Photo courtesy of Creative Little Garden

Even though, for many New Yorkers, the outdoors is that strange space we must pass through to get from the office to the gym, or from the gym to our apartment, or from our apartment to the restaurant … (OK, you get the idea) … the city does offer some attractive fresh-air spaces that are worth a visit in their own right—especially in Spring. You of course know about the big parks, but here are three smaller spaces that are perfect for catching a quick breath of fresh Spring air …

Paley Park; 53rd Street, between Madison and Fifth Avenues; Google Map
What this small space lacks in grass (there isn’t any) it makes up for with a large wall of water at its far end. Grab a chair, bring a book and pretend you’re deep in the jungle. That is, until a honking horn brings you out of your reverie–at which point you can take in the color graffitti-clad sections of the Berlin wall that call the park home.

Tudor City Greens; 42nd Street, between 1st and 2nd Avenues; Google Map
While Paley Park is right off the street, Tudor City Greens are a little harder to find, as they’re up easy-to-miss staircases on 42nd Street between 1st and 2nd Avenue. Your effort in making the climb is rewarded by glades of trees and pretty paths that give you the feeling of walking through a private garden owned by one of the charming tudor homes that guard the park. The park can be found on both sides of 42nd street so if you can’t find a seat on one side, try the other!

Creative Little Garden; 530 E. 6th Street; Google Map
Since the 1970‘s, New York’s GreenThumb program has turned lots left vacant by the economic downturn of that decade into attractive spaces. Today, the program helps support 500 community gardens in the city and is the largest community gardening program in the nation. One of the most alluring parks in the program (although with 500, it’s hard to pick favorites) is the Creative Little Garden at 530 E. 6th Street. It’s a leafy green fairytale enclave wedged between two drab boxy buildings that gives new meaning to the word “oasis.”

{Lime&Tonic Tip: Another way to get a little peace and quiet in the city is to check out these off-the-beaten-path cemeteries.}