Hi friends, welcome back! I’ve always dreamed of having a picnic in Central Park, and Jon and I finally made it happen! I’ve also wanted to check out the cherry blossom trees in Central Park and try out the limited-edition flavor of Levain Bakery cookies, so it seemed like the recipe for a perfect afternoon!
Jon and I hopped on the subway uptown, picnic blanket in tow, and found the usual line for Levain Bakery. There were about fifteen small groups ahead of us, but the line moved quickly and efficiently. We picked up a Two Chip Chocolate Chip cookie and the new Café Con Leche cookie and were on our way!
From the bakery we walked a few short blocks to Central Park and were greeted with some beautiful colors!
We found a spot on the Great Lawn to spread out and setup our picnic before the hanger could set in. I immediately noticed how busy the park was, it was almost like normal times again, and it gave me some hope for better days ahead! 
Fresh air and delicious cookies are the perfect combination if you ask me 🙂 Cafe Con Leche is dark chocolate chip cookie dough with notes of espresso and cinnamon, packed with cashews, two types of chocolate, and finished with a touch of sea salt.
Jon and I enjoyed the sunny spring day and talked about how in a few weeks we will be married!!
We got a little chilly, so we decided to keep on walking in search of more cherry blossom trees and spring blooms. I love how you can wander through Central Park and always see something new, I suppose the same could be said about NYC too.
We came across this obelisk and some beautiful cherry blossoms in full glory. We weren’t the only ones that were fond of nature’s beauty!
There were so many interesting flowers throughout the park I could’ve stayed all day!
We continued on past Belvedere Castle overlooking Turtle Pond and The Great Lawn.
Jon and I stumbled upon The Lake with a gorgeous backdrop of the skyscrapers in the background. I have walked through this area in the fall to see the leaves change, both scenes are equally pretty in different ways.
We were walking through the Ladies Pavilion and I was in awe by all of the beautiful flowers and lush greenery. It smelled amazing too! There was also a nearby jazz band playing we could hear in the garden and it was so magical! I felt like I was the main character in a happy rom-com 🙂
Jon and I wandered a little more through the park soaking up the beautiful day! It was one of those random days that turns out better than anything you could have anticipated. Exploring NYC again brings me so much joy, and I’m so excited to be able to go on more adventures!
Last but not least, if you’re wondering what we ate after all of this fresh air and walking…the answer is sushi 😉
Thanks for stopping by!
The trees are beautiful!!!
Truly, the green lung of the city! Loved the photos! There is just something I find uplifting about trees in full blossom!! Parts of my lawn look as if they are under snow with the amount of, sadly, fallen blossom. Hope you folks are staying safe! 🙂
Thank you! I agree, spring is so uplifting I feel like a bear coming out of hibernation 😂 sounds like you have a beautiful backyard! Hope you’re staying safe as well 😀
Haha, yes, it feels like that doesn’t it? The fresh greens of the trees and the beautiful blue of a Spring sky!
Thank you! 🙂
Central Park is a small world in itself. Even with the skyscrapers in the background the city seems so far away and I also felt this temptation to stay within the park as long as possible.
I agree! I also love how quiet it is without all the honking cars!
It looks so beautiful, what a lovely thing to do. Glad you had fun 🙂
Thanks Hannah!
What a FUN day!!
So fun!! Almost like ol times 😃
💕💕
Looks like an absolutely lovely day! Cherry blossoms are gorgeous. Agree about the fresh air and cookies being the perfect recipe!
Definitely a lovely day, spring has sprung! Thanks for stopping by Leighton 😃
Beautiful!!! And those cookies look scrumptious!
Loooveee the cherry blossoms 🌸… hope you’re doing fine with your upcoming wedding 😉
Thank you!! Lots of last minute things we are getting together now so a little crazy, but a good crazy 🥰
Those cookies look insane!!! I lived on 110th for a bit, and had no idea Café Con Leche existed. How do they stack up to Levain?
I love Levain’s cookies! I still need to hit Central Park for the cherry blossom. Your pictures looks amazing.
Thank you! Yes you do 🌸
My gosh what beautiful photos, Lyssy – every last one. Maybe after you’re married you should consider photography instead of accounting. Way less stress! Everything in the Park looks so manicured and well-cared for – makes me wonder just how many worker bees are behind the scenes. Lastly, the Obelisk (and what’s the meaning there?) and the Castle make me think there must be countless excursions into the Park where the walk is unique and different. You and Jon are lucky to have that magnificent oasis whenever you need to escape. Outside of Golden Gate Park (and the Boston Common on a smaller scale) I can’t think of a more impressive city park.
Lyssy, Fantastic blog! I felt like I was right there with you. You have made the blog a :must read” Also, Have a great wedding and will read you when you get back.
Thom
Thank you so much Thom!! Glad you enjoyed, I look forward to sharing about the wedding!
Lyssy, an an after thought I would like to quote your food reviews in some of my future blogs. I tend not to frequent food place. Given permission, I will cite your blog.
thanks
You have my full permission Thom ☺️
Love the pictures, looking adorable ♥️
Beautiful pictures 🙂
We have only been to NYC twice, but enjoyed Central Park. One of our trips was in late April and the blossoms were phenomenal. Looks like your day was a bit cool, but still a day to be enjoyed and even better with Cookies. Thanks for sharing Lyssy. Allan
Central Park looks so pretty when it’s in full bloom. I’m looking forward to getting some pictures once the leaves change and eventually some snow!