A blog for older adults about loving this City even when your knees hurt and your hearing is not what it used to be!
Tales of my walks around NYC
OR…I am very lucky that I can walk early in the morning when few people are out. I wear my mask, my gloves, my hat and use my cane.
Since my favorite places are not open I’ve decided to post on my blog, the sights that I see on the morning when I take my walk
On my walk…So many ways to get around on this corner…the tram, the bridge, the bus, or like me…the feet!
Love this city!
First time I visited the business library of the NYPL was last week. As I stood looking at the building, I remembered it was the former B. Altman & Co. department store.
And then it happened … a memory from years ago. A memory of the walks we (my family) took up Fifth Avenue starting with B. Altman back in the 50’s and 60’s. I think some of you, my peers to be exact, probably remember that stretch of Fifth Avenue from 34th to 59th filled with the most beautiful and iconic stores. Some still around and some gone forever.
We would walk from Penn Station to Fifth along 34th Street. Sometimes we stopped at Macy’s on the way and sometimes on the way back. Our first stop was always officially B. Altman.
After Altman’s we went to Lord and Taylor, walked by the Lions guarding the New York Public Library, to Rockefeller Center, Saks, Tiffany’s, Steuben Glass, St Patrick’s, Bonwit Tellers and FAO Schwarz. Lastly we visited Bergdorf Goodman.
Of course, we got dressed up! We wore a suit or a dress, stockings, high heels and sometimes even a pillbox hat. (Yes, our feet hurt…we didn’t care)
Plus, you know what? We never bought anything! The only thing we spent money on was food at the Automat, Schraffts and Top of the Sixes.
The restaurant, Top of the Sixes, was a very special treat for us. Reading about it now it was never known for its food, but for its glorious view and design. Truthfully, I can’t remember a thing we ate, I can only remember that spectacular view from some forty floors above Fifth.
Now it’s a Cigar Bar! Bonwit Tellers is now Trump Towers and Shraffts and the Automats are all gone. FAO Schwarz moved a few times and is now gone. Good thing about Altman’s is that the building has Landmark status, so its beautiful architecture remains.
After the window shopping and the walking thru stores and the admiring of the latest fashions, and the lunch, we walked back to Penn Station. As we sat on the LIRR with our shoes off (feet burning) we talked and laughed about our adventures. We had some really good ones, but that’s for another post!
LOVE THIS CITY…ALWAYS!
KAY’S NOTES:
IMPORTANT TO KNOW: Some of the buildings have been protected by the Landmark Commission; however, some have been torn down by developers including Bonwit Tellers which is now Trump Towers. FAO Schwarz on the corner of 59th and Fifth was moved to the GE building across the street and now out of business. Horn and Hardart Automats exist only at a special exhibit at the Smithsonian in DC.
GOOD TO KNOW: Lots of websites about historical New York and the ladies mile on Fifth. Just google – they’ll all come up.
Photographs courtesy of the Department Store Museum
Disclaimer: I try for correct info on my posts, but no guarantees people.
And…here we go!
I fell in love with soccer full force, when I realized there are no commercials till halftime. I don’t know how many of you watch the World Cup, but I absolutely love it. However, I decided I can not spend hours every day glued to the TV, so I made a decision. When one of my favorite teams is playing or I think it will be an exciting game, I’ll be there. I mean how can one resist Ronaldo!
But yesterday I did walk away for a while cause my foodie son took us to a great brunch place on the Upper West Side, Jacob’s Pickles. By the way, a common request by respondents to my survey was to hear more about NYC restaurants, hence, Jacob’s Pickles. To put this restaurant thing in perspective, I’m not a food critic, but I will tell you about places I’ve been that I think you might like reading about or perhaps even eating there.
Here’s the deal with Jacob’s Pickles (no TVs so no soccer, bummer) Southern-accented comfort food. It’s all about the beer, and the biscuits, and the pickles, and the pancakes, and the fried chicken…plus. My teenage granddaughters love this restaurant. This was the first visit for one of my granddaughters who said after,”I knew it was going to be good, but I didn’t think it would be that good!”
She ordered the fried chicken atop the bacon sprinkled pancakes with home-made syrup. And listen to this, my son had the Croque Madame – fried chicken with black forest ham, gruyere cheese, sunny side up eggs on a bacon egg and cheese biscuit. Yikes! Me? I had wonderful deviled eggs and picked on their food with absolutely no shame. The portions are huge.
There can be a long wait(see more about Jacob’s Pickles in Kay’s Notes) so plan accordingly. It’s a good time to explore this interesting area while waiting.
The Museum of Natural History is a few blocks away and could be considered after brunch to walk off the biscuits, fried chicken, gravy, cheese grits and the fried Oreos.
If you want to have a quiet brunch with soft music in the background and no need to ask “what” a gazillion times, JP is not for you. But if you want really good comfort food, interesting loud music, good drinks, surrounded by a cool crowd, great service, go… and especially if you have teenagers in your group, .they will love it.
Here are some of the sites in the neighborhood as we walked around waiting for our table.
LOVE THIS CITY! LOVE ITS FOOD!
KAY’S NOTES:
Important to know: JP is located on Amsterdam Ave between 84th and 85th. It can be absolutely packed especially on weekends. The first time we went, we had over an hour wait, they’ll call you on your phone to let you know when your table is ready. Check out their website for more details. Reservations for 8 or more. http://jacobs.picklehospitality.com/
A very important thing about JP…Jacob’s Digs
Good to know- One: If you’re in my peer group – be adventurous. I probably would not have chosen this restaurant if not for my son and I was so glad I went. You’ll be surrounded by lots of young, happy people out for brunch. I had a great time!
Good to know -Two: Museum of Natural History is at Central Park West and 77th Street. https://www.amnh.org/. There are other brunch places in the area…easy to spot all have people mingling outside waiting for tables.
Beer drinkers take note: Jason’s Pickles has a nice selection of American beers from New York, Vermont, California, Colorado, Illinois, Texas, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Florida, Pennsylvania and Michigan. No beer for us. I had a nice but somewhat boring rose’ and my son had the Kentucky Porch Sipper. I had a sip of that sipper. Delish!
Kid Friendly: Older kids – not toddlers and babies very noisy and crowded.
Prices: Typical NYC, but not crazy
Restrooms: On main level and downstairs
Disclaimer: I try for correct info on my posts, but no guarantees people.
Yes, friends, 843 acres running 2.5 miles long and a half mile wide is that glorious part of the City starting at 59th Street and ending at 110th with pure magic in between…Central Park!
Now where to begin on my walks through the Park? A walk to the Boat Basin or to Belvedere Castle or to Strawberry Fields or to the Zoo or to the famed Carousel with the 57 hand carved horses? What to do, what to do.
I made the decision (not quickly) for this first post on the park, to write about my most frequent walk, which is to enter on East 66th Street and wind my way over to the exit by Tavern on the Green to Central Park West. (I miss, by the way, that gaudy shiny Crystal Room at Tavern even if the food and service were not so great).
Now before I go any further, just wanted to say, you probably know much of what I’m writing, but if, like me, sometimes a different perspective brings about some kind of awakening to something new. Even doing my research for my posts, I always have a discovery (e.g.The Central Park Conservancy Institute for Urban Parks The Institute teaches park users and managers to care for urban parks everywhere. ) Didn’t know that.
If you’re going to the park for any reason, take the time to just enjoy! Wear comfortable shoes, take water, snack, hat and maybe a sweater, throw an umbrella in just in case, a blanket and a book and crossword puzzle if you’re so inclined. Much of the walkways and paths are good but there are interesting paths and trails that are unpaved and often muddy.
Here’s one of the frequent sites seen everywhere in the park- people reading. Those readers could be on benches or on the grass or even on the rocks. I’ve done it many times myself or should I say I’ve tried to do it, but it’s not easy to stay focused when there is always so much to see and hear. Must admit weekdays is an easier time of it because it’s quieter, but even then, the birds chirp, people talk, interesting people talk, tours come through, children laugh and I’m very easily distracted . No, I don’t use a headset. One reason is “my hearing is definitely not what it used to be” plus I like the sounds and often a musician or group of musicians are playing. Love that!
As I walked down the small slope and past the children’s playground, I saw the usual puppeteer with his egg pu
ppet to the delight of the kids. And just a little further up the hill is the popular Balto statue, the famed sled-dog who saved children’s lives in Alaska in 1925.
As I walked up the hill through the arch and up to one of my favorite places in the park The Mall, of American Elms It’s just so beautiful (by the way, how many times can I use “beautiful” in a blog…a lot when describing the park, but I’m going to try to use other adjectives, I promise. It’s gorgeous in the spring, summer, winter and fall.
And here we are: the single walkers, the bikers resting on the bench, the couple holding hands, the stroller in the distance, all under those magnificent elms. (saving for another post the section of The Mall called Literary Walk with statues of prominent writers.
It certainly is, trust me on this one
Sheep Meadow Is a wonderful place to stop, bring a blanket, a book, a snack, a hat and spend the morning or afternoon or day. (restrooms and cafe close by). With kids? Yes, bring balls.
And now I’m getting close to Central Park West, I stopped to rest on a bench and watch the action as people went by on bikes, some built for two, scooters, pedi-cabs, horse and carriages, piggy backers, strollers and the most popular…walking!
As I write this Memorial Day weekend, it brought back to mind my last post on Fleet Week. I’m sitting looking around when these handsome sailors (told you I loved men and women in uniform) came by and cheerfully let me take their photo! What a great way to end this post on this Memorial Day! A thank you to all who served and serve!
LOVE THIS CITY!
KAY’S NOTES:
Important to know: Go to the Parks website – everything you ever wanted to know about this magical 843 acres! http://www.centralparknyc.org/
Disclaimer: I try for correct info on my posts, but no guarantees people.
NO UMBRELLAS NEEDED ON THIS WALK!
I was with my Tribeca family and we walked from their apartment thru Brookfield Place down the escalators across the walk and onto Westfield which recently opened in the soaring space of The Oculus.
The Oculus! The Transportation Hub at the World Trade Center designed by the internationally renowned architect Santiago Calvatrava of Spain.
I thought it was stunningly beautiful! How do you combine a subway station and a mall into a grand open shining space…call on a famous architect that’s what you do. Amazing!
Best way to do this walk? I always suggest to check out websites to see what’s happening not only at Westfield, but also at Brookfield Place. They are connected and you’ll never have to go outside. Often special events are taking place that will just add to the fun. This is not a quiet walk, but it sure is exciting, especially the first time you do it. By the way, stopped at the new Eataly and enjoyed a lovely wine and pizza with my family overlooking the World Trade Center and the new Liberty Park.
It’s a huge place so when you go be sure to plan your day, don’t rush, people-watch, perhaps walk over to Brookfield Place and take in a view of the Hudson or do it all in reverse. Along your way, you’ll find many places to stop for something to eat plus, of course, a glass of wine or an old-fashioned to give your feet a rest and decide where your next steps will take you on this inside walk!
Enjoy!
Kay’s Notes:
Important to know: It can get a little crazy during commuting times – so keep in mind it is a transportation hub.
Websites: About The Oculus, Westfield and Brookfield Place
http://www.panynj.gov/wtcprogress/transportation-hub.html
https://www.westfield.com/westfieldworldtradecenter
https://brookfieldplaceny.com/
Cost: Seeing the buildings- free. shopping, eating and drinking? As the old song goes sung by Frank Sinatra and Ruth Etting (back in the day) “It all depends on you”!
Where to eat: A huge selection of places- as of this post – not all opened but will be very soon.
Restrooms: Plenty
Kid Friendly: Without a doubt
*Disclaimer – I try for correct info on Kay’s Notes– but no guarantees people.
PARK AVENUE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR SUMMER STREETS
ONLY ON SATURDAYS – THREE DATES – TODAY AUGUST 6TH, AUGUST 13TH AND THE 20TH FROM 7 AM TO 1 PM!
Summer time and the walking is easy!
It’s fun to do. Lots of activities like music, a water slide, games, Zipline and lots and lots of people. But, only walkers, bikers, roller bladers, scooters, strollers, skater boarders, etc., are allowed. And, because I live on the UES, a stop at St Bart’s outside restaurant for a Mimosa is definitely in order to stay cool and watch the fun! Event is free – the Mimosa ??? Nope!
From Summer Streets 2016 website -NYC Department of Transportation. Check it out – website below
“Summer Streets is an annual celebration of New York City’s most valuable public space—our streets. On three consecutive Saturdays in August, nearly seven miles of NYC’s streets are opened for people to play, run, walk and bike. Summer Streets provides space for healthy recreation and encourages New Yorkers to use more sustainable forms of transportation. In 2015, nearly 300,000 people took advantage of the open streets.
Summer Streets is modeled on other events from around the world including Ciclovía in Bogotá, Colombia and the Paris Plage in France and has since inspired other such events around the world such as CicloRecreo Via and London’s Regent Street Summer Streets.
Held between 7:00 am to 1:00 pm, Summer Streets extends from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park, along Park Avenue and connecting streets, with easy access from all points in New York City, allowing participants to plan a trip as long or short as they wish. All activities at Summer Streets are free of charge, and designed for people of all ages and ability levels to share the streets respectfully.
Summer Streets is a project of the New York City Department of Transportation.”
Kay’s Notes: This post is a little late for today’s events – but in plenty of time for the 13th and the 20th.
Important to know: It’s a great walk – see the City along Park Avenue from a different perspective. Police are very helpful because cars still want to go cross town – and there are volunteers with signs that say “stop” or “go” or something like that. Definitely check out the website to see where along the route the activities take place.
Restrooms – Hotels along the way – couldn’t find if they are having any of those portable conveniences. But plenty of Starbucks and other restaurants a block east or west of Park.
Remember it starts at 7 AM and ends at 1 PM.
Disclaimer – I try for correct info on Kay’s Notes – but no guarantees people.
FROM THE WHITNEY MUSEUM TO MURRAY STREET WALKING SOUTH
“Should I or shouldn’t I?” That was the question.
I had been to the new Whitney Museum, absolutely wonderful building…a must see. As I left, I began looking for a cab. But then, taken by how beautiful the day was, I decided to be adventuresome and cross over the West Side Highway to stroll along the Hudson. I had walked many times along the river but closer to Battery Park and Tribeca. So I said to myself, “Self, nothing ventured, nothing gained, let’s go!”
On the sunny side of the street…
Just so you know, if you haven’t crossed the West Side Highway, it gets a little tricky. There are crosswalks for pedestrians, but not at every intersection. After I left the Whitney, I walked south for a few blocks and came to a marked crossing, waited for the light to change and crossed over. Safety note: Don’t try to beat the light, just wait till it turns to “walk “again, and then go. Those cars, cabs, buses are just sitting there revving up their motors… on the ready to peel away. Patience is the key.
With the West Side Highway behind me, the walkway was just a few steps ahead. I didn’t have a destination in mind, but I knew by looking at the Freedom Tower far off in the distance, that if, indeed, I was going to try to make it there, I had a good walk ahead of me. I accepted the challenge and off I went.
It’s quarter to three….
It was tranquil for the City (but you know, there’s always City noise but not so bad) that afternoon. It was around 3 o’clock with a slight breeze, some clouds overhead and the temperature was perfect. As I walked along, I couldn’t help but smile to myself and to others as we passed. Some smiled back, some gave a nod, some ignored me and I knew some were wondering, why is this woman smiling? I was by myself and having the best time. The view of the water, Jersey across the way, boats sailing by, people walking, running, riding bikes, kids with soccer balls, nannies and strollers, skateboards…delightful.
I was quite happy to see the number of benches on my walk; I plopped myself down several times, took a sip of water, and continued on my journey. I had absolutely no intention of walking that whole way without stopping. I took photos, I especially liked the one at the top of this post, far off in the distance, you can just make out the Statue of Liberty.
Put me in coach..I’m ready to play…today
I came to Pier 25 which is a destination in itself. It’s the longest pier on the Hudson River. Stop there if you have time. On weekends, it is filled with families. There are soccer fields, an 18-hole miniature golf course, water park, a floating library, snack bar and restrooms. You’ll find it on the Hudson River Park site (under kay’s notes)
Show me the way to go home……
It took me about an hour to walk the almost two miles. I finished at Murray Street, across the way is Freedom Tower. I stopped at a restaurant with great views of the river before heading home. What did I order? A glass of wine and French fries and sat back to take it all in.
If I had gone a little further, I would have been at the World Financial Center/ Brookfield Place, which is full of all kinds of stores, restaurants and lots of free interesting events. Plus, outside is the Cove where sailboats and yachts are just waiting to sail away…somewhere. We(my family) and thousands of others watched the America’s Cup NYC races there on Mother’s Day.
It’s a great walk- take the time to just relax and enjoy the view. If you still have time, stay for the sunset. Spectacular!
Kay’s Notes:
Artwork by TWO
Important to know: Hudson River Park runs from Battery Park City North http://www.hudsonriverpark.org . The walkway, called the Hudson Greenway runs along that system. Check out the site….so much to see and do – and events keep changing.
Whitney Museum of American Art is at 99 Gansevoort St (meatpacking district) http://www.whitney.org A stunning building (my visit there on a later post).
Good to know: A twist on this walk: Take the Highline http://www.thehighline.org to the Whitney and then cross over the West Side Highway to the walkway. Note: you probably already figured out you can do this in reverse to the Museum and beyond.
Where to eat: During spring and summer months there are snack bars , and water fountains. My suggestion is to wait till you get to the area around Brookfield Place,https://brookfieldplaceny.com/ selection of food options is amazing.
Restrooms- There are several on this section of the walkway – sometimes though they aren’t open or under construction. The site will tell you which ones are available.
Kid Friendly: Friendliest!!!
*Disclaimer – I try for correct info on Kay’s Notes– but no guarantees people.
Introducing a series based on my walks around the City. First one coming next week: A Hudson River Walk. Basic equipment needed for a City walk: umbrella, hat, sunscreen, water, camera,extra sweater, and last but very important….time!
Enjoy! Kay
Note: Artwork by t.w.o. my brother