Bryant Park has been called “one of the most sensual, graceful open spaces in New York City”. There are many interesting areas to explore in the park once you leave your New York car rental.
First thing you may encounter once you leave your New York car rental is the lawn. The lawn is a garden within a city of skyscrapers. It is an oasis within the city that incorporates historical monuments and urban amenities. No matter what season it is, you will want to make this a stop on your New York tour with your New York car rental.
The park has been called Bryant Park since its inception in 1842, but it was recently transformed in the 1980s into what it is today. The park has an interesting history. In the mid-20th century the park was the site of frequent muggings and drug deals. The renovations have transformed the park and made it a place that you will want to visit with your New York car rental.
Gardens
There are six flower beds that border Bryant Park’s Lawn to the north and south. These gardens are planted each season with over 100 species of shrubs and 20,000 bulbs.
Promenades
On the north and south sides of the park there are twin promenades that are beautifully lined with London plane trees. These are the same trees that are found in the famous Jardin des Tuileries in Paris. As you step out of your New York car rental it is like stepping into historic Paris. These trees can get as big as 20 feet tall.
Lawns
The lawns are where people who are stuck in the office go for escape. On any given weekday, when you park your New York car rental here you will see thousands of workers enjoying their lunch here.
Special Attractions
One of the special attractions of Bryant Park is Le Carrousel. Interestingly, the word comes from a twelfth-century Arabian game of horsemanship. When it spread to France in the 16th century the game was changed slightly and evolved into tournaments. People began to carve horses, which the English converted in the 19th century to what we are familiar with today. The carousel in Bryant Park was created to complement the park’s French style and English and American traditions. There are 14 animals that spin to French cabaret music.
In the winter there is The Pond, an ice skating rink that is the centerpiece of the Christmas and holiday celebrations. Admission is free for skating, and there are lessons, special events, and other activities that regularly take place as well. There are also special holiday shops that open in mid-November where you may find that special souvenir. The items here come from all over the world and, following the European tradition, are found in a market.
