W83 Newsletter Feature June 2019

"What’s Your Favorite UWS Summer Spot?"

The neighborhood’s best kept secrets, according to W83 staff.

Unique Boutique Thrift Store
Columbus between 83 and 84

"I walked by this shop for YEARS on my way to W83 before I finally thought to go in. It has a really eclectic assortment of clothing, and often has cool sales (like all dresses $6!!) I once found a $200  Anthropologie dress with the tags still on for $6. Totally worth a stop on a summer day in the park!"

--Jeana Caporelli, Assistant Events Manager
 
The Boat Basin Cafe
in Riverside Park

"It is such a fun spot because the views of the Hudson River and the marina are beautiful, but it's casual and always bustling and lively. You never know who you might bump into there - people coming from after work to unwind, softball teams looking to celebrate and friends just catching up. Plus, it's only open in the Spring and Summer, which means if it's open, the seasons have changed and it's time to be outside!"

--Heather Isiminger, Events Manager

Strawberry Fields
Central Park across from Dakota Building

"I first visited Strawberry Fields in December of 2018 and it was so amazing. It was like I took a step back in time in honor of John Lennon. It’s a great part of history."

--Natasha Williams, Reception Desk

Luke's Lobster
Amsterdam between 80 and 81

"In the summer, I like to take my lunch break at Luke's Lobster. Sitting at one of their cafe tables outside, eating a lobster roll and drinking a ginger ale, with the hot sun warming up the pavement... if I close my eyes, the roar of cars going up and down Amsterdam Avenue sounds almost like the ocean.
Almost."

--Eva Ting, Director of W83
Zingone Brothers
Columbus between 82 and 83

"I love Zingone Brothers on Columbus. It's been around for almost 100 years, owned by the same family, and is really a staple of the neighborhood.  
The West 100th Street entrance to Central Park is another one of my favorites. The beauty is overwhelming in all of the seasons, but summer is special." 

--Peter Perri, Reception Desk

Broadway Benches
around 80 and Broadway

"I love to sit on the benches in the landscaped medians on the stretch where Broadway is a boulevard. Even though you're right in the heart of the traffic on both sides, there's something peaceful about it, like you've found your own little island."

--CJ Wallace, Manager of Communications and Marketing
 
Central Park Entrance
86 and Central Park West

"Some of the most unforgettable memories I have of the Upper West Side involve quiet Sunday afternoons walking through the park, stopping at the Great Lawn ballfields and just sitting on the grass, or having popsicles and simply enjoying the sunshine."  

--Robert Alemany, Operations Manager
 
A Walk In The Neighborhood

"I think I just love walking around the neighborhood and observing others going about their day. I especially love being close to Central Park and hopefully catching a free show. Any cafe or place that has sidewalk seating is also a plus, as I can easily spend hours sitting while enjoying a delicious beverage and watching life around me. It feels peaceful and meditative to me -- makes me step outside my worries and enjoy life."

--Zoe Garcia, Events Coordinator