For the first time I will be spending a few days by Bryant Park. Any tips on places to eat, things to do, etc. in the area? Also what's up with Bryant Park?

Many thanks, and happy trails,
Aranda

Start here:

http://www.bryantpark.org/

What's up with Bryant Park???

it is a nice oasis for the "city workers" around 40th and 6th avenue.
Bring in a lunch from the deli on the corner of 6th and 40th street and eat in the park. Or you can get a decent sit down meal with a nice view at the Bryant Park Grill Resturant.

If you need any culture, the NY Public Library is behind on 5th and 40th

What else can I say? If it was winter you could ice skate for free!!

Just curious why you're restricted to the area around Bryant Park. You're within two blocks, heading either East or West, from almost every subway line that can easily get you to any part of Manhattan.

You will have far more restaurant options if you're willing to head over as far as 9th Avenue on the West Side or 2nd Avenue on the East Side.

There are some free events in the park over the summer like movie screenings, or sometimes outdoor concerts for Good Morning America. But you may be thinking Bryant Park is bigger than it really is. It is about 2 square blocks, a good place to stop and rest but not what most people are looking for in a real "park"

Places to eat:
Bryant Park Grill
Koi in the Bryant Park Hotel
Le Pain Quotidien on 40th st. for breakfast or casual lunch.
For wonderful French macarons, the Macaron Cafe on 6th ave & 36th st.
Things to do:
Visit the main library at 5th ave. & 42 st. where you can see the real Winnie the Pooh and the Guttenberg bible. Check out the gorgeous architecture.
Visit the Morgan Library which is not far
Shop at Lord & Taylor
Check out Grand Central Terminal where there are also lots of restaurants (Metrazur overlooking the main room is quite good).

The park is a small city park - not a heavy duty green space. there are some trees and flowers - but mostly tables and benches and places for office workers to hand out at lunch. Also a variety of food stands and special events throughout the year. Immediately behind the main brand of the NY Public Library - always worth a look for both the exhibits and the reading room (it's a research, not a lending library).

But for a real park in NYC - with woods, lake, etc - you re lly want Central Parks.

Oh boy you guys are good!

Thanks for the tips, I didn't realize the park was so small, I'll be sure to follow your great suggestions, and to venture forth into other parts of the city as you all recommended.

And thanks ellenem for the heads up on that web site.

I know I'll have a great time, thanks to the Fodor's nation.

what's up with it? nothing, it's just a small park by the NYPL, that has chess tables, and coffee shops. some fashion shows and skating goes on there. but why bother with it when you could go to Central Park instead?

If you are staying close to the park, one of my fav restaurants is not far away, Docks on 3rd and 40th St, REALLY good seafood spot. You are also close to Grand Central and the Oyster Bar also worth a stop for lunch or dinner.

Have a great time while you are here.