NYC might be the ‘concrete jungle where dreams are made of,’ but it’s also home to some lovely, leafy parks and peaceful green spaces. In fact, it turns out that for many New Yorkers, these grassy retreats are among their favorite spots in the city.
For the past month, Maker’s Mark® Bourbon has been inviting New Yorkers to Raise a Toast to their favorite places in NYC. The responses and recommendations from everyone have been amazing, from restaurants and iconic landmarks to…that’s right, you guessed it: pretty parks!
Check out the interactive map here to see all the unique city spots recommended by your fellow New Yorkers. Or keep reading to discover where the people of NYC go to find a moment of zen, see some cute dogs, or simply to cradle a warm cup of coffee in the fresh fall air!
Prospect Park
Everyone can agree that NYC’s parks are best enjoyed when they’re the least packed with people. Dogs, however, are a different story. There’s no wonder Allison loves off-leash morning hours at Brooklyn’s Prospect Park (6-9 a.m.)! Not only does this time provide the perfect opportunity to catch a break from the hustle and bustle of your daily commute with some sweet pups, but also gives you a chance to soak in the stunning, late fall scenery. Cheers to that.
Bryant Park
A tree-lined acre of greenery is transformed into NYC’s Winter Village during the colder months at Bryant Park, a scenic oasis nestled into the heart of Midtown. The fully-functioning winter wonderland is equipped with a skating rink, holiday market, and more, and takes home the gold in terms of getting New Yorkers in the holiday spirit. You’re giving us major winter feels, Camille!
Washington Square Park
We have to agree with Katie on this one. Strolling through Washington Square Park and stepping under the iconic arch truly is a magical feeling, which is why this Greenwich Village greenspace is absolutely worth raising a toast to. Tourists might recognize this park as home to the “Friends” fountain, but its role as a gathering place for creatives, activists, and intellectuals over the decades gives it a unique, lively energy that captures the essence of the city we’re proud to call home.
Domino Park
First and foremost, we commend Michelle for squeezing in some cardio…especially in the morning. And while we can’t say we’re on the same page, we’ll definitely raise a toast to delicious dumplings enjoyed with one of the best views of the NYC skyline! This Williamsburg park’s waterfront esplanade is an ideal location for a quiet night out, giving both chill vibes and pristine views of the East River.
Central Park
Queue the ‘aw’-s! Whether you’re like Jackson and his girlfriend enjoying a picnic at Sheep Meadow or live for strolls along the Reservoir, every New Yorker has their own go-to Central Park activity worth raising a toast to. And with over 50 blocks of greenspace from top to bottom, Central Park gives Manhattanites easy access to the nature fix we all need every now and then.
Have we missed your favorite park? Head on over to ToastToNYC.com to raise a toast to your NYC park of choice.
MADE WITH CARE. SIP WITH CARE ™. Maker’s Mark® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky, 45% Alc./Vol. ©2022 Maker’s Mark Distillery, Inc., Loretto, KY.