Greenwich Village
(New York, NY)
WalkingToursManhattan.com tour visitors love being in Greenwich Village so much, they want to spend more time exploring the neighborhood, after the tour, or want to come back on another day. I have added more attractions to see.
A very popular location and a most interesting neighborhood. The Village attracts a diverse population of party goers straight and gay, bohemians, writers, musicians, college age attendees and drop-outs, all in search of its wide array of dinner spots, jazz clubs, watering holes, shopping and people-watching.
You think you’re vacation is going to be easy but traveling is actually hard work. You’re doing a lot more walking than you have at home, and that usually means you’re getting hungry more frequently and in need of food, and rest stops too!
Snack Attack – The Hot Dog
Gray’s Papaya, at 8th Street and Sixth Avenue, which sells a good chain hot dog, not in the esteemed ranks as the Carnegie Deli, Katz’s Delicatessen, or 2nd Avenue Deli. This dog is flavorful, slightly charred, and reasonably priced, but take a pass on the papaya drink. Remember its name, don’t be confused by other stores called Papaya Dog or Papaya King. Order with sauerkraut, a German word for finely shredded cabbage and mustard.
Rest Area Ahead – High Line Park
New York City’s new park, and it’s elevated, giving you a much different prospective from walking in any other park. It’s a former freight train line built in the 1920’s to bring beef from across the country to the wholesale meatpacking district here on the northern edge of Greenwich Village. Lovingly restored, the original train tracks were preserved, benches were added, and modest landscaping were added to this minimalist look. Great viewing site of the Hudson River, and Hoboken, New Jersey.Entrance on south side of 14th Street, between 9 & 10 Avenues.
Refreshments Anyone – Chelsea Market
This old building was the home to Nabisco, and the smell of Oreo cookies is still smelled in some quarters of the building. The ground floor was converted into a gourmet food market, with excellent food purveyors like Amy’s Bread, wonderful chocolates from Jacques Torres and farm-fresh ice cream from Ronnybrook Farms. Convenient bathroom area, and plenty of tables outside shops. Located on 9th Avenue between 15th & 16th Streets.
All That Jazz – Village Vanguard
A true original with excellent acoustics, still going strong since 1935. A small, dark basement underground mecca for the past and present kings and queens of jazz. A very popular small & intimate club, so popular and loved, that Barbara Steisand introduced her latest CD live in this venue several months ago. Sets begin at 9 & 11.
Located on 7th Avenue South, between West 11th Street & Perry Street.
Most Charming Street – Commerce Street
Go 2 blocks south of Bleecker Street on 7th Avenue South, and you’ll enter Commerce Street. One block long and looks like a dead-end street, but it’s not.
On the left is the famous Cherry Lane Theatre, the oldest off-Broadway theatre in New York City. Take your first right and you’ll be on Barrow Street, and your next
Immediate left and you’ll be on Bedford Street. On the right side of Bedford behind all that construction is Chumley’s, a famous speakeasy until 2007, when it closed for repairs. Go further up Bedford Street, and see if you can find the residential facade for the opening building shot of Friends.
Shopping Therapy – Noho Flea Market
Usual assortment of lots of clothing and jewelry, along with tapes, and sunglasses.
Open seven days a week. Broadway and West 4th St.
Indoor Activities – Bowlmor Lanes
If you’d like to get out of the sun, and bowl this is your place. Fun place to take the kids, even has gutter guards, ending the dread gutter balls. Decent burger and fries.
And a good pizza place next door called Stomboli’s.
Dinner Plans – Sushi Samba or Garage Restaurant
Sushi Samba very good choice, has indoor seating, and roof-top deck. Garage has American menu and highly prized outdoor seating for excellent people-watching on 7th Avenue South.
Dessert Spot – Sweet Revenge
Cute little café offering liquor, coffee and sweets. Conveniently located near 6th Avenue, (Avenue of the Americas) and Bleecker Street. 62 Carmine Street,
(Bedford Street & 7th Avenue)