Faerie Enchantment

A Sunday in New York, Part Deux!
The Carousel of Bryant Park!
I love love love the magic of a carousel, it can just sweep you away into another world, a storybook place from long ago, as gracefully glide up and down and all around while listening to sweet melodies reminiscent of the carnival, circus or seaside boardwalk, perhaps a picturesque park or fairgrounds in Europe. Carousels are crafted from the finest artists with unique and eccentric details, made from wood, metal, brass, porcelain and fiber glass, each one setting the stage for a new performance every few minutes.Some Carousels have all horses, some have Horses, animals with fins and well seahorses, sirens, rabbits, even fairies, pegases, unicorns and birds. Some have an underwater fantasy theme, others a circus theme, fairy garden or royal theme, there are no limits in the creation of one, but one rule, it must bring delight to all. Now not every carousel is going to be in a covered tent, under a canopy, inside a carousel hall, ultra large, colorful and bright, some are smaller in size with muted vintage colors, just like my fave carousel located in Bryant Park, NYC!http://www.bryantpark.org/amenities/carrousel.php This carousel is called: "Le Carrousel" and made by the Fabricon Carousel Co., Inc. Brooklyn, NY circa 2002, This might be a newer piece, but it has been made in the vintage and timeless style of the originals, the colors, the fantasy theme, its beautiful, I could see this on a park grounds during the Victorian Age, or in Coney Island's: Dreamland Park or Luna Park, couldn't you?This beautiful horse is called: "Granny's Folly", Isn't she a beauty, look at the details!If I wasn't so tired from strolling around the BEA (Book Expo America) and from Glenny and I taking turns lugging a heavy book bag, we probably would have lingered longer in Bryant Park and I might have rode the Carousel, but I can always head back anytime and do that, LOL, but trust me, I was thinking it, so instead I took loads of pictures to remember the moment and share with all of you.This rabbit is my fave carousel friend and would probably be where I sit when I go on the Carousel, LOL!.Even the Ticket Booth is too cute!
No trip to Bryant Park would be complete with out A. A snack from Wichcraft Cafe http://wichcraftnyc.com/ B. A cupcake from Crumbs, or C. A lunch or dinner at The Bryant Park Grill, which is one of my fave restaurant. http://www.arkrestaurants.com/
http://www.bryantpark.org/amenities/dining.php view the menu here:
http://www.arkrestaurants.com/section_home.cfm?section_id=1&location_id=1&restaurant_id=2&sub_section_id=1&menu_type_id=4
Here is a photo I took of the Bryant Park Grill!The whole park has a French and European Design, which is why I love it so much, its such a great place to visit all year, but especially from Spring through Fall, even to just grab a coffee or tea and sit down on one of the many benches, park chairs or by the beautiful fountain and just relax and envision beautiful days and endless magic!
http://www.bryantpark.org/
In exploring the park, you will also come upon the glorious and ornate fountain, however this fountain is more then just a beautiful facade, it was designed by the famed architect Charles A. Platt who created this fountain to commemorate social worker/reformer Josephine Shaw Lowell. Shaw, born 1843, is said to be one of the first woman to be honored with a major monument in New York City, after her death in 1905, this is probably due to the fact that Josephine Shaw Lowell she was the first female member of the New York State Board of Charities, serving the years, 1876 to 1889.

The fountain has a 32-foot-wide lower basin and 13-foot-wide upper basin, was installed at the east side of Bryant Park in 1913, then in 1936 the fountain was moved to the west side of Bryant Park, where it resides today. In 1992, this glorious
fountain was restored/refurbished by the Bryant Park Restoration Corporation and I believe is a must see in the park.No matter where you look, you will definately be transformed to another place, even if only for a moment, just sit back and illustrate this world in your mind, create a new memory that will bring you magic and joy, that you can come back and visit over and over again.

This Parisian-esque park is located:
Between 5th & 6th Avenues, West 40 & West 42 Streets, for additional information visit: http://www.bryantpark.org/
For more pictures from my day visit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/moonfaires16/sets/72157619084136905/
Carousel sites: http://www.carouselworks.com/
http://www.carouselworks.com/PR/PRTK10-30-08.htm
http://www.hoopla.org/Carousel/how.htm
I hope you enjoyed my adventure: A Sunday in New York, Bryant Park!
Magic and Much Joy to All!
Lisa!