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Greenwich Village
Greenwich Village's known history dates back to the 16th century, when it was a marshland and trout stream fished by Native Americans.  Steadily growing during the Dutch and English rule and finally through the American Revolution, the village was well on its way to providing a unique but well-balanced way of life. It defies Manhattan's orderly grid system with tree-lined streets that follow old streams and horse paths, making it nearly impossible to navigate unless you are a native of the area. As a crazy but accurate example, West 4th and West 12th Streets intersect, so a map is definitely useful. The historic, small town charm and broad culture spectrum has drawn young celebrities to reside here, such as Matthew Broderick and Gwyneth Paltrow. Many blocks reveal peaceful courtyards, squares and revival town houses influenced by nineteenth-century artists and writers such as Edgar Allen Poe who wrote "The Raven" at a club at 83 West 3rd St., Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women" written at 130 MacDougal Street, and Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" created at 59 Grove St. In the mid-1950's, the Village started to attract the creative free spirits, rebellious, and the Bohemian; creating the open and tolerant atmosphere that is still felt today. The eclectic mix of historic values and personal freedom is evident in the local cafes, jazz clubs, neighborhood bars, tiny boutiques and restaurants. The diversity of cultures gives Greenwich an amazing range of cuisine. From exotic Tibetan fare to good old southern barbecue, there is something for everyone, making this a food connoisseurs dream.
Variety abounds here with each street boasting its own personality.  The westernmost area, the Meatpacking District, has actively resisted development over the past fifty years. Its low industrial buildings and cobblestone streets give visitors an accurate and true glimpse into the past. The area is low-key in promoting its off-Broadway theaters, quiet restaurants and trendy cafes, but the historic area should not be missed. It was in Greenwich Village that the gay-rights movement intensified after the riots of the 1960s; evident today in the Stonewall Street area which is testimony to the neighborhood's unique and liberal character. Bleecker Street is most famous for its folk clubs where Bob Dylan and Peter, Paul and Mary inspired a whole new generation with social consciousness in the 60's, but the area caters to those with a wild side too; tattoo parlors, body piercing and new-age hair salons also line the streets. Under thirty, Yuppie types abound in the East Village alongside rebellious skinheads, some with shaved heads and others with fuchsia dyed hair sticking straight up. Rock clubs, small bookstores, inexpensive thrift shops and restaurants also thrive here. The streets west of Seventh Avenue, an area known as the West Village, provide a more relaxed, earthy attitude with charming old brownstones, shady streets lined with benches, jazz clubs and coffee shops. The eight-acre area of Washington Square Park was originally purchased by the city in the 1780's for use as a potter's field and public gallows. In 1892, Stanford White designed the magnificent marble arch for the centennial of George Washington's inauguration as President, which still graces the park today surrounded by New York University students and teenagers enjoying the nightlife on the weekends. Street entertainers take over the center fountain to amuse the dog walkers, skateboarders, musicians and chess players who make full use of the area. The streets can be to capacity, so visit during the day or bar hop at night if crowds make you uneasy. Regardless, be sure to appreciate the real estate here; it is some of the highest priced in the city with Fifth Avenue ending at the park. The artistic and creative history can never be repeated with the astronomical living expenses in the area, but the prevailing feeling of freedom and individuality lives on.
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Writer: Denise C.
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Nearby Spots: Chelsea · Brooklyn ···
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