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Polaroid of the Week: Serene Harlem Meer in Central Park on a Sunny December Day

Polaroid of the Week: Serene Harlem Meer in Central Park on a Sunny December DayLast week, I struggled to get into the Christmas spirit, and this week's spring-like temperatures—reaching 72°F (22°C)—did little to help. Christmas Eve felt more like the Fourth of July, breaking heat records and even coaxing cherry trees to blossom. While I'd love to skip winter altogether, my concerns about climate change tempered my enjoyment of the unseasonably warm holidays. That said, I didn't mind dashing out for a bagel in flip-flops, shorts, and a T-shirt, or pulling out my summer running gear for a jog in Central Park.

Though I enjoy Central Park's iconic southern attractions like the Boat Lake, Bethesda Fountain, Sheep Meadow, and Umpire Rock, the northern section holds a special place in my heart. It's far less crowded, as most tourists don't venture that far. Spots like the Pond, Conservatory Garden, and Harlem Meer offer stunning beauty, with areas like the North Woods making you feel deep in the wilderness rather than a city park. These are the park's largest woodlands, featuring forest paths, a stream, and cascades. Designer Frederick Law Olmsted intended the North Woods to evoke the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York—all without leaving Manhattan.

Harlem Meer (pictured above)—"meer" meaning "small sea" in Dutch and "sea" in German—is the park's second-largest body of water, distinct from the Boat Lake's vibe. For an off-the-beaten-path experience, explore the North Woods and Harlem Meer. Try the self-guided North Woods walking tour, visit the historic Blockhouse (Central Park's second-oldest structure, built in 1812), or climb Fort Clinton for views over the Meer and the Upper East Side. Don't miss the quieter, more affordable Lasker Rink, a great alternative to the bustling Wollman Rink.


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