Destination Hometown: Public Spaces – Bryant Park

As gas prices soar this summer, my great American road-trip is on hold. I can roll with the punches so I’ll go to local beaches and explore my great city’s public spaces. The only price I like better than “on sale” is FREE ; and there are many free things to do this summer, especially in NYC. Bryant Park is a fine example of public dedicated space in the heart of the Big Apple.

Bryant Park is located just behind the spectacular Public Library. The park’s location is the key to it’s success I think. It’s between Times Square and Grand Central so it’s accessible to everyone and is a convenient meeting place.

I recently had my first visit to Bryant Park Cafe, when a group of us from work went to celebrate a promotion. (congrats Kenette on your new design position!) We tried to go to many midtown rooftop bars , to no avail, as they don’t open til 5 pm. Fridays we get out at 1pm (supposedly to head to the Hamptons) so we needed refreshments slightly earlier. Someone suggested Bryant Park Cafe and off we went.

Now I’ve been to Bryant Park for Fashion Week and for HBO’s outdoor summer movies but in my opinion, the cafe is the best. A group of 6 of us were seated rather quickly and enjoyed cocktails, yummy food, and lots of laughs. Our umbrella topped table was roomy and had a Great Gatsby charm. It’s amazing how crowded a cafe is on a NYC Friday afternoon – definitely a city that never sleeps (or apparently works). After a few special lemonades…I needed a restroom. My Grandmother would kill me but, yes, I’m gonna talk about a bathroom…in detail.

This bastion of bathrooms is the most beautiful bathroom I’ve been in , in memory. And it’s in a public park. And it’s New York City. I mean theoretically , any homeless person or drug addict could walk in , behind smartly dressed fashionistas and Japanese tourists, and use the bathroom. It’s they’re right…it’s my right…we all have equal rights to this posh potty. As you line up for the restroom, you are greeted by classical music and a giant marble urn of gorgeous flowers.

Adjusting yourself in the grand hall mirror , you are soothed by a beautiful scent (am I in a villa en Provence? )and more classical music. It’s all so civilized. Diane, the washroom attendant , guides you towards the empty stall with the grace of Vanna White. She wants you to enjoy your stay in NY and enjoy your time in this oasis of a loo.

Once inside, you notice that the toilet seat is covered with a healthy plastic sheath that changes itself after each use. Genius! Welcome to 2oth century technology in an 18th century setting.

My journey takes me to the marble sink where I notice a bud vase with a bright purple bouquet. As I wash my hands with some sweet smelling soap , I admire the beautiful paned window , above the sink. Do I really deserve this treatment ? Is Karma erasing all those years of unpleasant ladies room experiences ?

I hate to leave this paradise but I must get to H & M to buy a dress for a get together later that evening. I walk outside , heading towards 5th ave. I look back to see if it had all been a mirage. Nope – it’s still there….I’ll be back.

I’m going to continue my exploration of my town this summer. Check back to see the discoveries.

Have you found anything new , close to home, this summer?