A Village Stroll
Morning
Begin at
Washington Square
and the elegant townhouse row where Edith Wharton and Henry James once lived. Find the charming houses of Washington Mews and
MacDougal Alley
, then follow 6th Avenue, past the Jefferson Market Courthouse, to West 10th Street.
Stroll down the passageway
at the front of the Alexander Onassis Center for Hellenic Studies. This
walkway once led up to the Tile Club, a gathering place for the artists
of the Tenth Street Studio, where Augustus Saint-Gaudens, John La Farge,
and Winslow Homer lived and worked. Continue along Waverly Place, Grove
Steet, and Bedford Street, each with its share of prize townhouse
architecture. Have lunch at a typical Village bistro like
Café Loup
.
Afternoon
After lunch, why
not while away a few hours browsing in the local shops? Vintage clothing
can be admired at specialty shops such as Andy’s Chee-pees at No. 18 West 8th Street , while at No. 840 Broadway you’ll find Forbidden Planet, a nirvana for comic book fanatics.
West 8th Street and West 4th Street
are also crammed with shops, and several coffeehouses are great for
people-watching. Try Caffe Reggio, 119 MacDougal Street, where the
literary lights of the beat generation used to read their poetry.
Literary Landmarks
Washington Mews
Washington Square Prominent figures who lived here include Edith Wharton, at No. 7 in 1882. Henry James was born at No. 21 in 1843. St. Luke’s Place Poet Marianne Moore lived here, and Theodore Dreiser wrote An American Tragedy at No. 16. Patchin Place A charming pocket of 19th-century houses that later attracted E. E. Cummings, John Masefield, and Eugene O’Neill, among others.
Patchin Place
Café Wha? Beat poet Allen Ginsburg was a regular here, a venue that also saw early appearances from Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix. White Horse Tavern Favorite
hangout of Norman Mailer and Dylan Thomas, who announced one night in
1953, “I’ve had 18 straight whiskeys,” and passed out. He died the next
day.
White Horse Tavern
Willa Cather Residence Willa Cather wrote six novels here and her Friday “at homes” were attended by the likes of D. H. Lawrence. Mark Twain Residence A
plaque marks the home (1904–08) of Mark Twain, designed by James
Renwick, Jr., architect of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Twain received
guests while propped up in a huge carved bed. 21 5th Ave at 9th St Closed to public
William Styron Residence This was Styron’s first “tiny but rather nice” apartment after writing Lie Down in Darknessat age 23. 43 Greenwich Ave Closed to public
Edward Albee Residence Albee wrote The Zoo Story here. He first saw the words “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” written in soap on a saloon mirror nearby. 238 West 4th St Closed to public
West 10th Street Mark
Twain lived at No. 14 in 1900–1, Hart Crane at No. 54 in 1917, and
Edward Albee lived in the carriage house at No. 50 during the 1960s.
Restaurants
Babbo An
attractive setting and the inventive Italian fare created by TV chef
Mario Batali make this a very popular spot. Reserve in advance to ensure
a table. 110 Waverly Place 212 777 0303
Babbo
Il Mulino Another
top Italian. Quality is consistent, portions are large, and the
brick-walled room is inviting. Try the homemade capellini with
mushrooms, peas, and pancetta in a black truffle vodka cream sauce. Blue Hill Highly praised New American fare that uses local, seasonal ingredients, served in intimate, elegant surroundings. Blue Ribbon Bakery A
casual Village favorite with an enormous, eclectic menu that includes
everything from croissants and caviar to the signature fried chicken.
Blue Ribbon Bakery
Café de Bruxelles Mussels and frites can’t be beat at this comfortable restaurant. Don’t miss the impressive selection of Belgian beers either. Café Loup An
agreeable French bistro, where favorite dishes include tuna carpaccio,
steak, and pan-roasted tarragon chicken. The setting is romantic, but
there’s also a funky bar. 105 West 13th St 212 255 4746
Da Silvano Watch the celebrities come and go from a table outside. The northern Italian fare here is consistent, and the buzz even better. Home Food
like Mom used to make (provided she was a terrific cook) keeps this
narrow café crowded. The patio provides a breath of fresh air. Pastis Hot, hot, hot is this straight-out-of-Paris café; order steak frites or escargots, and get into the spirit. Sushi Samba The
Japanese/Brazilian fusion cuisine and cocktails are inspired, but the
trendy crowd comes here for the rooftop deck and live music on sunny
days.
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Unless otherwise stated, all restaurants accept credit cards and serve vegetarian meals |
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