City Steals: Just Around the Corner

Want to read any book you want, go to a movie screening, take health and fitness classes, take knitting classes, or listen to music, all for free in a cheerful and peaceful park?

Hidden beneath the skyscrapers of midtown Manhattan, and just a few blocks south of Fox News Channel, is a quaint escape from the bustling commotion of Times Square and is the perfect location for some free fun.

Located on 42nd street between Fifth and Sixth avenues, Bryant Park is especially unique in its seating arrangements as it offers nearly 2,000 movable chairs, making it easy for visitors to take advantage of the free wireless internet access the park offers. Other amenities include a promenade, gardens, a lawn and a French-style carousel. While it is enjoyable to spend an afternoon there in warm weather, Bryant Park is best during the holiday season. With an ice-skating rink and a holiday market, Bryant Park creates the perfect winter scene. (Perfect for fall or spring interns!)

Just along the eastern edge of the park lies one of the most prominent and prestigious libraries in the United States. A library card for the New York Public Library is free for individuals living, working, or attending school in New York State, which means that all interns are capable of gaining free access to this astonishing collection of books. Check out the book of your choice and read it under the shade of the beautiful trees and landscaping of the park. Even if you are just strolling by, the library is worth a visit just so you can get a sight of the detailed majestic architecture. The library also holds computer and software classes for library members! Visit www.nypl.org for more information.

HBO will be kicking off its Bryant Park Summer Film Festival tonight with “The Sting.” Bryant Park will host the film festival’s free screenings every Monday throughout the summer. While the films begin at dusk, the lawn opens at 5:00 for blankets and picnicking. Check out the film schedule at http://www.bryantpark.org/calendar/film-festival.php

Are gym memberships and fitness classes taking too much out of your savings? Attend free Tai Chi or Yoga classes in Bryant Park! Tai Chi classes typically take place from 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m., but the proximity of the park to Fox News Channel would allow interns to reach their desks in time for a 9 a.m. shift. Yoga class times tend to vary, so you can be sure to find a time that best suits your schedule.

If you want to get a head start on the winter season, attend one of Bryant Park’s free knitting classes to learn how to knit a scarf, gloves, or a sweater! Yarn and needles are provided by the instructor. Visit the class schedule on Bryant Park’s website at http://www.bryantpark.org/calendar/classes.php for more information.

What can create a pleasant atmosphere better than some good music? Some of New York’s best pianists venture to Bryant Park for Piano in the Park. Refer to the schedule to see who is playing! http://www.bryantpark.org/calendar/piano.php Also, be sure to check out “Bryant After Work,” which showcases a variety of musicians at the end of the work day, ranging from violinists to jazz musicians. The schedule can be viewed at http://www.bryantpark.org/calendar/afterwork.php

Whether it is before work, on a lunch break, after work, or over the weekend, Bryant Park is an excellent place to visit. It clearly has plenty to offer!