10 not to be missed highlights of ‘the Village’.
On its way to being gentrified Greenwich Village, artists’ haven, Bohemian capital and the birthplace of the 60’s counterculture is still home to some of the best music, food and architecture.
Home to some of the city’s best if over-priced restaurants you’ll also find great cafes filled with locals enjoying a coffee or lazy weekend brunch.
Here are some highlights of ‘the Village’ as it’s commonly known.
- Stroll the streets – West 10th has been described as the most beautiful block in the city with its elegant architecture. Or for the more ghoulishly inclined you’ll find the most haunted house with 22 ghosts the most famous of which is Mark Twain at 14 West 10th
The small Jones Street is where the cover was shot for Bob Dylan’s album ‘The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan. - Ready for a snack check out La Lanterna di Vittorio at 129 MacDougal Street and if you’re in the mood wander to the bar next door and listen to some jazz.
- Talking of jazz, the Village is home to two of the best – The Village Vanguard and the Blue Note.
- For foodies the stretch of Bleecker Street between 6th and 7th Avenue is a magnet for gourmet food lovers.
- Washington Square Park is the place to go to relax in the sunshine and watch the passing parade or maybe play a game of chess in the north west corner of the park. It’s famous as the home of the 1961 Folk singers protest against an ordinance prohibiting singing in the park.
- Better than karaoke – head down to Marie’s Crisis at 59 Grove Street – a piano bar where you can join in the sing-a-long to all your favourite show tunes.
- Greenwich Village is home to the Barrow Street Theatre where you can check out the next potential big hit at an Off-Broadway show.
- Head to 51-53 Christopher Street. Barack Obama has just announced this small park as a national park to commemorate the historic events at the Stonewall Inn across the street which launched the Gay Liberation Movement and now home to sculptures created by George Segal.
- There’s no shortage of independent bookstores to explore many housing cafes where you can while away some time catching up on the latest titles.
- In the mood for more entertainment then check out Café Wha – the original stomping ground of Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Bruce Springsteen and Kool and the Gang. Today it is still showcasing some of the greatest of the NYC bands.
