Quiet Spaces in New York City

Summer in New York City is an exercise in extremes: tourists flock to Times Square and Carnegie Hill turns into a virtual ghost town. Sometimes you need a place in-between to help restore a sense of balance, somewhere you can immerse yourself in art, spirituality or nature, or simply enjoy a latte in peace.

Here are some favorites:

Arthur Ross Pinetum in Central Park Surround yourself in nature at the Arthur Ross Pinetum in Central Park. Located between 84th and 86th streets in the middle of the park., this area of Central Park has 400 pine trees of 15 various species worldwide. Clear your mind at the Contemplation Circle and do some bird watching while gazing at the beautiful leaves. Long-eared and northern saw-whet owls are known to sleep in the surrounding pines during the day, making the Pinetum a prime location for bird watchers. (212) 310-6600, centralparknyc.org
Jacques-Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art Hop on the Staten Island Ferry for free and get a breath of fresh air as you sail away to the serenity of the Jacques-Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art. Admire the largest collection of Tibetan art in the West, located inside the only Himalayan-temple-style building in the United States. Afterwards, take some time to wander around the beautiful meditation gardens outside. If you fall in love with the Tibetan culture by the end of your visit, note on your calendar the museum's annual Tibetan festival in October. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to hear the monks ring the bells to break your silent reverie. The museum is open every Thursday through Sunday from 1pm-5pm. Admission: Adults- $5; Seniors/Students- $3. 338 Lighthouse Ave., Staten Island, (718) 987-3500, http://www.tibetanmuseum.org/index.htm

Brooklyn Public Library The saying “the best things in life are free” certainly holds true at the Brooklyn Public Library. Pack some snacks and attend a free film screening at one of the various library branches held once a month on Fridays at 2-pm. After the move, peruse the Brooklyn Collection, which includes exhibitions and newspaper clippings that reveal Brooklyn’s dynamic cultural history. (718) 230-2100, brooklynpubliclibrary.org

YeloSpa For the ultimate power rest, visit YeloSpa in Manhattan and try out a YeloCab. After a nap in one of these cocoon-like cabins, you'll feel rejuvenated and ready to go back to work. Choose from a traditional massage while napping or a reclining YeloChair to sleep in for a weightless feeling. Customize the lighting and music in the YeloCab to your linking, and fill the cabin with your favorite aromatherapy scent. Snuggle up with a soft cashmere blanket and sleep that stress away. 315 West 57th St.,http://www.yelonyc.com/spa/

Zen Buddhist Temple Awaken your heart and mind with a public meditation service at the Zen Buddhist Temple in Chelsea. Learn new techniques to help you rid yourself of NYC stress. These public meditation services are great to prepare for the work week ahead, as they're held on Sundays at 10am and 4pm. They last an hour and a half and are donation-based with a suggested contribution of $10 per visit. 360 W. 28th St. http://zenbuddhisttemple.org/


Comments

  1. What a great concept! Quiet...in New York? Who would have thought?!

    Yelospa sounds very interesting. Wish I had a Yelocab right in my office ;)

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular Posts