The weather has been all over the place in the last couple of days. It’s raining and freezing cold one second, and 72 degrees and sunny the next. That makes it hard to plan outdoor activities—or does it? Brookfield Place on the west side of Manhattan blurs the line between inside and outside.  

Brookfield Place, a luxury mall, is only about a ten-to-fifteen-minute walk from 1 Pace Plaza. It’s heated and air-conditioned, so you’ll be comfortable no matter the season. However, that’s not the real draw. The main attraction is its atrium, a huge indoor courtyard surrounded by windowpanes that let in as much light as possible. There are tables scattered throughout the atrium, perfect for doing work or eating at. Surrounded by huge columns, you’ll be amazed by the architecture, but it’s not just the building itself. There are live palm trees that reach from the floor up to the ceiling. They transport you away from the city, to lying on the beach or hiking through the jungle—anywhere your mind can dream of.  

That atrium looks out at part two of the Brookfield Place experience: its marina. When you walk outside, you’re greeted with a large patio that rests right next to the water. In the summer, yachts are docked right next to tables with umbrellas, perfect for sitting down and viewing the scenery. If you want to move around, the patio at Brookfield connects to a walkway on either side. These walkways take you to Battery Park or Rockefeller Park. Along the walkways, there are parks, outlooks, and plenty of seating areas. It’s a great place to watch boats, go for a run, or just sit and enjoy the fresh air. 

I’ve been to Brookfield Place on multiple occasions, and every time I’m surprised by something new. In the winter, there was an ice-skating rink right outside the atrium. In the summer, there were fairy lights strung across the patio. I discover new hidden spots along the walkways, such as (most recently) a mini duck pond. With new things coming all the time, each time is its own unique experience. What doesn’t change, however, is the beauty and nature both inside and outside of this special place.