Public Spaces and Community Halls From Raleigh to Queens

4.2 (44)

Mon – Fri, 08:30 – 16:30

400 Fayetteville St

Dating to 1923, this ten-story brick landmark on Fayetteville Street in Raleigh earned the nickname Third House of the Legislature for its role in state politics. Now senior housing for residents 62 and older, it rents its Historic Virginia Dare Ballroom to the public for gatherings.

4.8 (3,979)

Mon – Sun, 11:00 – 19:00

1802 E 65th St

Fifteen acres of soft grass in southern Central Park make up this official quiet zone, designed as a pastoral countryside landscape under the Midtown skyline. People read, picnic, work out, or celebrate here, and it opens daily at 11:00 AM from May through mid-October, weather permitting.

4.5 (200)

Mon – Sun, Open 24 hours

Spring St & 6th Ave (Avenue of the Americas)

Swivel chairs, free Wi-Fi, and a statue of José Artigas fill this triangular SoHo pocket park between two drive lanes, across from the Spring Street C and E station. It stays open 24 hours, and an Afghan food truck parked outside supplies a meal.

4.8 (15)

Mon – Fri, 08:00 – 20:30; Sat – Sun, 07:30 – 20:30

143-09 Holly Ave.

Weddings and banquets fill a spacious stage with solid sound and lighting at this Flushing community center in Queens. The same building runs programs for kids and cultural meets, its vegetarian cafeteria earns steady praise, and visitors note that all religions are welcome.