Had coffee and read a book in Bryant Park, behind the New York Public Library, recently.
The view is spectacular, but what separates this park from others is the Ping-Pong tables, the chess boards, and the reading room, where you can check in and read newspapers or books in the actual park.
I had a relaxing afternoon in this gem of a park - a model for what Connecticut might do with its greens and parks with a little effort.