We spend the morning at Bryant Park. The Bryant Park Winter Village is a popular seasonal market located in the heart of Manhattan, New York City. It is known for its festive atmosphere and diverse array of vendors offering a wide range of goods and treats.
As you wander Bryant Park, you’re greeted by the twinkling lights and bustling energy of the Winter Village. The park is transformed into a winter wonderland, with an enchanting ice-skating rink at its center, surrounded by rows of charmingly decorated vendor booths.
The market stalls offer a delightful assortment of merchandise. You’ll find unique handmade crafts, artisanal goods, and specialty items from a variety of vendors. From jewelry, clothing, and accessories to home decor, artwork, and gourmet food products, there’s something to suit every taste and preference.
Amidst the shopping extravaganza, we find several food and beverage options to satisfy our cravings. There are food stalls and kiosks offering a delectable selection of culinary delights. From warm and comforting winter classics like hot chocolate, mulled wine, and roasted chestnuts to international cuisines, gourmet snacks, and sweet treats, the market offers a gastronomic adventure for food enthusiasts. Russian dumplings today for us. Yum.
We then wander down to the Flatiron district. My favourite building, the Flatiron, dominates the skyline in this part of Manhattan. We spend some time in Madison Square Park and watch the squirrels go about their business. They bury nuts, dig holes, skitter from here and there. A couple of them approach us as we lean on the fence. Do we have any food is written all over their sniffing little noses and faces. After checking us out, confident we can’t offer them anything, they skitter off on their endless nut hunting journey.
We explore the outside of Eleven Madison Park. Whereas we’ve been the restaurant inside four times, we’ve never seen the building in the day time. Rising majestically in the Flatiron District, the building at Eleven Madison Avenue is an impressive Art Deco skyscraper that commands attention with its grandeur and elegance. Standing at the corner of Madison Avenue and East 24th Street, it occupies a prime location in one of Manhattan’s most vibrant neighborhoods.
The building features a distinctive and symmetrical façade characterized by clean lines and meticulous craftsmanship, reflecting the Art Deco architectural style prevalent during its construction. The exterior showcases a harmonious blend of materials, with a predominantly limestone façade adorned with decorative details, intricate carvings, and ornamental motifs.
At the base of the building, an inviting entrance welcomes visitors with its grand proportions and exquisite detailing. The entrance is flanked by large windows that allow natural light to illuminate the lobby, creating a sense of openness and warmth.
As the shadows lengthened we conclude our walk around the building and head back to the hotel for a while. For dinner we go to the Empire Steakhouse on 54th for a rare steak and vegetable dinner. We wander home the ten blocks weaving our way through the theatre district and Times Square.
