Gramercy is my favorite neighbourhood lately. You feel like taking a step back in time wandering around the streets of this historic district. The houses are breathtaking but the hidden gem of this area is Gramercy Park. It is the last private surviving park in Manhattan. It was fenced around 1830 and you need a key to get in. Only residents surrounding the park have one, but they have to pay a high yearly fee and the key is changed annually.
The only way for foreigners to have access to the park is to rent a room at the hip and posh
Gramercy Park hotel on Lexington. The concierge will walk you to the park and open the gate. By the way, this hotel has one of the most beautiful rooftop garden I've seen in New York so far. The place is filled with lanterns and green plants. It is open to the public, you should definitely stop for brunch or a late night drink. The view of the Chrysler Building will give you goosebumps.
The park is located between 20th Street and 21st Street, East of Park Avenue. The statue in the center represents Edwin Booth, a famous resident and 19th-century actor. He was also the brother of the man who killed Abraham Lincoln. In New York you have a date with history on every block. His mansion (located at 16 Gramercy Park South) has been converted into the Players Club, a gentlemen's private house.
You can end your visit by walking on Irving Place, a street South of the park, filled with lovely terraces.
picture Marie-Joelle Parent
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