‘Look – I will spare you yet another ” dog places in NYC for chill people and dogs” article. I mean everyone knows about the Madison Square Park small/big dog run, McCarren Park’s dog run, the dog beach in Prospect Park, and the behemoth that is Central Park. You probably know more about these places than I do.
However, with everything going on in 2020, City Girl and City Dog here want to find somewhere less crowded (for obvious reasons…), quieter (City Dog gets overwhelmed) and easily accessible by subway (City Girl nor City Dog has a car). City Girl and City Dog also like to go to places where dog and girl both have something (different) to do. Let’s be honest – dog is cute and all but sniffing starts getting repetitive after an hour.
So while City Dog did some digging today, so did City Girl. Here are 5 quiet(er) places we have visited and still love:
1. East Williamburg street art walk
We love going to East Williamsburg from time to time as street artists refresh their graffiti and murals. This neighborhood is bursting with creativity, with a 5-block radius filled to the brim with edgy and sometimes thought-provoking murals. If one strolls at a leisure pace, it can easily take up an hour to see everything.
Why we love it: It is not your stereotypical dog destination, but City Dog loves that it is not a densely populated residential or commercial neighborhood, and City Girl enjoys what is essentially a free, outdoor art exhibition.
When we are done with art, most restaurants and bars around there have dog-friendly outdoor space. We love discovering new bars and trying new cocktails!
How to get there: take the L train to Jefferson St. When you exit the station you will see lot of murals right away and they extend 3-5 blocks. Wander and go where your eyes and heart take you!
2. Hunter's Point (South Park Extension)
New park opened recently so go before they erect huge apt buildings – this space is going to change soon. Since City Girl and City Dog love nature in moderation, for now this place hits just the sweet spot. Located in Long Island City, it is right on the river but with an expansive view of Manhattan. It has lots and lots of green, but they are all meticulously curated. It is nature on a silver platter.
Why we love it: City Dog gets lots of sniffing time and exploring green spaces! There are also lots of places City Girl can go after the park. LIC itself is quite hustling and bustling, and City Girl has been meaning to check out the new architectural feat that is the public library. When we feel adventurous, Greenpoint is also a bridge away with a whole new host of shops and restaurants and bars, and even a rooftop farm!
For those who venture to Greenpoint also, we love stopping by Greenpoint Beer & Ale Co for a locally brewed pint before heading over to more tranquil riverside walk towards Newtown Barge Playground.
How to get there: take the 7 train to Vernon-Jackson Blvd, then a 5-min walk towards the river towards the tip of Hunter’s Point.
3. Horse-watching in Prospect Park
Prospect Park is probably a dog’s wet dream and full disclosure City Girl and City Dog do visit the popular and sometimes crowded park regularly. We, however, want to share with you this slightly less known part.
There are horses in the park! There is a stable at this southern tip of the park called Kensington Stable. They offer horseback riding in the park as well as lesson. City Dog can’t go on horseback riding but we love hanging out around Machete Circle and look at horses pass by for lessons and trips. City Dog thinks she’s at a farm and City Girl can go horseback riding, too.
Why we love it: There are horses! City Dog can also get socialized around other animals not dogs or cats. It is also a great first stop of the park – we always go into other parts of the park afterwards!
How to get there: the closest subway stop to the stable is Fort Hamilton Parkway on the F and G line
4. East River Esplanade (~20th - 34th St)
Yes – we all know the East River Esplanade’s Pier 15 downtown and the dog run around 63rd St, but “hipster” City Girl and City Dog here are all about avoiding popular and mainstream destinations. So it was by chance that we stumbled upon the quieter strip of the Esplanade between around 20th St and 34th St.
It is a long stretch of riverside path, surrounded by residential buildings, water clubs and a school or two. Dog and Girl both get a lot of walking done while feeling that East River breeze. Our walk ended with a little picnic on the giant, river-facing steps near Waterside Plaza, feeling the wind and admiring the Brooklyn sunset view.
Why we love it: it is quiet(er) for a riverside path as it is not hugely crowded with people and dogs. We also like the public space area where you can just hang out and watch the river/people/dogs go by (while writing an article about it!).
How to get there: go past 1st avenue and FDR Drive. There are some parking spaces but walking there is probably the best option.
5. Take the ferry
I know, I know. Taking the ferry as a dog activity sounds a bit like a cop-out for this topic, but we genuinely really like getting on the ferry and going places!
Our favorite route has got to be the one from Astoria to Wall St. It does not have a lot of stops and you can see (almost) one tip of Manhattan all the way to the other tip of the island on one single ride. Not to forget one-way ticket for both Dog and Girl is only $2.75!
Why we love it: To be honest the biggest reason is because it is a very cheap way to be on the water in NYC. It is also something different than just going to the park. For both summer and winter time. And we get to new places.
How to get there: Hop on the ferry on any of the terminals. For more info visit the ferry website.