Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Brooklyn Bridge Park, New York

Brooklyn Bridge Park is an 85-acre park on the Brooklyn waterfront in the vicinity of the Manhattan and Brooklyn bridges. The park is still adding new things and parts of it are currently undergoing construction to bring it visitors more new and exciting things for future visits!


Parts of the park include; a ferry dock, playgrounds and a 'water laboratory' for children. This park offers the quietness you need and the fun activities for every member of the family. There is truly something for anyone and everyone at the Brooklyn Bridge Park. It is also in the heart of Manhattan giving you the feeling of stepping out of the city to experience some breathtaking views of the great city of New York. 


Besides the bike paths and greenery, you can also attend one of the many events that are hosted in this location, during the day, and at night....depending on when you want to spend your time here. The cool thing about this place is that its on the waterfront, so like the Chicago River Walk you can feel the calming noises (or boats?) on the water. This would usually be more of a summer/fall/spring location but who said the park wasnt great for snowball fights? 


This location has it all, and its all right in the City. A true city park, for the fast paced people of NYC!

Chicago River Walk

The Chicago River Walk may not be a secret park or garden, but the environment is very simillar to what youd find elsewhere. The River Walk lines the Chicgao river and can be accessed at many diferent locations such State Street and Dearborn. The location does have plants and grass to sit on in all season but the winter, but it also is next to the river which to some may be very realxing. 


You can watch the boats, grab a bite to eat, or just walk up and down the river to find some peace and quiet. The nice thing about this location is that there are other things to do than just look at the river and count boats. There are a few restaurants, you can hop in one of many water taxis that will take you as far as Navy Pier or Union Station, and you can sit and read a book next to one of many fountains. 



 Although it is toursit friendly, its still a very nice, low key area that showcases the wonderful city of Chicago without leaving it. Some of the best views of the city's soaring buildings can be seen from almost any location on the river walk! Its a must spot to visit whether you want to snap a few photos or just get away for a few. 

High Line Park, New York.

The High Line is a 1.45-mile New York City park built on a section of the former elevated freight railroad spur called the West Side Line, which runs along the lower west side of Manhattan. 


The tracks now are designed in a very green fashion and is in other words an aireal greenway. Since its debut the park has created alot of surrounding development due to it popularity. Who would have thought you could go to a park above the busy streets of New York?


Due to its location the park does have hours, which are 7am-8pm daily. However, the latest you can enter the park is 7:45pm. This park is also open in the winter, but it has seperate hours due to the sun going down early and the dangerous winter conditions that could occur. 


There are many different enterances to this park allowing its visitors to be able to access it from numerous locations within Manhattan. The park prohibits such things as bikes, skateboards, picking flowers, and walking along the tracks of the once there railroads. 


This seems like a really fun summer hang spot, it offers a park in midst of downtown and includes cool scenery and an awesome history of the city. 

Monday, December 13, 2010

Bryant Park-New York City

Just blocks away from the ever populated Times Square, Bryant Park in located in Manhattan and is one of the more popular parks to visit on your lunch break in the city. The park holds many outdoor events including outdoor concerts, festivals, and parts of fashion week. However, dont let that scare you. This location is just the perfect area to catch a quick breath before returning to your cubicle workspace. 


In the winter it holds "the pond" for ice skating, and in the summer is presents free movies on the lawn. It contains endless tables, places to eat and lots of grass,which is hard to find within a city such as New York. Its just feet away from the public library and is an ideal resting area for tourists. 


Not only is this a great park location, but its also a city landmark. While the weather permits the area is filled with plants and flowers giving the park that true garden feel. The park however does have posted hours each day, and has rules and regulations that must be followed. Rules include; no dogs on the lawn, no alcohol, organized ballgames, and loud music...unless you have a permit. 
These regulations are set to provide a more pleasent visit to the people of New York, and those who come to visit. 

Rice Park, St Paul Minnesota

This location is right in the heart of St Paul on 4th street. Surrounding this particular park is the famous St Paul Hotel, The Landmark Center, The Ordway, The St Paul Library, and is just a few short blocks away from the home of the Minnesota Wild, The Xcel Energy Center. 


This is a great location to just take a quick break from walking around, or if youre one of many students, High School, or College this is a great study spot.


The Park holds a beautiful fountain, lights in the trees...year round! And hosts numerous events. This park can be reserved and rented out for 100 dollars an hour, therefore if you want to host a party, wedding, or reception this is agreat location! In the winter this park hosts many St Paul Winter Carnival eventssuch as the ice sculpture contest which brings in hundereds of people each year. 


Due to its downtown location it does get pretty busy, but because it is located in the heart of the wonderful city there is alot to offer.There are reseraunts, scultures, clubs, hotels, and in the winter there is even ice skating! The walking paths are stone brick, and gives you an "older" vibe, a true, geunie location that wont be going anywhere anytime soon!

just a little update!

Due to the poor poor weather conditions and my lack of thought going into this project, the next few posts will focus on places that I have yet to visit, but would like to someday...maybe when there isnt ice and snow covering the entire area! These posts will include areas not just in Chicago but in other parts of the country as well. 

Monday, November 29, 2010

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.

This past week I ventured up to my hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota to spend time with the family for Thanksgiving. While there I decided to go to one of my favorite places, The Sculpture Garden. This location brings in all forms of art and community, all within the heart of my favorite city, Minneapolis.


What you'll see there:
This particular location can be found right across the street from the Walker Arts Center, or you can just look for the popular cherry sculpture....trust me you cant miss it! The park itself includes many peices of art from numerous artists hailing from not only the artsy city of Minneapolis, but also from around the country. Alongside beautiful art, there is also a conservatory located in the park, which includes a gigantic glass fish sculpture, lush plants and flowers and great photo opportunities for the many weddings that take place in this famous Minneapolis location. 
The Garden is open daily, 6am-midnight. However the conservatory is only open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm, and is sometimes booked out for events.



Why you should visit:
If youre ever near this wonderful city, it is definetly worthwhile to check out. The garden is made up of 11 acres and showcases beautiful artwork. There is a ton of grass, places for seating, picnics, summer activities such as frisbee, tanning, kite flying...etc. It is also just a short walk across the popular bridge over interstate 94 to Loring Park and the Basillica of St. Mary. Not only is it a tourist hot spot, but a location full of Minnesota pride. Located in a walking distance from downtown, you can expierence the incredible city, and still find some quiet and beauty in the Sculpture Garden. 


Location:
The garden is located at 725 Vineland Place Minneapolis, MN 55403. Next to the Walker Arts Center. and like stated above, its a short walk from the downtown area. 


check out the short video for a few more pictures