With the entrance right on Central Park West and 72nd Street, this place was the inspiration for the Sargent Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band hit, Strawberry Fields Forever. Also, right across the street from The Dakota, this place has become the haven for Lennon fanatics. In the center of Strawberry Fields, there is an Imagine mosaic dedicated to the memory and influence of John Lennon. People sit around, lay flowers down on top of the mosaic, relax in the shaded overgrowth and even lay out in the two surrounding grassy areas.

All around New York, you will see street vendors selling framed pictures of the Imagine mosaic for ungodly amounts when all you have to do is head to 72nd and take your own picture. Plus, you can bask in the surreal feeling that this area of the park portrays and see why Lennon wrote that song symbolizing Strawberry Fields Forever.

We decided to visit Strawberry Fields and the John Lennon "Imagine" memorial at Sunset on our first day in NYC. Unfortunately, by the time we got there, it was dark. But even though it was dark, I was still surprised to see how many people were there. I would have to say there was a good 25 people there taking pictures of the beautiful memorial. The "Imagine" memorial still had flower pedals lightly dusted over it. It was sobering but great.

Strawberry Fields is a section of Central Park which is dedicated to the memory of John Lennon who was shot outside the Dakota Building just outside the park. It is called a garden of peace. You enter by going under a lovely little stone bridge. There are many pathways leading to a central area where there are benches for quiet contemplation, each dedicated to the memory of someone’s loved one.

There is a large mosaic on the ground with the word "imagine" in the center which had lots of flowers round it. The flowers were for not only John Lennon and peace but for the anniversary of 9/11 that weekend. When we were there, there was a large peace symbol made out of origami doves of peace, which was quite stunning.

There is also a plaque set into rock which lists all the countries who endorsed the garden.

This is a very peaceful, stunning, and beautiful part of Central Park.

Central Park in September is quite busy on the weekends due to the New Yorkers enjoying what spare time that they have. With being from the Wirral and having close links to Liverpool, I felt the need to visit Strawberry Fields and the Dakota Buildings. I know that it is macabre but I wanted to see where John Lennon was shot and to pay my respects at Strawberry Fields (not that I am into the Beatles or anything). Verdict--long walk and not much to see. It is worth a visit if you have spare time; there is a mosaic of Imagine and a place to sit. I must say that it is a quiet area of the park, where, if time permits, you can sit and reflect on life.

As for the Dakota Buildings, this is where Rosemary's Baby was filmed.

After the Parade, you should walk into the Park to Strawberry Fields. Just inside the gate, right where you have been viewing the Parade (By the Dakota) is the simple but powerful memorial to John Lennon. Rather than dwell on his death, Yoko chose to celebrate his life by funding (with others) this restful space. I visit this spot every year to give thanks for his music and the joy the Beatles have given the world. I urge you to spend a minute or two here on your next visit and think about peace and love.