This posting is unusual in that we are going to focus on just one very small area in the world. Specifically Central Park in New York City. The song was intially composed in the UK but completed in New York where Lennon had lived since 1971 and it was there that John Lennon was fatally shot by Mark David Chapman on 8th December 1980.
The shooting took place in the archway of the Dakota Buildings which overlook Central Park.
Central Park is the most visited urban park in the USA and reputedly the most filmed location in the world so that’s where we start our visit today. The park itself contains a number of attractions and it is difficult to visualise its size. Its about a third bigger in size than Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. One part of the park is known as Strawberry Fields and is a tribute to the ex-Beatle member John Lennon. The area is desingated as quiet zone and on the anniversary of both his birth and death people come to pay homage to him. The centre piece of the area is the “Imagine” mosiac, which evokes a vision and hope for a world without strife, war and conflict. Over 120 countries made donatations for the the maintenance of the area.
Unlike most sculptures, the Alice In Wonderland Sculpture in Central Park was designed for children to climb on. Over the years so many children and the odd adult have worn the surface smooth. At eleven feet tall, the sculpture’s design is based on the original illustrations in the first published edition of the book. Can you spot all the characters in the image below.
The Belvedere Castle does exactly what is in the its name. It gives a good view of the park and the city. At the time of writing only the first level is open to the general public so you might want to check before making a special visit. Built as an Victorian style folly. In the 1980s the Castle was rennovated and became the home of the Henry Luce Nature Observatory. When open it provides a great place to learn about the birds in the park and the second level is a great place to observe them.
One of the most sought after locations in the park is the Ladies Pavillion. Constructed in 1871 and restored in 1972 and 1984 it can be found in a quiet location next to the Lake. It is a sought after venue for wedding ceremonies.
The pavillion hasn’t always been located here. It originally was positioned at 59th Street and Eighth Avenue for visitors who needed to wait for trolley home. It originally had benches for passengers to wait but there are none today. It is known as the Ladies Pavillion after this was the location of the Ladies Cottage for women who wished to skate on the lake.
On finally to finish off our post today, why not treat yourself to a horse-drawn carriage ride to see the attractions they we have mentioned as well as many others. Trips can be customised for weddings, proposals, birthdays etc.
Whilst is it slightly more expensive to book these in advance, it will save you disappointment in peak season and weekends. Remember that for the sake of the animals’ welfare the rides do not operate when its too hot or too cold!
Maggie can give you advice on flights, hotels, transfers and everything required to make your trip to the Big Apple run smoothly.
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