Exactly what I pictured. I don't know if this always happens or of it was because of the day I visited, but there is a street musician that plays Beatles hits which makes this experience even more special. I went in the spring, so not a lot of tourists so you are able to capture a couple of cute pictures. read more

Strawberry Fields - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

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Strawberry Fields is truly an amazing place. I have a framed B&W picture of the "Imagine" circle that has been on my wall for 9 years. As a NYC born & bred kid, there are three things I must have in my home for me to be comfortable. First, the "Imagine" circle picture (I'll explain why in a moment.) Second is a lovely B&W photo of the Twin Towers standing behind the Brooklyn Bridge. It is my favorite bridge in the world and the World Trade Center will always be a part of my childhood. Third is my shower curtain of the entire NYC subway map. I find these items truly essential. Now about the "Imagine" circle...I've only been to Strawberry Fields twice in my life, but they were pivotal times. The first was the weekend after Jerry Garcia died. I wasn't a "Deadhead" by any means...I dug a couple of their songs but I wasn't a huge fan. Still it was a beautiful Saturday afternoon and you could feel the impact Mr. Garcia had just by the several small memorials and shrines in the area. The second time was THE EVENING of George Harrison's death. This was a Beatle, folks. Plain and simple...you know what this meant to music fans everywhere. My friend Mike, my fiancé, Cynthia (now, my lovely wife) and myself were in town to see the Stereophonics and we HAD to go to Strawberry Fields. Imagine pure emotion, love, hope and peace all at once. Imagine a few hundred people standing with candles, side by side, singing "Here Comes The Sun." Imagine being one of them and having that connection with hundreds of strangers I would never see again. We were all family that night. This spot was my United Nations, if only for a moment. It was my America; my New York City. The only place and time where it was not wrong to love another human being. The most moving experience ever... read more

This is a beautiful space and is a way to one of my favorite places....People bring flowers and all sorts of things...Its pretty interesting the people this place attracts.. read more

I always make sure to play a John Lennon "rock block" on this day. I have always been a fan of Lennon's music, philosophy and overall attitude he had toward his fellow man. Whether you enjoyed The Beatles or his solo stuff, there is no denying the lasting affects he had on pop music (good or bad) and people's lives. I have been to Strawberry Fields on more than one occasion and it is a pretty beautiful location in the city. Here are some clips to commemorate this awful day. Lennon's death announced on the news, December 8 ,1980: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xo9lgWxjjx0 Paul McCartney's reaction to the news: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZh_BqJqKns&feature=related A later interview with McCartney: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rss-ZVgZz9g&feature=related Howard Cossell interrupts Monday Night Football to announce Lennon's death: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gcdz1IRVoM&feature=related Finally, some Lennon tunes: Watching the Wheels: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVrKY1osvU0 Beautiful Boy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mrfi8-9JVtE Imagine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEOkxRLzBf0 Stand By Me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4_ghOG9JQM&feature=related read more

"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." -- John Lennon 'nuff said. read more

dear john, you're right-- you're not the only one. signed, just another girl with kaleidoscope eyes read more

I would like to briefly preface that John Lennon inspired a generation of acceptance and peace. When I came here for the commemoration of his death for a few years, you could always sense the peacefulness, the sorrow, the bittersweetness that die-hard fans can only create. A few lit candles and a bring-your-own-instrument venue make for an intimate setting every year on the 8th of December. To John Lennon, "surrealism was reality," and I'm sure he would be touched by Strawberry Fields. read more

Strawberry Fields forever....wow....this was a quaint surprise in Central Park to commemorate John Lennon's life and song and it is very poignant. Just look up the lyrics on google and you can feel the nostalgia. Well...I just had hoped that Yoko Ono would have also gotten involved with having strawberry plants surrounding the borders of the pathways...didn't see any the last time..but keep hope alive. or just IMAGINE it there. Perhaps she looks at the Fields from the Dakotas and IMAGINEs what Strawberry Fields she and John would be enjoying had he not had such a sad encounter with a nutcase. John Lennon...thanks for your wonderous lyrics...beautiful boy. read more

Such a sad and somber place of remembrance of what was, while also uplifting and joyful to the thought of what might have been. Sitting on a bench here the other day listing to musicians play the music of John Lennon, while watching young kids laugh and play on the memorial mosaic dedicated to him. To this day people who loved John still lay flowers at the center of it. A place where you can sit for hours, listen to music, people watch, and reflect. A place of peace and joy. read more

If you love John Lennon and the Beatles as much as I do,how can you not come here and reflect and contemplate? John's spirit seems to be everywhere. Even on ordinary days, passerby come and place flowers on the Imagine Circle. I make it a point to come on John's birthday, (October 9th) when I even see Yoko - and sometimes on the day he was assassinated - December 9th - though it is so much darker. I always bring sunflowers to put on the Imagine Circle. I always meet people who want to speak with me and exchange stories and photographs. I always invite them to submit work to my book. The place is simply beautiful, in spite the sadness....and often you will meet lots of Lennon fans here, even people who knew John personally. Just go. Give peace a chance. read more

Strawberry fields forever. I dont feel the somberness others do when I am there. I am all about singing and the music and the memories. The music mainly. And then John Lennon feels totally alive to me read more

It was nice hanging out here while trying to stay cool in the humid weather. Anyone who is a fan of The Beatles should definitely stop by here. The tile with Imagine isn't going to blow you away, but the whole vibe of the place definitely struck me. I was people watching, listening to the regulars play songs from them. Definitely felt the emotions coming from everyone that was stopping by to admire this area. You could feel the emotion in the air...admiration and definitely lots paying their respects to one of the best. Definitely took the whole crazy city vibe away just hanging out here! read more

A cute spot to rest your feet while walking through Central Park. I wouldn't go out of my way to see it or anything, but the marble inlay was an interesting thing to stumble on accidentally, and I snagged some great photos of unsuspecting tourists and vendors there. One star is lost for the makeshift hippie camp set up just beyond the fence. I really really really didn't need to see some shirtless hungover burnout retching into the bushes. Gross, dude. read more

Peaceful - if it wasn't for the one or two jerks talking so loud that everyone's annoyed. It's also meant to be a respectful place, except for the few people that let their kids or dogs run over the memorial. Nonetheless, it is good to kick back and reflect. read more

Strawberry Fields - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

Today we were in Strawberry Fields for a half hour or so. Am pleased to report: - Someone let me pet their cute terrier for, like, a really long time. - A bunch of folks had a giant cupcake picnic, and they shared their confectionary delights with complete strangers! Thanks guys! - An appalled New Yorker explained to a young and confused tourist that "Imagine is a song! Haven't you heard of John Lennon? Haven't you heard of the BEATLES?!" - My friends and I met a guy from Glasgow, and he knew Franz Ferdinand(!) - This girl, wearing a t-shirt that said "Respect," stomped all over the Imagine mosaic. My friend once came here on John Lennon's birthday, she said it smelled like patchouli and BO. Today I thought it smelled much better, like sweet baked goods. Near the 72d St entrance from Central Park West, across the street from the Dakota. read more

Memorial to John Lennon built by Yoko. If u r a big Beatles or John Lennon fan go here. Its in Central Park and across the street from the Dakota building. Really nice 2 have this special place 4 his fans, but could be bigger or more detailed. On the day that he died (death anniversary), every New Yorker should go here and place flowers! Definitely if u live in the neighborhood, it should be a requirement! Loved this guy and his death was one of the saddest things ever. read more

A memorial for John Lennon located in Central Park. There is always a crowd of people here paying tribute to one of the greatest musician ever. If you want an unobstructed picture with the memorial, good luck! read more

There isn't much to say about strawberry fields and John Lennons "imagine" memorial except that it is a five star must see place in central park. It is always crowded but take your turn and you will get your picture. No one is stressing around or hurrying you. It's also nice to hear the guitarists play songs and people sing along. Such a spiritual place. read more

If you are in Central Park you definitely need to see this memorial. Be aware that this is a big tourist attraction so it's always crowded with people but everyone is really respectful and you'll have your chance to take a picture around the Imagine circle. If you download the Central Park app on your iPhone you can also listen to Yoko Ono telling you the story on how they created this memorial in Central Park. Also the Dakota is right across the street. read more

It's a fine rest stop in Central Park. The benches are shaded and the design fosters contemplation. If your mind is overactive, then you can try to envision the story of each tourist who lines up for a photo taken on the circular "imagine" mosaic. read more

Strawberry Fields Forever and EVER -Popular Tourist Spot: Always crowded. The majority of the crowd is posing with peace signs next to the landmark or waiting their turn to get their picture taken. Along with impatient people prodding those who are taking too long to take their picture, or hoarding whatever space one considers to be prime picture taking/ viewing -You can always count on hearing a local musician playing acoustic versions of Beatles songs on his guitar, tips are appreciated! -It's Free and there's no "suggested donation" boxes to make you feel guilty for enjoying Strawberry Fields and Central Park -Great Location and easy to get to! You don't have to worry about climbing up any hills and or going up and down a million steps! read more

I have always wanted to go to Strawberry Fields, and for the first time after moving here three years ago, we went I was instantly distraught by the homeless hippies that are selling shit - it made the whole vibe of the place like canal street. Then it made everything else seem fake and ridiculous, I didn't get it read more

Not much to say about this place but it is a special landmark at Central Park. Since it was covered in snow, it is hard to say whether this area looks different during other times of the year. There is a section that has the word "Imagine" on the floor and it is usually a popular spot for pictures. The day we went there was a guitarist sitting at a nearby bench singing Beatles music and it created an indescribable vibe. It was truly a peaceful and calming place to visit and people took turns taking pictures by the Imagine plaque on the floor. Definitely one of the places to visit inside Central Park! Highly recommend to stop by here, as it can take you 10 minutes to visit. read more

Easily accessible place of remembrance. So packed all the time but it could be worse. RIP John, at least you escaped Yoko, though we all wish you outlived her. read more

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Wow, I had never been to this kind of constant memorial type of spot before, and it was pretty cool. I've been a Beatles/John Lennon fan for quite a while, but I was barely alive when he was assassinated. Looking at the place, it's hard to believe it happened so near to here. I know NYC was a very different place then, but still - this neighborhood doesn't seem like the kind of place someone would be gunned down. It's disturbing to think about. There were some weird old hippies hanging out here, of course, and one of them teased me because I was catching snowflakes on my tongue (this being only the second time in my life I had seen snow falling) and asked me where I was from. We had a conversation for a second, and he seemed relatively with-it, so it was OK. ;) It was so perfect that it started snowing as soon as we got here. I'll remember that for the rest of my life. read more

A place to pause and pay homage to John and the magic he brought into the world through song and life. In a city full of moments of inspiration and sadness, this small oasis offers the opportunity to reflect on how one creative human can deeply effect humanity. Play on, John. Play on. read more

As John Lennon said, "All you need is love." And the Imagine Circle definitely pays respect to this message. The dedication of Gary, the mayor of Strawberry Fields, to maintain the circle is amazing. He really does a service to Strawberry Fields and the memory of John Lennon. And if Gary is the mayor, I guess that would make Mary Jane, his black Labrador the sheriff. read more

Strawberry Fields - Gary the Mayor and the John Lennon shrine - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

One cool spot to see while in Central Park! Strawberry Fields is not as hard to find as some of the other famous spots in Central Park, but you may need a map or your phone GPS. It is, by city signs and ordinances, a very quiet and somber spit in Central Park. It's odd because if you've spent any time in Central Park you'll know the constant buzz and chatter. Go and pay your respects, and not but a few steps away you'll find Lennon's apartment. read more

Strawberry Fields - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

There is something about the energy of this section of the park. You can feel it change as soon as you get to the mosaic. If you're a fan (even if you're not), this is a great spot to just hang out. read more

A true artist to be admired and remembered, a place to get inspiration and to realize how fragile life could be, I had to reflected and went back to my life and my identity as a musician. read more

Strawberry Fields - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

I will always remember when George Harrison died, and I went to Strawberry Fields. Somebody started playing "Something", as a crowd of a few dozens sang along. In a matter of minutes, that crowd became so big that people couldn't fit on the fields anymore. I must have stayed there for at least a couple of hours, singing old Beatles songs with complete strangers, like we were best friends. I'm not even a Beatles fan, but that was one of the most touching experiences in my life. A true New York moment. read more

Just to preface. I visited on a cold and sunny January day. I had never visited New York before and the Dakota was on my list of must sees. SF is situated directly across the street. I guess I imagined (no pun intended) it would be some sort of Mecca dedicated to John Lennon. Sadly, It wasn't. Like every tourist destination in New York. There's a handful of vendors selling knock off Beatles pictures and such. There's an area where people can sit and relax. If you're a Beatles fan. Go see it. Just don't set too high of expectations read more

It's a very moving site, Strawberry Fields. I love who it stands for and what it remembers. John Lennon was a world-changer. I would have given it five stars except the people there are obnoxious. It's supposed to be a memorial and the signs around it say quiet please, yet people are shouting and trying to get their picture taken with it. It was the same kind of experience for me as seeing the Sistine Chapel--so amazing, genius, moving, but all but ruined by those around me losing sight of exactly what it was they were looking at. read more

Right by the Dakota where John Lennon was shot, this section of the park is such a great tribute to his awesomeness. Always tons of tourists snapping photos, plus vendors trying to make a quick buck off the crowds selling Beatles prints, etc. Best thing to do is pop in those earphones, turn on your Pandora to a Beatles station, and just sweep yourself away from the city life (sans earphones, you'll still hear the buses roaring by). read more

Great place. 1) Always relaxing and thoughtful area of Central Park. 2) Must take a picture of John Lennon's memorial mosaic "Imagine." 3) Again, relaxing place. read more

I just expected more. I am not even sure what I mean by more but all there is here is a mosaic that says imagine. Although I am not a Beatles or Lennon fanatic, I understand their places in history. Unless you are a huge fan, I would say this is one NYC site you can pass on. read more

A pretty sweet little spot. If the hippie man is guarding the area and talking to everyone, don't even try stop close to the actual "Imagine." He will direct you on the appropriate place to stand for pictures. read more

Strawberry Fields - Imagine - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

I was here shortly after the 30th anniversary of Lennon's death, and although the abundance of people crowding the memorial was a bit frustrating, it was still nice to visit. Almost a spiritual experience, as cliche as that sounds. Aside from the Imagine memorial, it's also just a lovely part of the park. read more

I love the vibe and ambiance here. Sometimes in the warmer months, if you walk to the Imagine memorial (sometimes adorned with flowers and such), you will hear people having their own Beatles jam session. Enjoying life and bringing people together through music just like how John would have wanted. Strawberry fields is a small area and does not have strawberries haha but definitely worth the trip to see especially for a Beatles fan of course. Strawberry fields forever!! read more

Anyone who is a fan of The Beatles or John Lennon should stop here at least once in their life and pay their respects. The Imagine mosaic is beautiful and decorated by fans on a regular basis. While we were walking up to the location, we overheard a musician playing his guitar, and by the time we arrived at the mosaic, he was midway through a Beatles song and started in on Imagine shortly after that. The mood around the mosaic is somber yet full of life, as everyone has come to celebrate in their own individual way, the life that John Lennon lived, and his impact on the world. read more