Spotted in Bryant Park: Supermodelquins

Filmed just one day before the rink opened to the public this year, the Old Navy “Supermodelquins” hit The Pond at Bryant Park to show off their skating skills and Alpine Hoodies. Despite what is shown in the video, dogs (both real and of the “Supermodelquin” breed) are not allowed on the ice.

Keep an eye out for the commercial on television this holiday season.

This Week in the Park

Decorated with 3,000 ornaments and 30,000 lights, the Bryant Park tree will be illuminated for the first time this season. Join us for the ceremony, featuring ice skating exhibitions, and live musical performances.

The Pond Tree Lighting Ceremony
7:00pm – 8:00pm
Friday, December 4
The Pond

Visit bryantpark.org for a full calendar of events in the park, or sign up here to have weekly listings sent to your inbox.

Bryant Park on the Web

“Holiday Shops” from The New York Times
The Holiday Shops and The Pond at Bryant Park recommended as a pre-holiday “daily double” activity.

“Sliders, Slankets and Southwest Ale at NYC’s Bryant Park” from Jaunted.com: The Pop Culture Travel Guide
Review of the recently winterized Southwest Porch in Bryant Park.

“The Other Bryant Park Legend - Ice Skating!” from True/Slant.com
“The rink’s music is fantastic and the whole thing, in midtown Manhattan mid-recession, is free. It’s the happiest place I know.”


On our radar this week

“The Evolving Role of the Columbus Metro Library” from Columbus Underground.com
Bryant Park is an inspiration for Topiary Park in Columbus Ohio, behind the Columbus Metropolitan Library.


Scenes from Bryant Park

“bryant park holiday rink” by Sara Sosiak from the Bryant Park Flickr Pool

Happy Thanksgiving!

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade at Herald Square, circa 1940.

Black Friday shoppers take note: The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park will be open tomorrow, so drop dad and the kids at The Pond and get a jump start on gift buying. Visit facebook.com/BPHolidayShops for info on post-Thanksgiving deals.

If you’re heading a few blocks south to shop on 34th Street, check out the comprehensive list of Black Friday sales and deals in the area compiled by our “Shop Bryant Park” guest blogger, Fashion Herald.

Photograph from the 34th Street Partnership archives.

'Tis the Season: Gifts for Mom

Every week, a lucky Bryant Park Corporation employee gets to explore The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park to give you a glimpse at what this year's vendors have to offer. Catherine discovered some great gift options for moms.

As much as I love my family, it has expanded in the past few years and buying Christmas gifts for everyone is no longer practical. We've become a name-drawing family, and this year I drew my mom's name from the hat. I've already picked out her main gift, but wanted some fun accent items, too. Candles and olive oil are among the items on my mom-approved gift list, and I spotted some great options on the 42nd Street side of the park. 

Long Island Candle Factory offers all sorts of treats for your senses, like all natural soy candles with cotton wicks, reed diffusers, bath salts and scented oils. They blend all the oils themselves, so you're guaranteed one-of-a-kind products straight from Long Island (they even create a “Bryant Park” scent exclusively for The Holiday Shops). After smelling no fewer than 15 delectable candles, I opted for a Cinnamon candle with an aroma that made me want to eat it! Candles are priced between $12 and $20.



One of the closest kiosks to the 42nd Street mid-block entrance of the park, Sabon features a variety of products in amazing scents that are delectable enough to entice passersby off the sidewalk and into the park.

You can find everything from lotions and soaps to aftershave and baby bath care. Their body scrubs are made from Dead Sea salts and macadamia and almond oils, and with a working sink in the shop, you can even try the products before you buy. The colorful candles are made of beeswax and come in warm scents like Vanilla Coconut and Amber, priced between $5 and $28.



Candles aside, my mom is Italian and she loves a good olive oil. Carter & Cavero is a nirvana of oils and vinegars from across the globe. These oils weren't just made for sauting; they certainly stand on their own as dips. Their chipotle and basil olive oils are delicious and unexpected, but I was sold on a simple garlic olive oil from California. Flavored oils I'm familiar with, but I was surprised at the vinegars in flavors like fig, apple and tangerine. Ask a sales associate and they'll create a fantastic mixture of oil and vinegar based on your tastes. Most oils and vinegars come in small or large bottles for $12 to $20, and the best part: samples of all flavors are available for taste testing.

  

Long Island Candle Factory : G07 on the venue guide, 42nd St. side of the park

Sabon: J01 on the venue guide, 42 St. side of the Upper Terrace

Carter &Cavero: G03 on the venue guide, 42nd St. side of the park

For additional information about these vendors and more, visit theholidayshopsatbryantpark.com, become a fan of The Holiday Shops on Facebook, or follow them on Twitter.

Thanksgiving Day Planning

Due to the Broadway pedestrian plazas created earlier this year, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has a brand new route. This Thursday, the parade will pass by Bryant Park on Sixth Avenue for the first time in its 83 year history.

To protect the park during the parade, areas of the park and adjacent sidewalks will be closed to the public, primarily on the Sixth Avenue side. Please note, there are no public viewing areas for the parade in Bryant Park or on Sixth Avenue between 42nd and 40th Street. For information on public viewing areas along the parade route, visit the official parade website. 

The Pond will be open for skating during regular hours on Thanksgiving Day, and Le Carrousel will be open with extended hours from 8am to 10pm. For access to the rink and carousel, please enter from 40th Street and Fifth Avenue. The entire park, including all The Holiday Shops, will be open after 12pm, following the parade.

Weekend ice skating at The Pond at Bryant Park, by playnice on Tumblr.

This Week in the Park

Winter activities for kids kick off at Le Carrousel in Bryant Park. Flaubert Frog entertains with stories, songs, games, and more at Le Carrousel Kids, and magicians Chris Capehart and R.J. Lewis perform tricks of all kinds at Le Carrousel Magique. Stay for the show then take a spin on the carousel or a twirl on The Pond.

Le Carrousel Kids with Flaubert Frog
Saturdays, 1:00pm – 2:00pm
November 28 – December 26
Le Carrousel, 40th St. side of the park

Le Carrousel Magique
Sundays, 1:00pm – 2:00pm
November 29 – December 27
Le Carrousel, 40th St. side of the park


Le Carrousel Hours through January 24, 2010
Sunday – Thursday, 11:00am – 9:00pm
Friday & Saturday, 11:00am – 10:00pm

Special Holiday Hours at Le Carrousel
Thanksgiving, 8:00am – 10:00pm
Christmas Eve & Christmas Day, 10:00pm – 6:00pm
December 26 – December 30, 10:00am – 10:00pm
New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day, 10:00am – 6:00pm


Visit bryantpark.org for a full calendar of events in the park, or sign up here to have weekly listings sent to your inbox.

Bryant Park on the Web

“Verizon FiOS Internet Gives a Big Boost to Wi-Fi Network in Midtown Manhattan’s Bryant Park” from CNNMoney.com
Announcement of Bryant Park’s new Wi-Fi provider.

“Changing Skyline: Struggle to make season bright on the square” from the Philadelphia Inquirer
Bryant Park Corporation Executive Director, Dan Biederman named consultant for Philadephia’s Rittenhouse Square.

“Holiday Shops at Bryant Park” from the blog, Southerner In NYC
“The most versatile park I’ve ever known.”

“The Apres-Skating Scene” from fashion designer Elaine Perlov’s blog
A look at the food vendors at The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park.


On our radar this week
“New Park in Tribeca Is Green Gateway to Manhattan” from The Daily Plant
NYC Department of Parks and Recreation celebrates the opening of CaVaLa Park.


Scenes from Bryant Park


Ice skaters on The Pond at Bryant Park by Bajzek from the Bryant Park Flickr Pool

'Tis the Season: The Holiday Shops Gift Guide

Every week, a lucky Bryant Park Corporation employee gets to explore The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park to give you a glimpse at what this year’s vendors have to offer.

The range of products available right now at The Holiday Shops is more diverse than any of the six seasons past. To outfit a stylish newborn or toddler, head straight to Madison Parker on the 40th Street side of the park, near the Southwest Porch. The booth’s collection of pint-sized onesies, long and short sleeved tees, and hooded sweatshirts are printed with designs inspired by 1980’s nostalgia. Priced from $20 to $30, a large mix of colors and prints (including big wheels, record players, and old school boom boxes) come in sizes for newborns, 6 year olds, and all kids in between.

 

A few steps away, you’ll find Eda & Betty Heirloom Couture. Available at Nordstrom throughout the year, the handmade necklaces and bracelets are offered at The Holiday Shops for 70% less than in-store prices ($49 to $189 at Bryant Park, as opposed to $189 to $520 in the department store!).

Each piece of jewelry is handmade by designer Nikki Massarelli, and many feature vintage-looking cameos, crystals re-purposed from real chandeliers, and sparkly charms. If you want to mix it up and create your own statement piece, just ask the salesgirls who will do their best to make sure you get what you want.

 

At Protected by Art, located on the Fountain Terrace near Sixth Avenue, you can find handpainted iPhone, iTouch, and Blackberry covers, as well as traditional flat canvases. Using the kiosk’s rear wall as his easel, Carter, the artist, strategically splatters paint over the cases and canvases to create one of a kind pieces that are textured and colorful (visit their website to watch a video of Carter in action). Cases on the wall are $30. Choose your own colors or bring your own hard plastic electronics cover to be customized for $40.
 

 

 

Madison Parker: A01 on the venue guide, 40th St. side of the park

Eda & Betty Heirloom Couture: B06 on the venue guide, 40th St. side of the park

Protected by Art: C03 on the venue guide, Bryant Park Fountain Terrace

For additional information about these vendors and more, visit theholidayshopsatbryantpark.com, become a fan of The Holiday Shops on Facebook, or follow them on Twitter.

Snuggle Up at the Southwest Porch

Southwest Airlines, ‘wichcraft, and Bryant Park Corporation are pleased to invite you to the winter re-opening of the Southwest Porch at Bryant Park, this Wednesday, November 18, from 6pm to 8pm.

On top of the free WiFi, power outlets, and lounge-like seating the Porch is known for, we’ve made some changes to the menu, added heaters and a fire pit, and have some stylish winter accessories to help you stay comfortable in the cold weather months.

RSVP to whitney.eichinger@wnco.com or (214) 792-6604, then visit the park and experience winter at the Porch.

This Week in the Park

Traditional figure skating transforms into performance art on ice, at a special lunchtime show from Ice Theatre of New York.

Ice Concert presented by Ice Theatre of New York
Wednesday, November 18
1:00pm – 2:00pm
The Pond at Bryant Park

Visit bryantpark.org for a full calendar of events in the park, or sign up here to have weekly listings sent to your inbox.

One Stop Shopping at Bryant Park

The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park opened last Friday, November 6, for their longest season yet. Visitors can browse and buy for a full 59 days this year (compared to 37 days in 2008), through January 3, 2010.

The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park, 2008

A combination of holiday gift items and “any time” items are available from 127 distinct and diverse vendors. Sample Carter & Cavero’s selection of artisanal olive oils and balsamic vinegars, pick up treats and accessories for your favorite pooch at Annie’s Dog Bakery & Boutique, try on Wendy Culpepper’s handcrafted designer jewelry, or choose a one of a kind print for your wall at Studio Manhattan Fine Art.

This year you can find information on all vendors through The Holiday Shops interactive map, searchable by product category or vendor name.

We’re pleased to report that the market has already garnered quite a bit of attention from blogs and publications. Check out the coverage on Racked.com, The Thread blog at nbcnewyork.com, Time Out New York Kids, and every Midtown worker’s go-to lunch guide, MidtownLunch.com.

Don’t forget to visit The Shops’ website at theholidayshopsatbryantpark.com, and follow them on Twitter @BPHolidayShops for real-time information and exclusive promotions.

A Sartorial Setting

Fashionistas across the globe consider it an honor to be photographed by Scott Schuman, otherwise known as The Sartorialist. His blog spotlights on-the-street style, but whenever Bryant Park appears in the background of one of his flawless shots we can’t help but feel a tinge of pride.


Recently featured on The Sartorialist, this photo was taken at Heiskell Plaza, the northwest entrance to the park (can you spot the ‘wichcraft coffee kiosk in the background?).

Click here to view past Sartorialist shots taken in Bryant Park.

Did You Find Love in Bryant Park?

If the answer is “yes”, let us know!

We are planning a special celebration in the coming months, in honor of all the couples who met, fell in love, became engaged, or tied the knot in Bryant Park.

Help us add to our guest list by contacting Susie Sigel at ssigel@urbanmgt.com or (917) 438 5151 to share your stories and learn more about the event.

Opening Day Snapshots

The park was abuzz with pre-holiday excitement today at the Grand Opening of The Pond and The Holiday Shops.

Synchronized skating troupe, the Haydenettes, performed two numbers for the crowd that lined the rink…

…and a stroll through The Holiday Shops revealed what our new and returning vendors have to offer this season.
Who doesn’t love a candy apple?

Coincidentally, the weekend weather forecast calls for excellent skating and shopping conditions.

For more information about ice skating in Bryant Park, visit thepondatbryantpark.com. Check out the brand new Holiday Shops website at theholidayshopsatbryantpark.com or follow them on Twitter @BPHolidayShops.

Holiday Seasons of Bryant Park Past

The first holiday market in Bryant Park, 2002.

Vendors sold their wares from green and white striped tents. The lawn remained open to the public during the winter season.

The Pond at Bryant Park is born, 2005.

The Pond Pavilion (for admission and skate rentals) was positioned at the Northwest corner of the ice rink. A temporary restaurant, the “Ice Cafe”, was centered on the East end of the ice.

The Pond and The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park, 2008.

This year’s set up is almost identical to 2008’s, with a few tweaks here and there. All Holiday Shops vendors are housed in dark green “jewel box” structures, designed by Bryant Park Corporation’s Director of Industrial Design, Ignacio Ciocchini. The Pond Pavilion is on the South side of the ice rink and almost double the size of the original structure, with sleek interior furnishings. Renamed “Celsius” in 2006, the seasonal restaurant has evolved into a two-story structure with stunning views at the Northeast corner of the rink.

From the very beginning, Bryant Park Corporation has partnered with the fine folks at Upsilon Ventures to produce and manage The Pond and The Holiday Shops.

This Week in the Park

Catch a special performance by the 2009 U.S. National Synchronized Skating Silver Medalists, The Haydenettes, to help kick off the 2009-2010 season of The Pond and The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park.

The Pond and The Shops: Grand Opening Celebration
Friday, November 6
1:00pm – 2:00pm
The Pond (42nd Street at 6th Avenue)

The Pond at Bryant Park Hours
Sunday – Thursday, 8:00am – 10:00pm
Friday & Saturday, 8:00am – Midnight

The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park Hours
Monday – Friday, 11:00am – 8:00pm
Saturday, 10:00am – 9:00pm
Sunday, 10:00am – 6:00pm

For more information, visit thepondatbryantpark.com.

Check out bryantpark.org for a full calendar of events in the park, or sign up here to have weekly listings sent to your inbox.