New York not only never sleeps, it never even slows down. Routine is an easy trap: rushing for the train in the morning, hoping there's a seat; spending the day at the office, ordering in and taking lunch behind a computer; meeting friends for a quick glass of wine at the new wine bar that opened up in Tribeca, meanwhile taking no stock in your surroundings between office, train, and bar; going home and getting ready to do it all again.
Even visitors to the city get caught in the unrelenting ebb and flow, rushing from site to site, without taking the time to explore what may be off the grid and not in the guidebook.
If you just took an extra ten minutes, got off the train one stop early, what would you discover? Perhaps you'll make it to your destination with a new adventure to share with your friends or coworkers. Or, who knows -- perhaps you'll get caught up along the way and decide your prior obligation can wait, you just must learn how to play pétanque!
Located at the junction of Broadway and 7th Avenue, from 42nd to 47th streets, the mythical Times Square used to be pastureland full of horses. Nowadays, it's estimated that over 1.5 million people pass through Times Square on a daily basis. Its neon lights may be iconic for some, but it remains a place most New Yorkers will avoid at all costs, and no wonder.
For those coming to Times Square on the 7 train, getting off one stop early at Bryant Park provides a nice detour for entering the Square, providing a prelude of peace before the shimmery madness. Exit the subway at 5th Avenue -- it's best to be at the end of the train for this. Turn right as you come up the stairs, passing a shoeshine stand, recently the repeated victim of arson, as you walk out to Fifth. Take a right, and you'll pass the New York Public Library.
Fifth Avenue will be abuzz with tourists and office workers, but the sidewalk here is nice and wide. Take a few minutes to people-watch at one of the tables set up on the library steps. The library is currently undergoing some heavy renovations, but the two stone lions, nicknamed Patience and Fortitude during the Great Depression, still stand guard at the base of the stairs.
If you have some time to spare, the main reading room at the library, nowadays known as the Humanities & Social Sciences Library, is not to be missed. On the fourth floor, the room spans nearly two city blocks and is lined with heavy wooden tables, comfortable chairs and brass lamps, underneath a ceiling painted to resemble the sky above. The room is equipped with Wi-Fi, so this is a nice place to get some work done away from the office as well.
If you simply must forge on to Times Square, take a few minutes to amble through Bryant Park. During the winter, the park is lined with artisan booths, with a skating rink in the center. In the summer, tables surround the central lawn, and a movie screen stands at the west end of the park. Movies are screened for free here on Mondays throughout summer.
Be sure to also check out the Bryant Park Reading Room, an open air library on the north side of the park. The Reading Room was initially created in 1935 during the Great Depression to provide public space for out-of-work individuals. Browse a few of the book selections available on the carts arranged among the tables, or, if you have a few minutes, check out one of the regular performances. Visit the Reading Room's website for more details.
If reading isn't your thing, keep strolling to the far west side of the park and watch a game of pétanque, a French game similar to the Italian bocce. Free lessons are available weekdays from 11 to 6, weather permitting, and tournaments are held regularly.
If you're looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, stop by Lily O'Brien's at the south end of the park on 41st Street. This is the New York flagship store of the Irish chocolatier, who started making chocolate in her kitchen in Ireland in 1992. If you're in search for liquid refreshment, Lily O'Brien's does serve coffee, but this Examiner recommends you skip the coffee and try a frappe instead.
Before the final leg of the journey, take one more pit stop, at Books Kinokuniya, on the west side of 6th Avenue between 41st and 42nd streets. This Japanese bookstore can provide hours of browsing enjoyment through books on Japanese culture, fashion and religion, as well as DVDs, magazines, clothing, and much more. If you're short on time by now, head to the far left corner of the store, pick up a book on Zen Buddhism and take a few minutes to remember to breathe.
The stretch from 6th Avenue to Times Square is unfortunately a bit of a dearth, regardless of the street you choose. Forty-second Street, however, has the widest sidewalks and affords an impressive view of those iconic neon lights as you reach your destination. As you do, don't forget the old adage: Life is about the journey, not just the destination.
Comments