Tucked away from the honking horns and crowded sidewalks of midtown Manhattan sits Greenwich Village, a downtown neighborhood that spans west of Broadway to the Hudson River.

Although only a quick subway ride from bustling Grand Central station, Greenwich Village (known simply as “the Village” to locals) seems almost like a different city entirely, its streets lined with ivy-covered houses and candlelit restaurants.

While many New York City tourists don’t venture beyond the likes of Times Square and the Empire State Building, this quaint neighborhood in lower Manhattan has something for everyone and offers a quiet haven in the midst of the city that never sleeps.

Westville

Serving comforts such as hot dogs and challah French toast, this aptly named restaurant opened in 2003 to provide simple and tasteful foods at a good price. Since then, it has expanded with locations in East Village, Chelsea and Hudson, but the original tiny spot on West 10th Street is a great place to start the day on a weekend. Market sides like honey Dijon-covered Brussels sprouts pair well with sumptuous sandwiches or fresh fish dishes, and the butterscotch pudding is a splendid finish.


Strand Bookstore and Jefferson Market Library

The Strand tradition began in 1927, when 25-year-old Ben Bass opened up shop on 4th Avenue’s “Book Row,” a span of six blocks with 48 stores catering to literary lovers. The store was moved to its current location on 12th Street and Broadway in 1957 and has served as a beloved part of Greenwich Village ever since. Today, the store houses more than 2 million used and rare books. Passersby can be seen gathering around its $1 book carts outside the store, but there’s plenty to discover inside as well.

At the corner of West 10th Street and Avenue of the Americas is Jefferson Market Library, a castle-like brick building with a pointed clock tower and storied past. Completed in 1877, it was originally used as a courthouse, and its basement served as a holding place for those awaiting trial or jail time. Its winding staircases and stained glass windows serve as stunning examples of Victorian Gothic architecture and make it a great place to sit and read. The library holds a collection of rare books on the history of New York City as well as an archive with photographs of the building’s history.

Washington Square Park

With chess tables, a dog park, a large fountain, tribes of acrobats and a grand piano that sits in the middle of a path, what happens at this park on a given day is anyone’s guess. Highly priced red brick houses, known as “The Row,” line the north side of the park, and an imposing white arch pays tribute to George Washington. Regarded as a cultural hub in Greenwich Village, the park is a great place to bring a lunch, take a stroll or to simply plant yourself on a bench and people-watch.


Magnolia Bakery and Big Gay Ice Cream

On a quiet corner of Bleecker Street sits the original Magnolia Bakery, a small shop that dates back to 1966. Behind its lace curtains are crowds of eager customers awaiting freshly baked cupcakes, as Carrie and Miranda did in “Sex and the City.” But its best offering may be the banana pudding, a rich, creamy treat with sliced bananas and vanilla wafers mixed in.

By Rachel Thompson

(Austin American-Statesman)