Ringing in the New Decade at a New York Institution

I decided to spend New Year’s Eve in New York City, but avoided Times Square at all costs. Instead, I found that the Tavern on the Green was having its last hoorah on New Year’s Eve, after filing for bankruptcy earlier this season. The Tavern on the Green is an iconic New York institution, which opened in 1934 as a premier restaurant in Central Park. Over the years, hands and styles changed, but the restaurant was always considered a classy night out for dinner, enjoyed by locals, tourists, and celebrities alike.
I had never been before, and realized it would be the only chance I had. It would be a place that I would want to say I had been in the future. It really was very elegant and regal. Packed with almost 1700 people in the many banquet rooms and outdoor tent areas, we all rang in the New Year. A light snow fell outside and fireworks shot off at midnight in Central Park, as the D.J. counted down the clock. We all did a champagne toast and danced through the early morning. It is sad to see the place go, but I am thankful that I got to spend one evening at the historic restaurant in Central Park.