Fourth day in New York, and 11 November here means Veterans Day. In the morning we enjoy Central Park in full autumn colour, then watch the big military parade on Fifth Avenue. In the evening, a night walk all the way to Times Square.
Central Park in autumn
After breakfast at the SpringHill Suites, we head to Central Park. In November the park is stunning: red and gold trees, lakes, rowing boats, ducks, and a squirrel so comfortable in front of the camera that we nicknamed him Squeezie.
We go via Gapstow Bridge, where the view of the pond with skyscrapers behind the trees is one of the best in the park, then past Wollman Rink, seen in Home Alone 2, Serendipity and Love Story. Along the way, the park’s historic statues and stone bridges.
Strawberry Fields and Vivaldi in the open air
On the west side of the park we reach Strawberry Fields, the memorial to John Lennon supported by Yoko Ono, with its famous “Imagine” mosaic. A little further on, musicians are playing Vivaldi’s Four Seasons in the middle of Central Park. It doesn’t get much more New York than that.
The Veterans Day Parade on Fifth Avenue
Late morning, we go back to Fifth Avenue for the NYC Veterans Day Parade, the biggest event of its kind in the United States. This year it also celebrates the 250th anniversary of the US Army: more than 20,000 participants, around 280 units and 150 vehicles, including a long line of bikers. I found a spot at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 35th Street. The only downside: freezing cold, around -8 °C with wind chill.
Korean lunch in Koreatown
After the parade we warm up nearby in Koreatown, at Hyo Dong Gak. No tourists, only regulars, always a good sign. On the menu: banchan (kimchi and danmuji radish), steamed shrimp and pork shumai, fried mandu… Delicious.
Fifth Avenue, from the library to Rockefeller Center
In the afternoon we walk up Fifth Avenue. We get to the New York Public Library too late to go inside, but the facade alone is worth it. We stop at the PSG store, at the NBA store, where a number 23 All-Star jersey signed by Michael Jordan is on display, and in front of a Statue of Liberty made of Swiss chocolate.
For 11 November, the JPMorgan tower at 270 Park Avenue shows a huge LED American flag. At nightfall Fifth Avenue lights up: Rockefeller Center with its tree being put up, luxury boutiques and the giant Nike store.
Radio City, M&M’s World and Bubba Gump
We pass Radio City Music Hall, opened in 1932 and nicknamed the “Showplace of the Nation”, home of the famous Rockettes. Then Times Square: the must-see M&M’s World store, and dinner at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., the restaurant inspired by Forrest Gump. Fans of the film will love it, and the shrimp are really good. Back at the hotel with, as every night, the night view from our room.
Also on Instagram that day
Practical info
- Central Park in autumn: the best time is from late October to mid-November.
- Gapstow Bridge: south-east of the park, near the 59th Street entrance.
- Strawberry Fields: west side, at 72nd Street.
- Veterans Day Parade: every 11 November on Fifth Avenue, free. Arrive early and dress warmly.
- Koreatown: 32nd Street, between Fifth Avenue and Broadway.