If you are visiting New York City, chances are you'll be traveling by foot more often than not. The sights, the noise and the constant motion of the city are exciting, but after awhile, it's nice to take a little break, go someplace a bit quieter, refresh your mind, and give your feet a rest.
You could always duck into a Starbucks; there seems to be one on almost every block in Manhattan. Better yet, revitalize yourself with a dose of nature by taking a break in one of New York's prevalent parks. Central Park, of course, needs no introduction, and if you're in the neighborhood, it's the ideal place to stop, rest, read, or simply people watch and soak up the beauty of the foliage around.
But Central Park is not your only option. There are many little pocket green spots sprinkled throughout Manhattan. Keep your eyes open as you walk, and you will find them, between buildings or sometimes in plazas in front of them.
A particularly nice green spot you might not necessarily find on your own is Paley Park on 53rd Street, between Fifth and Madison, a sliver of space between two tall buildings. In the back, there's a 20-foot-tall waterfall, and the soothing sound of the water fills the air and blocks out the noise of the traffic around. There are also trees, flowers, tables and chairs.
Another great place to unwind is Bryant Park, behind the 42nd Street Library. Recently renovated, Bryant Park boasts a central lawn bordered with flowers, and an outer ring, shaded with trees, that provides a peaceful place to sit. There are many movable tables and chairs, which give the feeling of being in Paris - only in the middle of bustling Manhattan. Food and coffee are available from 'wichcraft booths, and there is even an outdoor "reading room" where you can borrow a book or your choice of the day's newspapers.
But not every baby boomer wants to take it easy. In the 2006 New York City Marathon, half of the 38,000 runners who completed the 26.2-mile run were 40 to 64 years old! If you'd like to get some exercise, but want to go at your own pace, consider renting a bicycle and taking a leisurely ride on the beautiful roads in Central Park. Or try the new Hudson River Park bike path, which goes along the waterfront from lower to upper Manhattan.
Finally, as you travel around the city, it's good to know where you can find nice bathrooms. Avoid using the bathrooms in the subways if you can even find any. The cleanest bathrooms are found in department stores and in the lobbies of fancy hotels. You can also find decent bathrooms in most bookstores and a large public one in the middle of Times Square.
This tidbit of traveler advice was contributed by the wise May Monten, an expert on all things baby boomer-esque.