Take a stroll through Central Park - New York

Central Park remains the most visited park in the US at 25 million million visitors per year. It is little wonder though, that this park enjoys such a high amount of tourist traffic; with lush, green lawns sprawling out beneath verdant canopies of beautiful trees, it is the ideal picnick spot as well as the ideal place to jog, walk, and enjoy the fresh air. Find yourself in Central Park in Manhattan, and enjoy the views, the serene tranquility, and time-out from the frantic Big Apple. Located on the conrer of West 110th Street and 59th Street, Central Park is over 3 kilometers squared.

Made famous by movies, television series and word of mouth, visit this landmark park in New York City to see it for yourself. The park contains artificial lakes, walking and jogging trails, ice-skating rinks, a wildlife sanctuary and long, rolling lawns. Much of the vegetation seems natural, although it is in fact landscaped. Many different kinds of birds migrate to Central Park every year to enjoy the oasis of greenery amidst New York City. Activities tourists enjoy in Central Park include taking romantic horse-drawn carriage rides through the park. Park drive, over 6 miles long, provides ample jogging space for tourists and locals. Biking through the park is another activitiy that allows you to meander through the beautiful park and enjoy the scenery. Races take place in the park most weekends. The New York City marathon has flyers and joggers alike finishing in Central Park outside the Tavern on the Green, an excellent restaurant. The large ice rinks double as swimming pools in summer.

Central Park is not short of cultural activities such as open-air theatre and concerts. The Delacorte Theatre is host to plays with many of the most famous names of the stage. Most of the performances are of Shakespeare's works. The Summerstage offers visitors free musical events throughout the summer. Dance performances, the spoken word, and other interesting events are also performed on the Summerstage. In addition to live theatre, enjoy a live performance delivered annualy on the Great Lawn by the New York Philharmonic. The Metropolitan Opera delivers two operas every year. Concerts, including performances by musicians such as Dave Mathews (2003) take place in the park from time to time. The local muso, known as "That guitar man from Central Park," serenades passersby.

Central Park is also a haven for children, with over 21 unique playgrounds and many activities for children. The theatre for children, the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, is where kids can catch a puppet performance; evicing that Central Park definately does offer something for everyone. The many sculptures found througout the park are guardians of the park. Balto the dog has had his ears scratched and his nose shined by many a child. The 1894 statue of Christopher Columbus is a testament to the founding of the new world, and the birth of America. Over 29 sculptures are spread throughout the park, most of which have been donated by sculpters or individuals.