Spring Fever in New York

While spring has officially arrived, the temperatures are still on the cool side in New York. Brisk mornings and chilly evenings are typical at the end of March and even into April, but we New Yorkers are thrilled that the worst of winter is behind us.

As blooms come to life and trees green up in the parks, a feeling of newness and rebirth takes over while we await the city’s most glorious season: SPRING! Springtime in New York will always be my favorite time of year, and each time the season rolls around, I’m gently reminded why I live in and love New York City.

Plantings won’t reach their full potential for another month, maybe longer, but the smell, feel, and energy of spring permeates the air. In Washington Square Park – Greenwich Village’s living room – skateboarders, musicians, NYU students, little ones with their parents, tourists, and Village residents pass through, hang out, and recoup. Some have traded their puffer coats for denim jackets, while others don short sleeve t-shirts.

In this video below by Tomasz Bykowski, you’ll witness a spring day in New York, with a lot of the footage shot in and around Washington Square Park. Toward the end of the video, he makes his way north and west to Chelsea.

You’ll notice that some people have an agenda, others wander aimlessly, and some, it’s obvious, are celebrating (and loving) their spring fever.

I like that there’s no music in the background of this video, only the sounds of the people and the city itself. Take note of the conversations, the facial expressions, the busyness on the streets, and the laid-back vibe inside the park. You’ll see some very cute dogs around 19:05, followed by a xylophone player, a shot of the Empire State Building, and a guy singing what sounds like a love song. Toward the beginning, the group singing in the park is some of my favorite footage. You should expect to hear some live music in Washington Square Park, especially on a spring day.

This weekend, we’ll get a real taste of spring in New York. Temperatures are supposed to reach the 60s, so a trip to Washington Square Park may be in order. 🙂

If you haven’t been to Washington Square Park, you must go! It’s located at the base of Fifth Avenue between MacDougal and University Place. I recommend riding the subway to get there, unless of course, you’re somewhere within walking distance. Hop the A/C/E, B/D/F trains to West 4th/Washington Square, the N/R to 8th Street, the Q to Union Square, the 4/5/6 to Union Square, or the 6 to Astor Place. Take your camera.