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840-acre wooded and landscaped parkland retreat in the midst of the big city. It extends from 59th to 110th sts and from Fifth Ave to Central Park West. The easy way to enjoy the park is to partake of a na buggy ride. They'll help you discover the many gardens, woodlands, lakes and other cool features of the park.

You'll probably enter through one of the 18 original gates, each has its own name. About 20 million people each year use the park for a wide range of Recreational Activities including jogging, skateboarding, birdwatching, biking, softball, chess players, kite flyers, sketch artists and many tourists.

Watch for summertime events such as free concerts, opera, theater and much more.

The park first opened in 1859 after some 20,000 laborers spent 20 years to landscape and plant some 4 million plus trees.

Strawberry Fields - 2.5 acre tribute to honor John Lennon.
Cleopatra's Needle - Large Egyptian obelisk presented to the United States by the Khedive of Egypt in 1881. Standing 65 foot tall, it is one of the most prominent landmarks in the park and dates back to about 1450 B.C., Located at E. 81st Street.
Two outdoor skating rinks
Swimming pool - at 109th Street
Friedsam Memorial Carousel - a Coney Island transplant, it is the second oldest on the east coast. Rides are just 90 cents each.
Belvedere Castle - 1872 castle built of white stone.
Henry Luce Nature Observatory - discovery zone to park's ecosystem and wildlife. Located inside Belvedere Castle.
Delacorte Theatre - features Free Shakespearean plays during the summers.
Conservatory Gardens - at 105th St and Fifth Ave includes two sculptured fountains and is noted for seasonal plantings.
The Conservatory Pond - model boat racing each saturday at 10AM, spring through fall. Ice cream cafe nearby.
Mineral Springs Pavilion - Moorish-style palace at the north end of Sheep Meadow. This is one of the park's original refreshment stands. Adjacent you'll find croquet grounds and lawn-bowling greens. (Game season May-Nov.)
Sweddish Cottage - replica of 19th century Swedish schoolhouse brought across the ocean for the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir - circumscribed by a popular 1.6-mile jogging track.
Visitors Center - formerly The Dairy, a 1870 building designed by Calvert Vaux.
Bethesda Fountain Terrace - Two-level sculptured fountain located at 72nd St, overlooking the Lake
The Lake - 18-acre body of water with boat and bike rentals.
Central Park Summerstage - free concert events in summer
Rollerblading clinics - at both 72nd street entrances
The Ramble - 37-acre maze of paths and foliage is a popular spot for birdwatching, located across from the Lake.
Shakespeare Garden - established in 1916 on the 300th anniversary of the Bard's death and contains about half of the plants mention in his plays.
The Great Lawn - This is where the New York Philharmonic and Metropolitan Opera perform free summertime concerts.
Harlem Meer - Fishing lake on north side of park is stocked with bass, catfish, bluegill, and others.
American Revolution fortifications - ruins for the war for independence can still be found off the beaten path on the north end of the park.
Dana Discovery Center - special programs for kids - on north side of park.
Wollman Rink - Ice skating rink

Central Park Visitors Center
Open: Tues-Sun 11AM-4PM (until 5PM in summer); (212) 360-3456;
Park is Free; Located at 65th St, west of the zoo;
Note: Visit park only during daylight hours;
[ Biking / Scenic Trials / Birding / Watersports / Boating / Fishing / Gardens / Tennis / Ice-skating ]

Central Park Wildlife Center
The zoo located in the heart of Manhattan's Central Park. A collection of tropic, temperate and polar habitats house 1,400 animals of over 130 species.

Other Central Park services:

New York City Restaurant Guide - Reviews, menus, specials and pricelist.
New York CityHotel Directory - Room search and reservation service.
Central Park Golf Directory - Golf courses and major events.

Central Park Zoo and Wildlife Center
830 Fifth Ave, New York, NY; (212) 861-6030;
Open: Daily 10AM-4:30PM (extended hours in summer);
Admission: $3.50 Adult / $0.50 Child (3-12); $1.50 Seniors (65+);
Children's Zoo: Open Mar-Oct / Admission $2;
Parking: Look for on-street or nearby garage parking;
[ World Zoo Tour / Lower N.Y. Zoo Tour ]

The zoo located in the heart of Manhattan's Central Park. A collection of tropic, temperate and polar habitats house 1,400 animals of over 130 species. Watch for special public events including innovative Wildlife Theater performances.

• Rain Forest Habitat - tropical birds, rare monkeys, reptiles and amphibians
• Antarctic habitat - penquins in a refrigerated glass tank
• Sea lion habitat
• Tisch Children's Zoo - wide host of little critters
• Food available in The Cafe

MotorHome Magazine - Special discount when you subscribe online!

Catskills Alive! By Francine Silverman
Less than a day's drive from New York City, Boston or Philadelphia, the Catskills have long been a popular weekend and summer retreat for city folk. The area offers fine accommodations, top-notch dining and spectacular surroundings. This book profiles hundreds of hotels and restaurants, with an emphasis on the very best places.

Romantic Weekends: New England By Patricia & Robert Foulke
A selection of recommended inns, delightful restaurants, resorts, festivals, the best places to stroll together under the stars or have a secluded champagne picnic – the most romantic places. This book visits special spots in in Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Vermont.

Other Recommended Reading
Find these titles at Amazon.com - some at discounts of upto 30%.

Fodor's Citypack New York City : A Complete Pocket Guide Plus a Full-Size Color Map
Fodor's New York City 2000 - Best Selling Travel Guide
Complete Idiot's Guide to New York - Best Selling Travel Guide
The New York Map Guide : The Essential Guide to Manhattan
Rand McNally New York City : Metro Area Counties, Long Island New York - Regional Map

Bellweather Group - Professional Meeting and Convention Planners

Conde Nast Traveler Magazine - Special discount when you subscribe online!