Written by Mary Leer
Creative Director: Sophia Querrazzi
Photography: @dark.light.powerful on Instagram
Photo Assistant: @mackenzie.gittleson on Instagram
With Designs by @sonyakagan_ on Instagram
Models: @callieokun @teardrop444ngel on Instagram
When the first tinges of cool weather grace New York, I always feel an urgent longing to explore the city. As someone who grew up in Southern California, the changing leaves and rich autumnal hues of fall weather are a part of the season I don’t take for granted. However, it can sometimes be difficult to recognize these changes in nature when living in what some might call a “concrete jungle where dreams are made of.” So, let’s talk about the Central Park of it all. Nothing distinguishes the changes in the seasons quite like the atmosphere of Central Park. November brings out some of the greatest fall weather NYC has to offer, so let’s look at some of the greatest spots in the park to take in the scenery of the season.
To watch the leaves change - Gapstow Bridge
The bold greens, reds, and oranges from the Central Park foliage make me feel like I have stepped into an impressionist painting. The Gapstow Bridge is particularly stunning on a November day, as it houses a variety of deciduous trees whose hues reflect onto the water. Step onto the bridge for the most immersive opportunity to soak in the foliage and enjoy the changing leaves.
To people watch - Sheep’s Meadow
Perpetually swarmed with people during warm summer days, I prefer visiting Sheep’s Meadow to bathe in the overcast early autumn brings. Located in the high 60s, this spot takes on a blissful serenity that still allows you to stare down a variety of visitors. As a popular picnic spot, you can settle in and observe all the strange and wonderful people in the city without them breathing down your neck.
To nature watch - Turtle Pond
Surrounded by trees and just south of the Great Lawn, Turtle Pond has my animal viewing of choice. Sure, the Central Park Zoo can make for a fun day, but I’m a sucker for five species of turtles available for viewing. Grab a seat at a nearby bench and watch those puppies go (at slow speeds, of course).
To bird watch - The Loch
If you’re ready to unwind from the stressful and overstimulating environment most of Manhattan bears, try the quieting activity many New Yorkers flock to (pun fully intended). Bird watching can be a tricky task if you don’t know where to look, so follow the New York Conservancy’s praise of the recently restored North Woods through 101st and 110th. The woods have canopying leaves and a true touch of city escapism without leaving Manhattan, attracting parkgoers and birds alike. A favorite spot of mine is the Loch, which feels shockingly distant from the modernized city a few steps away.
To watch tourists enjoy sandwiches - The Great Lawn
At the northeastern tip of the lawn, you’ll discover many meals being shared on park benches. Seconds away from the Met, tourists with knowledge of TikTok's popular spots grab snacks and settle close to the street. The most recent time I graced the great lawn was after snagging an Italian sandwich from the now-viral Milano Market. Known for its iconic chicken Caesar salad wrap, it’s impossible to miss people huddled over identical wraps encased in white paper just below the market’s home on East 89th. A few blocks south on 72nd is the legendary Pastrami Queen, a UES staple with towering sandwiches. Farther south, the highly Instagrammable Ralph’s Coffee
To watch everything at once - Loeb Boathouse
Nature, tourists, trees, and more. Finding a spot to grab a seat near the Loeb Boathouse is the ideal way to experience as many elements of Central Park’s allure without visiting several locations. While dining at the iconic restaurant is completely unnecessary, the area surrounding it houses many trees with changing leaves. If you spot birds during your time, mark them in the park’s official log immediately beside the restaurant. Then, you can settle in to enjoy the evolving flow of tourists and locals alike strolling past.
Central Park is a sprawling but eternally exciting spot to soak in the glorious and evolving nature of New York. The land allows visitors to see a variety of trees, birds, turtles, people, and sandwiches while simultaneously serving as a respite from the overwhelming city surrounding it. So this fall, get out, explore Central Park, and let me know what spots I need to visit next.
Written by Mary Leer
Creative Director: Sophia Querrazzi
Photography: @dark.light.powerful on Instagram
Photo Assistant: @mackenzie.gittleson on Instagram
With Designs by @sonyakagan_ on Instagram
Models: @callieokun @teardrop444ngel on Instagram