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Polaroid of the Week: Toasting Summer Magic in New York City's Central Park

Polaroid of the Week: Toasting Summer Magic in New York City s Central ParkThis past week centered on Central Park, New York City's largest and most iconic urban oasis. Staying just blocks away, I visited daily for invigorating runs—where I trained for and completed my first race in 2010—sunlit writing sessions on a blanket (freelancer perks!), a picnic park tour shared on Snapchat (ID: mariposa2711), and the above epic sunset gathering with cheese, wine, a game of boule, and catch-up chats with fellow travel bloggers Caroline and Kristin.

While Prospect Park in Brooklyn holds a special place in my heart as its counterpart, Central Park's majestic vibe is unrivaled. Savor skyline views from Sheep Meadow (perfect with a Levain Bakery cookie from 74th Street and coffee from Le Pain Quotidien behind it), Belvedere Castle, Shakespeare Garden, Conservatory Flower Garden, serene lakes and ponds (including Turtle Pond, teeming with turtles—my favorite!), hidden waterfalls, and the symmetrical elegance of the Mall and Bethesda Terrace with its stunning tilework. Prospect Park shines with its boathouse, wild trails akin to Central Park's northern woods, and ice rink, but Central Park remains my top pick!

Have you explored both parks? Which is your favorite?


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    This past week centered on Central Park, New York Citys largest and most iconic urban oasis. Staying just blocks away, I visited daily for invigorating runs—where I trained for and completed my first race in 2010—sunlit writing sessions on a blanket (freelancer perks!), a picnic park tour shared on Snapchat (ID: mariposa2711), and the above epic sunset gathering with cheese, wine, a game of boule, and catch-up chats with fellow travel bloggers Caroline and Kristin. While Prospect Park in Brook