Charming zoo in the always fabulous Central Park. www.centralpark.com

Located at the northeastern tip of the Lake, stands the Loeb Boathouse that houses the Boathouse Restaurant, a famous icon of Central Park. Overlooking the Lake it is the perfect place to dine on a relaxing afternoon lunch or romantic dinner in the warmer months. Many diners prefer the deck where they can sit back and watch the rowboats and occasional gondola drift by on the Lake as they enjoy a salad or refined fish platter. It is easy to lose oneself in this magical atmosphere and truly forget you are still in the City. Swans and ducks frequently approach the restaurant's deck in search for a friendly handout. From the restaurant

The Wildlife Center's zoo in Manhattan allows animals to roam in simulations of their own natural habitats. In the Tisch Children's Zoo, kids (and kids at heart) can get touch goats, sheep, pigs, and other farm animals. You're even encouraged to feed them. Meanwhile, at the sea lion pool in the center courtyard, visitors can marvel at these sleek creatures as they swim by. However, not everything has changed. Just outside the Wildlife Center doors, the George Delacorte Musical Clock still plays nursery rhymes every half hour as playful bronze animal sculptures dance around it

Good drinks and great scenery for in between ceremony and reception