The Labyrinth of Contemplation

...a hidden garden in New York City's Battery Park

The labyrinth in Battery Park is hidden and hard to find, mainly because of all the fences and temporary walls that are up for construction. I could see it on google maps, but I couldn’t get to where it said it was. At one point, through a fence I saw a couple on a blanket in a private little garden, and I thought, “what if they are on the labyrinth?” We circled around, and finally, kitty corner to the Castle Clinton National Monument, I saw a little park, found a sign indicating the Battery labyrinth was open.

I poked in and there were those two people, in fact, having some private time on a blanket spread in the very center of the labyrinth. “I found it!” I called to R.

We had come all this way, were only here for a day, and weren’t about to get thwarted by the young and in love. So we walked it. R walked right in, shoulders back, head high, and began. I tried to have a question or intention, but one never really formed, other than gratitude for the day: I was simply grateful to be here, in New York City, grateful to be alive, on this beautiful day, in a hidden garden. It was a tad awkward, not only with the couple in the middle, but there was also a man waking up from napping in the far part of the garden, not on the labyrinth though.

The labyrinth itself is beautiful: a classical 7-circuit labyrinth, defined by stones while the path is on the grass. According to City Lore, the labyrinth’s official name is The Labyrinth of Contemplation, and it was created as “a serene site of respectful remembrance for families and friends of victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center.” The website notes that from this labyrinth you have views of the new One World Trade Center building, and the Hudson River. Gorgeous trees, herbs, and plants are growing in the garden, and it is truly a wonderful place.

This is surely one of the most secret public places in NYC. We’d started the day early, leaving Hotel 31 by 8:30 and finding the best breakfast only blocks away at Slate Cafe in Nomad. I had the mushroom scramble - so good. This, after the most delicious dinner the night before (Fitz on Fourth - vegan tapas and cocktails, in Philadelphia.)

Mushroom Scramble from Slate

We then walked the Highline, an abandoned train overpass turned gorgeous garden and art walkway, from an entrance on 31st street all the way to its end near the Whitney Museum.

Art, Plants, and Views from the Highline

We walked along the Hudson River Park, until we decided biking would be faster, so we rented bikes from the omnipresent Citibikes and rode down to Battery Park. From there, we took the Staten Island Ferry - a free hack to see the Statue of Liberty - get on the ferry and go to the right and upstairs. The boat passes right by the Statue.

You won’t get out, but if a good look will satisfy you, this is the way to go. In Staten Island we got off the ferry and immediately back on the one going back. For the return trip: front of the boat on the upper deck has the best view of the skyline as you approach Manhattan.

After the labyrinth we found more bikes and headed to Ground Zero, the 911 memorial. After contemplation, we headed to Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village to see the Arch. Near the park, we found delicious Ethiopian food at Meskereem.

Back on the bikes we rode uptown to Central Park, where we biked around the entire park. We walked through the sensory overload Times Square, had a slice at Little Italy, and finally made it back to our hotel, at nearly 11 pm!

Raccoon making its way down a tree in Central Park

Important note/in case you were wondering: we found bathrooms at Whole Foods (three different ones), in Hudson River Park, at the ferry station, and in the restaurants.