Top spots to enjoy spring weather while studying

Bryna Shuman, Staff Writer

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With winter finally over and the warm spring weather upon us, it is too nice outside to spend time huddled in the lower levels of Bobst Library. Instead, try studying at one of the top five outdoor study spots in the city.

 

Central Park | E. 60th St.

Despite being one of the most popular tourist attractions in New York City, Central Park is large enough that it’s not hard to find a quiet spot to study. Settle on a bench at Conservatory Water on East 72nd Street to read while watching children sail toy boats across the water. Sheep Meadow, at West 67th Street, is optimal for spreading out a blanket and basking in the sun while writing an essay.

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The Highline | 210 10th Ave.

This elevated public park that runs over the west side of Manhattan offers numerous spots to sit and study among the trees, bushes and flowers that are beginning to bloom. Recline on one of the Adirondack chair-like benches that are scattered along the walkway, or steal a seat at the Urban Theater at 10th Avenue and 17th Street, where a giant window overlooking the avenue provides interesting distractions during study breaks.

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Mudspot Café | 307 East Ninth St.

The Mudspot Café, known to regulars simply as Mud, is the stationary, East Village version of the legendary Mudtruck, a food truck that serves a variety of delicious coffee blends. The Mud Café not only offers strong coffee, but a wide range of breakfasts, salads, sandwiches and desserts. An outdoor patio in the back doubles as a tiny, quiet haven from the city with brick paneling and plenty of natural light. Linger on the patio with a hot cup of coffee as you study for final exams.

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The Cloisters | 99 Margaret Corbin Drive

Located in Washington Heights, the Cloisters is a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art that features art and architecture from the medieval European period. The collection is housed in a building designed to look like a medieval European abbey with covered archways, stone walkways and cloistered gardens. Grab a table at the Trie Café on the lower level to study under the arches while overlooking a garden of medieval plant species.

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The Tables at Bryant Park | Fifth

Avenue and 40th Street

With the snow finally gone, the main lawn at Bryant Park has said farewell to the ice rink and has once again been converted into an expansive lawn with garden tables and chairs. Grab a seat in the heart of the lawn and enjoy the sun as you study. If you’re stuck on your research paper, the New York Public Library is right next door.

 

A version of this article appeared in the Monday, April 22 print edition. Bryna Shuman is a staff writer. Email her at [email protected].