Too Cold? Park It!

Although New Yorkers claim to enjoy having four seasons, we also like to complain about them. In the suffocating heat of the Summer, we daydream about Winter, in the grey and dreary subzero temperatures of Winter, we mutter under our breaths for the day we can whip out our tiny tank tops and Summer dresses. And Spring and Autumn, well thanks to our friend Global Warming, we only get about a week each of both of them so while we enjoy them when they're here, we can't really remember what they're like.

The folks at OpenHouse Gallery have done something great for us grumbling New Yorkers (and all visitors alike) by creating an installation entitled Park Here. A recreation of a park- complete with AstroTurf floors, faux plants and trees, and the sound of birds in the air- it is a refuge from the increasingly cold city streets.



Blankets are set up on the floor, tables, chairs, benches and bean bag chairs are strewn about giving the feel of a real NYC park (although cleaner, I'm sure). People really seemed to be enjoying themselves too, playing bean bag toss, working on their computers and lounging about without a care in the world.

Another fun detail is the rotating cast of vendors selling different treats to enjoy while lounging in the park. The day I was there, there were four or five different stands, selling jams, iced teas and cupcakes. I had a delicious rice ball from local tea shop, Yaya Tea Garden, filled with cooked "Yaya" chicken and seaweed, as well as a Mango iced tea with little star shaped jellies swirling about the bottom.

On the way out, I grabbed some goodies from Filled With Sweets, a brand new company by Owner/Baker Terry Chen to bring back and share with my co-workers (i.e. buying friends). Little sweets with Asian flavors, I got Honey Jasmine Raspberry and Chocolate Five-Spice mini cupcakes, as well as Snickerdoodle Pumpkin Cheese Cake Whoopie Pies.

I definitely suggest stopping by the Open House Gallery for Park Here to get rid of those Winter blues (if you don't have them yet, you will soon!). Check out their events, such as Mommy Mornings everyday from 8:30am-11:30am, where you and your little one can participate in Yoga, sing-alongs and treat eating! Also, live music, fundraisers, wine tastings- a little something for everyone!

Park Here at Open House Gallery is located at 201 Mulberry Street and is open now until February 14th (so romantic!), daily from 12pm-8pm.