Central Park, New York

Right in the heart of Manhattan stands this oasis of rolling pastures and gardens, stretching from Midtown to Harlem. It was created in 1857 by Frederick Law Olmstead and Calvert Vaux. These days walkers, rollerbladers, bikers, and joggers compete for space. Lovers meet at the Bethesda Fountain on Bethesda Terrace. To the north, others wander at the mystery of Belvedere Castle. Nearby is the Delacorte Theater, where visitors can watch plays in the summer. It blends so easily with the Manhattan environment that it is difficult to guess that it is totally man made. Across the park lies a charming Central Park Wildlife Conservation Center, and children of all ages love the restored carousel.