Winter in the City: Ice Skating to Beat the Blues

The holiday rush has passed and the city is no longer pressured by ridiculous swarms of people pushing through Rockefeller Plaza to see the famous tree or to see the lights of Time Square; all has returned to its usual influx of visitors. Winter in New York is special, but streets frozen over by chilly winds can ruin anyones trip. It is time to beat the winter blues and remind ourselves of the fun that can be found in ice skating. Many venues across Manhattan open their outdoor spaces for the classic winter sport. There is something very unique about skating among the sky scrapers and whirling around a rink as the sounds of New York echo around you. A beautiful dinner, some hot chocolate, and a good round of ice skating make for a perfect city night.

The most popular place to find a skate rink is at Rockefeller Plaza. It sits one story below ground level and a magical feeling takes over as crowds of visitors form around the boundaries to watch the skaters. The only catch is how many people attempt to try and get a pair of skates; sometimes the wait can be an hour long just for a rental. Instead of heading over to Rockefeller, why not try the large ice rink at Bryant Park? The venue may fill up quickly but admission to skate is totally free. Skaters swirl around the "Pond" at Bryant Park as on lookers sip Hot Cocoa, a good way to spend a night even if one isn't brave enough to test the ice. I recommend checking out either venue for a classic city experience, but be advised of large crowds.

Looking for a more secluded and intimate setting with far less crowds? The Standard Hotel on Washington Street and 14th Street (right by the Highline) offers a chic setting with a small but cute ice rink. The innovative hotel opens an ice rink each winter and is perfect for those exploring the Meat Packing District and looking for something to do. Not only are the rental rates fair, but a cute cafe is just next to the rink. Hot chocolate and frites are at your finger tips after a trip around the rink, a warm atmosphere that is ideal for families, couples, and groups of friends.

Ice Skating reveals a more classic side to New York. The cold air and looming clouds over the skyline suddenly become a little more tolerable with some winter sports and warmth to brighten anyones wintery blues.

For all prices, times, and addresses, links are provided below:

http://www.rockefellercenter.com/tour-and-explore/the-ice-skating-rink/

http://www.bryantpark.org/things-to-do/pond.html

http://standardculture.com/posts/5541-The-Standard-Ice-Rink-is-Back--stan-d-arde