Row Boats on the Lake - Central Park - New York City July 18, 2008

At twenty-two acres the Lake in Central Park offers one of the most peaceful and bucolic settings existing at the center of any city in America. And what better way to enjoy this sanctuary than from one of the easily available excursion crafts (row boats). From Bethesda Fountain to Bow Bridge it is easy to imagine yourself, on a lazy summer afternoon, drifting along in your very own Merchant Ivory production (parasols optional). The waterside Boathouse Restaurant also offers an elegant location for refreshment while watching the navigational efforts of other intrepid urban mariners.

Located: Central Park's Lake — at the Loeb Boathouse on the east side between 74th and 75th Sts.

April through October, weather permitting. Row boats can be rented at the Loeb Boathouse daily, 10:00am to 5:30pm (last rental). The boats must be return by 6:30pm. Rentals cost $10 for the first hour, and $2.50 each additional 15 minutes; $30 cash deposit required. Up to five people per boat. Gondola Rides are also available during the summer from 5:00pm to 9:00pm Mon.-Fri. and 2:00pm to 9:00pm Sat.-Sun. Rides cost $30 per half hour - No reservations. For more information call: (212) 517-2233

About Loeb Boathouse: The Loeb Boathouse, one of the most famous icons of Central Park is located at the northeastern tip of the Lake and houses the Boathouse Restaurant. It is a romantic setting for dinner on a mid-summer’s evening, watching the sun sink behind the trees and maybe catching a gondola slowly poling past.

Around 1874, Calvert Vaux designed a two-story boathouse at the eastern end of the Lake. About the new Boathouse Vaux said: “In order to compensate for the interruption of the view from the walk, and better accommodate those who should wish to wait in the vicinity, the roof was made a deck to be covered with awnings furnished with seats.” The original structure served nobly for eighty years until the 1950’s, by which time it was so run down that it had to be demolished. The current Boathouse took its place in 1954 and was largely financed with a gift from investment banker Carl Loeb.

Today the Boathouse features year round dining, with overhead heating helping to compensate for the chilly winds of winter and enabling patrons to enjoy the view overlooking the lake. More informal snacks are available on the outside terrace across from the bicycle rental concession. And of course you can also rent rowboats or take a ride in an authentic Venetian gondola.

The Boathouse is also used by the dedicated group of Central Park Bird watchers who come virtually every day to record their observations of birds and other Park wildlife.

Location: East Side between 74th and 75th Streets

Details: Row Boat Rentals — April 15th through October 31st, weather permitting: Daily 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.
$10 first hour and $2.50 each additional 15 minutes, $30 cash deposit required; Up to five people per boat.

Bicycle Rental: $9 to $15 per hour; Must leave credit card, driver's license or passport as deposit - Call (212) 517-2233 for information

Restaurants: Fast Food - Winter: Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Saturday & Sunday 9:00 am to 4:30 pm

Park View at the Boathouse — Winter: Brunch — Saturday and Sunday: 11:00am to 3:00pm, Buffet
Dinner — Wednesday through Friday: 6:00pm to 10:00pm
Reservations: (212) 517-2233

Gondola Rides are available during the summer from 5:00pm to 9:00pm Mon.-Fri. and 2:00pm to 9:00pm Sat.-Sun.
Gondola rides cost $30 per half hour
http://www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/loeb-boathouse.html

Official Website: http://www.centralpark.com/pages/sports/boating.html