Greenwich Village

Okay I'm aging myself by using the title Greenwich Village. For some New York residents there is no 'Greenwich Village'. There might be an East Village, West Village or the Village...but Greenwich Village is archaic.

So let's put food on the back burner for awhile and walk out of the park (see below) and head for the Chess Forum at 219 Thompson Street, or walk across the street to the Village Chess Shop. At either landmark you'll find unique and one of a kind chess pieces, full sets (in all price ranges) a fantastic library and chess software. Almost always there's a game going on or someone waiting in the wings for a partner.

Knitters and other fiber folk- walk south and west to Sullivan Street and visit PURL their website says Purlsoho.com but we know the shop is located in what once was the West Village. They have a wonderful selection of yarn, and also offer classes. I've not yet found a 'free' pattern on the website though- too bad NYC Residents gravitate to 'free'.

Washington Square Park

Many New York City residents visit the historic Washington Square Park at least once each season. The park, characterized by its central fountain and stone arch, is located in the heart of Greenwich Village, and is considered by some to be New York University's own back yard.

The tourist should definitely consider a 'walk in the park', stopping at the chess area and arranging his/her day downtown according to the outdoor events scheduled in the park.

The arch is another example of Stanford White's architectural vision (remember the post about the Hall of Fame now part of the CUNY Bronx Community College campus-- yes we'll get to the Bronx and other boroughs) and what many do not know, sadly some residents too, is that the park was a Potters Field( back in about 1797 or so)- yep the bones are still buried there along with those who'd been 'hung' from Hangman's Elm in the northwest corner of the park.

Some residents prefer the park when nothing is scheduled, a nice sandwich and cool drink or hot in winter on a bench is one of the perks for New York City residents. And standing at the the lip of the fountain reciting HOWL from memory or a stream of crib sheets- is definitely a New York experience.

MOVIES DOWNTOWN NEW YORK CITY

The Angelika Film Center or the Angelika's sister theater the Cinema East on Second Avenue as well as the Cinema Village on 12th Street comprise the quintessential New York City film experience. There are many film festivals and other venues for good film in the city, but these are the 'regulars', always there for a rainy Sunday afternoon.

Absolutely no way a savvy visitor should go home without seeing a film at either or both theaters. The Angelika has a cafe with devils food cake to 'die' for as well as a long history of important and 'edgy' films.

Here's a link to Cinema Village current shows, time and price and here's the Angelika
bon filme!