This beautiful stretch of park along the Hudson River is great for sunbathing, jogging, picnicking, people-watching, reading, biking, and general reflecting. It is a great, accessible escape from the city and a nice alternative to Central Park, which can be overwhelming in size and layout (and easy to get lost in!).

Riverside Park is my refuge. If I didn't live at the top of this park and couldn't pretend at times it was my backyard, I'm not sure I could live in Manhattan for long.

I first really discovered my love for this park when I was trying to get in shape for the Manhattan Women's Mini-Marathon (10K) held annually in June in Central Park. Riverside Park allowed me the breathing room I needed to run or walk at any pace I wished. And I found anonymity as I'd pick a random step somewhere in the park and do a 30-minute step aerobic routine in the middle of my walk or run. Yes, I'm the weird girl you may have seen last Spring attempting high kicks, funky arm moves, and awkward, semi-fancy footwork with my big headphones and little yellow weights!! (This phase lasted only a few months for me!)

Other solo park people you'll see may be doing Tai Chi, meditating, riding a unicycle, reading, taninng, blading, or sitting with a friend on a comfortable old bench. Then there're the typical park families, dog-owners, couples, old friends, and lots of children taking advantage of the different terrains and hidden fields for baseball, volleyball, and tennis, among others. There's even a skate park with half pipes and other fun stuff for skateboarding types, which is fabulous to stop and watch.

Every season makes the park wonderful for a different reason. The gardens and wildflowers are a highlight in spring and summer, but the solitude of the park and starkness of the old trees and statuary make autumn and winter my favorite times. So whenever you find yourself in NY, stop on by for a reprieve from the urban jungle and a vibe and flavor a little more intimite than Central Park.

The best part about the run is being next to the Hudson River. The boat basin next to the river around 72nd St. is cool as well. You have to cross under the highway at various points get next to the river. It is also nice to run past the many gardens and up toward Columbia Unvirsity (around 125th St.) This is definitely the more peaceful/family park. You will not see nearly as many people as in Central Park but you won't be disappointed either even if you are just people watching.

This is a great park to run in. It's relatively flat and has a wonderful view of the river. It's much less congested than Central Park. There are fewer people running, blading and biking but this park does have an abundance of dogs, children and strollers so be on the lookout.