One of the things that I love about living on the Upper East Side is my vicinity to Central Park. However, there happens to also be a smaller, very charming park on York Avenue called Carl Schurz Park, and I just love that it’s sort of hidden away so pretty much only locals would know to visit. It has wonderful views across the East River, lots of benches to sit and relax, and a gorgeous proliferation of flowers that bloomed in May. Whereas Central Park belongs to the whole city, I like to think of Carl Schurz as the Upper East Side’s own private little gem.

I love the architectural details of the park, like the rounded, sweeping staircases. 

I also love that the landscape design on the hillsides is made to look natural and untamed.

I took these pictures about a month ago, and I’m so glad that I did, because I went back to the park last weekend and those gorgeous cherry blossoms and tulips were totally gone! There was still plenty to photograph even without them, but I’m still so happy that I captured these shots while they were in full bloom.