Model sailboats have set sail on Central Park’s Conservatory Water for over 135 years.

Every Friday and Saturday night in the summer, the pond stays open for sailing until 9 p.m., and the park’s rental shop rents out multicolored, illuminated boats for the nighttime hours. With statues of Alice in Wonderland and Hans Christian Andersen bordering the pond, the scene starts to look more and more like something out of a fairytale as the sun sets. Who knows? You may even spot Stuart Little.

Bring your own sailboat (BYOS) or, if you are new to this beloved New York pastime, the rental shop will happily teach basics. The shop and pond are located on the East side of Central park, between 73rd and 75th. Read More