Jill,

It's not called "the carousel". It's called JANE'S CAROUSEL - capitalized. I don't understand how you could have overlooked that since Jane Walentas' name is not only chiseled into a vertical plaque made from stardust, it's also embedded in iron and stone at the feet of the carousel.

SHAME ON YOU.

Yes, Harlem Meer! I didn't know the name for it, I just called it the Conservancy. Beautiful and peaceful, there don't often seem to be many people there.

When I lived uptown, our spot was the Morris Jumel Mansion. The great thing is that the grounds, which are well-maintained and shaded by old hardwoods, are a city park. They're open all day and on weekends, and completely free. For whatever reason though, they're rarely used by the neighborhood. With vast views of the Bronx and the mansion behind, it's the perfect place for a picnic or kid's birthday party.

There's a spot over by Harlem Meer, there is oasis of flowers and beautiful water fountain.. Its breath taking... In the summer time you can see newly weds taking picture.. its definitely a hidden gem... it @ 104 st and fifth ave..

too late!!
Socrates Sculpture Park in Long Island City
and the High Line. I really love the High Line even though it's got WAY TOO MUCH publicity now.

I'm gonna go out of the way and say my favorite place is Jersey City. A lot of New Yorkers moved here within the past few years. There are often surprised how friendly the locals were and actually get to know their neighbors. I've been here for six years and counting. Just to let you know Jersey folks are NOT all like the ones from "The Jersey Shore". WE ARE BETTER! :-)

For sure the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens...once you walk through the gates you are transformed! Nice little Euro-cafe in the back also.

I must visit that Pathmark!

Farmers Market at Union Square.

The Cloisters is a gem.

Grounds for Sculpture outside Hamilton, NJ, is the best kept secret of New Jersey. Eclectic sculptures, beautiful grounds, worth a visit every season. I always take out-of-state visitors here. My personal favorite season to visit is the fall, when the trees change color.

The Cherry Esplanade at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, when the cherry blossoms are in bloom but NOT during the Sakura Matsuri festival. I remember sitting there reading when I was in grad school, and it's one of my fondest memories.

Fort Tryon Park & Cloisters for sure Adrianne.

The Hudson is the greatest possible place to walk. I visit everyday.

My favorite bridge and lighthouse ...

http://quotidianhudsonriver.com/2011/10/17/10-16-11-world-food-day/

Fort Tryon Park -- with great views of the Hudson and wonderful walkways, both easy and challenging. If you're feeling "cultural" pop into the Cloisters museum and then top it off with hot chocolate at the New Leaf Cafe!

Gosh it's hard to pick one. There are so many places in NYC, the Cloisters looking over to the Palisades in NJ, Pelham Bay Park, Wave Hill in the Bronx, Central Park numerous different area of the park, Hudson River Park, Campus of Columbia University, NY Botanical Garder... it goes on

Brooklyn Bridge Park! The new renovations there are fantastic, you can walk right next to the river. Plus- the carousel!

I absolutely love, love, love Wave Hill, especially the view of the Hudson River and the Palisades.

Other places:

* The waterfront around Fairway in Red Hook.
* Fort Tryon's Linden Terrace
* Prospect Park
* Green-Wood Cemetery (great place to watch birds)

There's something about the Staten Island Ferry terminal in St. George that is fascinating to me, especially upon arrival, and at night. The terminal, and the neighborhood around it, seems to be a part of a New York City lost in time, no matter how many modern updates surround it.

Otherwise, you can't beat the views of Manhattan from anywhere along the East River, from Brooklyn Bridge Park, up to Long Island City.

Bike lanes from Turtle Bay under the Throgs Neck Bridge in Queens and links the street and greenways to Alley Pond PArk, Cunningham Park, Kissenna Park and Flushing Meadows.

It's the benches along the East River just before you enter the main area of Carl Schurz Park. They overlook the river through hanging leaves from trees growing out of the rocks just below and face what I think is the loveliest view of the juncture of the 2 estuaries: the Harlem & East River. The current is all churned up there and the vista includes tthree bridges: the Triboro, the Hell Gate and the footbridge to Randall's Island.

I second Bryant Park. In spite of the fact that there are so many people going there and appreciating it, the Reading Room there is relatively peaceful and quiet. A good place to read and write and relax.

fort tilden is the best beach, but don't tell anyone!

Astor Court & the sculpture garden at the MET

In NYC, I'm keen on the campus of the Pratt Institute. There are a ton of sculptures and a rose garden. Also, I'm a fan of the Japanese garden in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. And lately, I've fallen in love with Governor's Island.

Outside of NYC, I'm a fan of Dia Beacon. The museum is accessible by train from Grancd Central. There is a great view of the Hudson River.

Boy, this nation is idiotic.
Yes, I should care what are idiotic celebrities' favorable places. Sure.

Three places stand out for me. Paley Park - 53rd off 5th - love the waterfall and the hot dogs. Naguchi museum in Queens - a quiet oasis. And, my favorite spot of all, The Cloisters in Fort Tryon Park - up at the northern end of Manhattan. Obviously, I love quiet places - it is so rare to be alone with your thoughts in NYC.

cloisters
miniature boat pond, central park
bethesda fountian

riverside drive 100-109 st and RSPark in that same area

algonquin and bemelmans bar

Alley pond park is the most underrated park! It has awesome trails. It needs a streetcar to get to!

I love visiting Bryant Park. So many sweet areas to enjoy. Park is well kept and has the best attended, safe, clean rest rooms with fresh flowers!

Prospect Park gets no love from the Brooklyn Guy ???

We live in the Bronx but frequently bring the kids to Manhattan. When we come, we always stop by Strawberry Fields and spend a few minutes there. I feel the spirit of John Lennon there with the tourists from all over the world stopping by for photos.

Governor's Island! A free boat ride across New York harbor, a beautiful island with spectacular views, what more could you want?

astoria:

Steinway Mansion

Hallets Cove beach

While not in NYC, 40 miles north you'll find the hidden gem, Hilltop Hanover Farm, Yorktown Heights, NY. An organic crop farm and environmental center, operated by a not-for- profit friends group in conjunction with Westchester County. Open to the public, the center offers U-pick vegetables, farmstand, classes,and hiking trails. 187-acres of pastures, woodland, fields and ponds, truly beautiful.

While not in NYC, 40 miles north you'll find the hidden gem, Hilltop Hanover Farm, Yorktown Heights, NY. An organic crop farm and environmental center, operated by a not-for- profit friends group in conjunction with Westchester County. Open to the public, the center offers U-pick vegetables, farmstand, classes,and hiking trails. 187-acres of pastures, woodland, fields and ponds, truly beautiful.

I discovered the Meadowlands Environmental Center this summer, in Hudson County (NJ, but it's nearby). A wonderful spot tucked in the middle of the Meadowlands, bordered by the NJ Turnpike. Last weekend it was full of Great egrets, Ruddy ducks and migrating birds of many kinds. Amazing to have such a place so near to an urban area.