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PARK DRIVE NORTH, E 72ND STREET
NEW YORK, NY 10021
The Loeb Boathouse – The Lowdown
A romantic oasis and idyllic pitstop for joggers in search of refreshment of the cocktail variety, The Loeb Boathouse attracts a mix of curious tourists, folks in their Sunday best, and dressed-down locals making the most of the tranquil surrounds on their doorstep. Come summer, visitors lineup for more than two hours to rent a rowboat to paddle around Central Park Lake: the second-largest body of water in Central Park that spans over 22-acres. The Loeb Boathouse has a fleet of 100 boats, each of which seats four people. If you don’t care to battle the crowds, you can pay-up to ride in an authentic Venetian gondola. The original boathouse – designed in 1872 – was twelve feet wide and twenty feet long. After several renovations, philanthropist Carl M. Loeb donated $305,000 to help create the iconic landmark, which opened its doors in 1954. Featured in When Harry Met Sally, the boathouse was also the backdrop of when Carrie infamously fell in the water after dodging a kiss from Mr. Big in season three of Sex and the City. Tip: the outdoor bar and grill flanking the lake gets incredibly busy over the summer, so don’t be shy to make friends and share a table by the water. During winter, drop by to checkout the resident pianist while taking in the picturesque views.
