When reality sets in that I don't have a partner, or when I feel deep in my soul that the only…read morefriend I have in the universe is the city I live in, the city of alphabets, I come to 9th Street Community Garden Park to feel better. Lonely as I am, together we cry. Sorry, my dear reader, I've been a little down in the dumps after a recent situationship went south. I'm trying to see the bright side in it. I think it will give me some space to breathe and allow me to blossom into the person the universe has destined me to become. But yeah, I've been coming here a lot recently to mope and be sad. It's important to let yourself feel feelings in order to process them.... Although wtf do I know I'm just so random dude reviewing a garden ahahahahah. This garden is LUCIOUS with greenery and BOOMING with life. It's so much greenery that it provides a bit of a shelter and capsule from the brutalistic concrete jungle. Sometimes it's just nice to be around life, even if it's not human you know? After all we human beings need sunlight just as much as plants, so it's kinda of nice to just sit and photosynthesize with them every once in a while........Damn I'm down bad ahahahahaha Be careful though you can get lost in here it's lowkey a maze! A-TOWN STAND UP! IG @jnov_ Tiktok @jnov__

It is a cute and well maintained garden in the area. I went on the NYC Open Garden Day so I was…read morestrolling around a few gardens near East Village, and this is one of the best. I also learnt from them that they have a volunteering program that you can work yourself up to become a member and get a lot for your gardening passions. I have never really done that before - but if I decide to do it some time, this is likely the place that I will go try for it!

Beautiful and cozy community garden. Great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful weather.read more

This is a wonderful community garden. It isn't the best place to take people who aren't steady on…read moretheir feet, as much of the garden has stepstones instead of a path. This is a small, local community garden where locals each have their own plot, so please tread carefully and don't pick anything. Because of the private nature of the plots, there are no sidewalks inside the garden. There is a small patio area near the beehives and storage shed where you could read a book, eat lunch, or simply sit on a bench and enjoy the company of the flowers, squirrels, and birds. The benches are not commercial benches, so it really feels like you're in someone's yard. The fence is open limited hours. If you aren't able to get inside the fence, it's a perfectly enjoyable option to walk around the edge of the plot as there are sidewalks and it is considered a public area. While you're here, why not stop in at Morton Williams, open 24 hours, for some excellent options? There is a fellow who lives on this corner. You can't miss him - her has dread locks longer than he is tall, and the end of them are growing moss that makes him look like a tree spirit. He has a small grill and a bicycle. COVID-Specific info: Last year, the garden underwent some renovations. Due to COVID, the garden seems to always be locked up. The new fences feel hostile. I hope to feel differently when everything is alive again in the spring. As with most of the iconic homeless people, the dryad is gone. I hope he is enjoying a hotel bed in the NYC Homless-in-hotels COVID program.

I first visited this garden more than a decade ago when it was featured in book NY's 50 best places…read moreto find peace & quiet! I've always love it & always drop by when i'm in the area on a Sunday afternoon. Thats the only time they are open to the public. It's very small garden but very charming. I think what makes it unique is its on top of a parking garage & partially hidden. Most people passes by it without realizing its there. Perfect place for passive recreation, read a book, smell the flowers. Definitely worth checking out if you are in the area.

Love, love, love!! We were visiting from out of the area and this was the perfect relaxation spot!…read moreThe pond with the fishes were our favorite! Perfect place to come bring lunch, a snack, and a good book

Prospect Park is a beautiful park. It gets overshadowed by Central Park, but I think we like it…read morethat way. We're okay with gatekeeping it even though it's not really even hidden. It's gorgeous, it's spacious - no tourists, no horse rides.

Off leash hours are dog heaven at this massive park. Our pug has a great time doing zoomies around…read morethe big grassy fields. The dog beach area is awesome in summer. There's so many things to see and explore in this park. Ponds, bridges, sports fields, waterfalls, a zoo, statues, an ice rink, fountains, farmers markets and food stalls. Easy to catch the F to 15th/Prospect Park.

I visited Scandinavia House with my mom last weekend when we were in the neighborhood. I had just…read morereturned from a trip to Sweden and was curious about Scandinavia House. I enjoyed my visit, but I think it's important to note that this is less a museum than a cultural center. So it has a great cafe (Bjork Cafe & Bistro), a great gift shop (I picked up a modern take on the Dala horse), and a small gallery space (when we visited, the exhibit was "Nordic Echoes - Tradition in Contemporary Art"), which is free to visit. But it also hosts events - concerts, lectures, workshops, etc. So if you're looking for a quick visit, stop by for a quick visit to the gallery, the gift shop, and the cafe for drink, snack, or meal. But if you're interested in Scandinavian culture, check out this website for interesting events to attend!

I'm waxing poetics here but Scandinavia House is one of those gems that makes the city magical…read more I, quite literally, stumbled upon this place on my way to LES. Walking in, I must've looked visibly confused because the woman at the window called me over to describe the venue. I ended up perusing the first floor with its Nordic goods and picked up some Swedish candy, a few cookies and a macchiato for o go. There is a sit down cafe with Scandinavian fare, and art and movies to explore. Well worth a visit if you'd like something unique!

I was devastated when this place closed a few years ago, and was pleasantly surprised to find out…read morethat they reopened! I went there on a Saturday and it was the same quiet, peaceful place it's always been. You can get so much work (or studying) done there, especially with the free and speedy wifi. They have comfortable chairs, outlets for your electronics, and clean bathrooms. They also have a separate children's room. And the view is nice also, and it's completely free! This is the kind of place I'd give a big donation to if I were in the position to do so, but they do have a donation jar, which I will make sure to add to next time.

I found this spot such a gem! Really great space to study and work - it's quiet and big tables with…read moreplenty of outlets. The natural lighting and proximity to the River is also such a plus. Bathrooms were clean and the staff and other studies were all respectful. There's free and reliable WiFi ... and its free to work here!! After a study session, I'd recommend treating yourself to a lovely walk along the river, explore battery park, or Brookfield mall (there's a food court!)

Such an amazing, beautiful, and peaceful space in the city! It's a true hidden gem filled with so…read moremany amazing things! There are such cool and unique plants/flowers, a pond with koi fish and turtles, bee place, gazebos, bird houses, place with sand to build sand castles, and composting spaces. It's a true garden oasis in the city where you can retreat to for some zen and peace and quiet. There are also a lot of cool community events happening here from live music, yoga, foraging classes, and pumpkin smashing. I'm glad I randomly just bumped into this while walking around this area. There's so much happening in this little garden and a true hidden gem.

If you're reading this, some part of your being has to be wondering "who takes the time to write a…read moreYelp review on a small community garden?" Well the answer is simple. Me. I do. The next question inevitably flowing through you must be some variation of "why?" Well that answer is not as simple, my dear reader. But I will attempt to answer: 1) I want a Yelpie, and I want one BAD. Oh you didn't know Yelpies were a thing? Well yeah I didn't either until yesterday, now I'm really finna turn it up on these reviews. Imagine how good a Yelpie would look on my mantle right next to my 8th grade basketball CYO pre-season tournament MVP, which is my crowning achievement to date. 2) This park is right across from my place and it's honestly SICK. It is covered in greenery and there is also a small little amphitheater-like seating arrangement. During the week it's a great place to come mellow out, smoke a CBD joint (allegedly), or just read a book. On the weekend there will be little cookouts (I have yet to be invited to one but I remain optimistic), concerts, or just cool, niche events. A lot of culture in and out of La Plaza Cultural. Hahaha see what I did there? 3) I just have a lot, and I mean A LOT, of fun writing things. I've been thinking a lot about my mortality lately, and just think it'd be cool to have family and friends read these if I ever die young. I also think we should spend time doing things that are fun in general, cuz none of this really matters at the end of the day. God is good and existence is beautiful. Hahahaha this got a little heavy but this park is DOPE come check it out. ALPHABET CITY STAND UP! IG @jnov_ Tiktok @jnov__

This public park is a small park but there are plenty of seats and space. It open 24/7 and during…read morethis time especially on Sunday seems to be nobody. That was very nice.