Union Square Park & Greenmarket, Summer 2011

Top photos: Union Square Park and one entrance to the Union Square
subway station.
(all photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

After brunch at Max Brenner I had a few hours to explore this part of lower Manhattan before a Broadway matinee. I started with a visit to Union Square Park. Reclaimed from drug dealers and abject ruin in the late 1980s, the park which opened in 1839 is adjacent to one of Manhattan's busiest subway stations and one of the most pleasant places in the city to spend a part of the day.

The park is best known as the site of New York's premier Greenmarket. Open year-round rain or shine, the market is open each Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8am-6pm. Vendors sell fresh vegetables and fruits, organic baked goods, cider, wine, cheese and fresh fish. Other goods include fresh cut flowers and plants. Even if you don't plan to purchase anything, a visit is worth it just for the visual delight. Part of the market's purpose is to promote regional agriculture, preserve farmland and ensure a continuing supply of fresh, local produce for all New Yorkers.

Learn more about the Greenmarket at grownyc.org. More info about Union Square Park at nycgovparks.gov.

Below photos: Union Square Greenmarket.