I was lucky enough to tag along on my husbands business trip to New York City for 2 1/2 days this past week. My flight was surprisingly cheap, our nice hotel was on the company bill, and I had amazing family that came and stayed with my boys.
On Thursday I said goodbye to my husband as we went to his NYC office on the corner of 6th ave. and 55th street. I knew where I wanted my first stop to be: The Guggenheim museum, so I crossed over to 5th avenue, and walked up the side of central park to 88th street.
I've been wanting to go to this museum for years. I knew there were some paintings from very well known artist in the museum, but honestly I just wanted to see the architecture so I could witness the genius of Frank Lloyd Write for myself. Wright designed the building (opened in 1959), with a cylindrical shape that gets wider as you get higher. Inside its a walkway that winds up through the different floors of the building where different art exhibitions are displayed.
I recognized it immediately before I got up to the block (how could you forget that unique modern building?) and stood across the street just taking it all in for a couple minutes. Of course when I was on my way inside the building I was told that it was closed on Thursday's. I don't know why I always have such bad luck with going to museums when they are closed, but you'd think that would teach me to actually look up that information before I go! I was pretty disappointed, but was happy I was able to see the outside of the building and snapped this instagram shot before I left.
On Thursday I said goodbye to my husband as we went to his NYC office on the corner of 6th ave. and 55th street. I knew where I wanted my first stop to be: The Guggenheim museum, so I crossed over to 5th avenue, and walked up the side of central park to 88th street.
I've been wanting to go to this museum for years. I knew there were some paintings from very well known artist in the museum, but honestly I just wanted to see the architecture so I could witness the genius of Frank Lloyd Write for myself. Wright designed the building (opened in 1959), with a cylindrical shape that gets wider as you get higher. Inside its a walkway that winds up through the different floors of the building where different art exhibitions are displayed.
I recognized it immediately before I got up to the block (how could you forget that unique modern building?) and stood across the street just taking it all in for a couple minutes. Of course when I was on my way inside the building I was told that it was closed on Thursday's. I don't know why I always have such bad luck with going to museums when they are closed, but you'd think that would teach me to actually look up that information before I go! I was pretty disappointed, but was happy I was able to see the outside of the building and snapped this instagram shot before I left.
I had a little cold while I was there, so I knew I wanted to take it pretty easy during the day. So what did I do? I walked right into Central Park from the Guggenheim museum, walked around for a while, then found a patch of grassy area in the shade, sat down and read a book for a couple hours. It was heavenly. Below was my view -
Saturday was our last day in New York. Even though I spent plenty of time in Central Park each day, my husband wanted to get his turn at going so we rented a tandem bike and rode through the park. Luckily my husband was good at steering .... my last tandem bike experience was in 8th grade when we tipped over and my friend ended up in some bushes : ). We sailed through the streets and enjoyed the beautiful weather NY was giving us. I pointed out the Guggenheim as we passed since we could see the building over the trees in the park, and since my husband is also an admirer of Frank Lloyd Wright, he wanted to get a better look. We locked up our bike and went inside... where we got the unfortunate news that the ramp was closed! Ugh... that was a bummer (they are getting ready for a Picasso building and will be open again on Oct. 5th). We still walked around, where most of the exhibit was all from one photographer which I didn't care for. Luckily there was a wing that showcased amazing pieces of art from Picasso, Manet, and more which made it more worth it (our tickets were discounted anyway because the ramp was closed).
I might count on instragram a little too much to help document my life, but here is yet another picture(s) of our afternoon tandem bike ride with a stop at the Guggenheim.
I might count on instragram a little too much to help document my life, but here is yet another picture(s) of our afternoon tandem bike ride with a stop at the Guggenheim.
So, if you have an afternoon in New York City, I'd recommend hitting up the Guggenheim (and the MET just down the street on 82nd!) on the upper east side, then walk right into the park to hang out, sit and read, picnic... whatever it is you want to do!
If you are interested in renting bikes (they also have tandem bikes, baby seats ($5 additional cost), helmets, baskets, and bike locks) you'll see a lot of guys standing around with signs asking everyone in sight if they are interested in renting bikes on the south end of Central Park. I don't know the name of the company, but our rental bike shop was off of 6th avenue (Avenue of the America's) and either 57th or 58th street (just look up the streets towards the west side and you'll probably see some bikes out on the street getting ready for people to use). Don't you love my directions? Yeah, thats just what happens if I wait more than 5 minutes to tell someone... my brain doesn't like to remember most things!
What are your favorite Central Park activities? And I'd love to hear about your favorite museums you visited while there as well or any other NYC activities!
If you are interested in renting bikes (they also have tandem bikes, baby seats ($5 additional cost), helmets, baskets, and bike locks) you'll see a lot of guys standing around with signs asking everyone in sight if they are interested in renting bikes on the south end of Central Park. I don't know the name of the company, but our rental bike shop was off of 6th avenue (Avenue of the America's) and either 57th or 58th street (just look up the streets towards the west side and you'll probably see some bikes out on the street getting ready for people to use). Don't you love my directions? Yeah, thats just what happens if I wait more than 5 minutes to tell someone... my brain doesn't like to remember most things!
What are your favorite Central Park activities? And I'd love to hear about your favorite museums you visited while there as well or any other NYC activities!
-Megan
