-flushing-8 3. Prontito (Elmhurst) - 4025 Forley (new location - the old one is closed) - the best Colombian juice bar in the world. Order a Cholado. https://www.yelp.com/biz/prontito-elmhurst 4. - Joe's Steam Rice Roll (Flushing) - my fave place to eat in NYC these days, the pork rice rolls are perfect, make sure you get the spicy version, also in Manhattan. https://www.yelp.com/biz/joes-steam-rice-roll-flushing 5. Fu Yuan (Flushing) https://www.yelp.com/biz/fu-yuan-flushing-2?osq=cheong+fun Some of the best tofu and fish balls you'll ever eat, nowhere to sit Best 2 slices in NYC. One is the Grandma Slice at Louie's on Baxter in Jackson Heights-Elmhurst. The other 2 are the Garlic Bread Pizza Slice and the incredible Sicilian Slice at Sunnyside Pizza on Queens Blvd. Sunnyside is the best pizza in NYC in my opinion, especially the Sicilian. https://www.yelp.com/biz/louies-pizza-elmhurst-2 https://www.yelp.com/biz/sunnyside-pizza-sunnyside-2 Tortas Neza - 9615 Roosevelt Ave - Get a pork Torta, or whichever Torta he recommends. Not always open. Kind of random. https://www.yelp.com/biz/tortas-neza-corona Sammy's Halal - 73rd& Broadway - best food cart in the city. https://www.yelp.com/biz/sammys-halal-food-jackson-heights If you wanna try Bangladeshi Street food, try it from this truck https://www.yelp.com/biz/fuskahouse-jackson-heights Now for some Manhattan: - Biryani Cart (6th & 46th near Radio City) - order the Chicken Tikka over rice. Amazing Indian-Pakistani street food. Tastes like heaven. Open 11am until 6pm or so. https://www.yelp.com/biz/biryani-cart-new-york - Saigon Vietnamese Sandwich Deli on Broome St - the Curry Chicken Banh Mi is probably the best Vietnamese sandwich we've tasted, it's a must try. https://www.yelp.com/biz/saigon-vietnamese-sandwich-deli-new-york - Alimama - you must stop by this trendy spot in Chinatown to try "Mochi Donuts", they may change everyone's lives. They're far better than regular donuts. If you don't like desserts skip it. https://www.yelp.com/biz/alimama-new-york-3 - Spicy Village - for the pancakes, so amazing. https://www.yelp.com/biz/spicy-village-new-york - Tasty Dumpling - one of the best pancakes we've ever had, must try, everything else should be skipped though. https://www.yelp.com/biz/tasty-dumpling-new-york - Fong On - ridiculously good Spicy Savoury Tofu dish https://www.yelp.com/biz/fong-on-new-york - Doughnut Plant - 379 Grand - perhaps the best and most unusual doughnuts you'll ever eat. https://www.yelp.com/biz/doughnut-plant-new-york-6 - Ess A Bagel (1st Ave) the best Bagel in NYC https://www.yelp.com/biz/ess-a-bagel-new-york-5 - Trapizzino - get the Chicken Cacciatore thing, it's a Roman street snack from Italy, very delicious. Not filling though. https://www.yelp.com/biz/trapizzino-new-york - Bleecker St Pizza - 69 7th Ave - open late at night, probably the best slices in Manhattan. Real NYC pizza, critically acclaimed. Get the Nonna. Owners are so lovely and keep hitting on me. (Greenwich Village, what can I say) - Di Palo's - 200 Grand - long wait for this authentic old school Italian Deli. So come to NYC and NY-see what you find here. End.