Harlem some more addresses

New York - The Big Apple - Soho - Harlem - Harlem : Some more addresses - Greenwich Village

Harlem Travel Guide

Once considered the largest African-American community in the nation, Harlem, NY has since been home to a variety of cultural and religious groups since the turn of the century. With a rich background of ethnic, political, artistic and historical background, one would be hard pressed to find such a diversity anywhere else. Once riddled with difficulties and dilapidated buildings all around, Harlem has since been renovated into a beautiful tourist attraction. Many famous political and artistic individuals have called this place home.

Anyone looking to travel to Harlem would be in need of a place to rest their head and what better place than the Harlem Flophouse located at 242 West 123rd Street. The Harlem Flophouse used to house nothing more than common rats and insects before it was restored into a beautiful Bed & Breakfast. Not only is the Flophouse conveniently located but it is also offers peace and comfort to all guests. Exceeding expectations is what Harlem is best at and considering the fact that you not only find a wonderful place of rest, but guests are also treated to an exceptional art gallery within the Flophouse.

Shopping in Harlem is not to be overlooked. Whether you are a bookworm, collector of antiques and art, a pastry lover, Harlem has it all. Varying shops of all kinds appeal to tourists of all varieties. Enjoy a good book while sipping on a cup of latte at the Hue-Man Bookstore & Cafe located at 2319 Fredrick Douglass Boulevard or pick yourself up a lovely bit of decor from Harlemade which can be found at 174 Lenox Avenue. If you decide you need a tasty treat to get you through your travels, be sure and stop in at Leelee's Bakeshop at 283 West 118th Street for some delectable pastries.

Anyone going on vacation is, of course, interested in sightseeing, but where to start? You could being with a bit of cultural background starting at the Studio Museum in Harlem which features a range of photographs taken by John Van Der Zee. See Harlem as it once was, feasting your eyes upon various celebrities from the 1920's through the 1980's. Also featuring numerous African-American artifacts, the Studio Museum located at 144 West 125th Street is sure to please any history buff. For the quieter tourist in need of a stroll, visit Swindler Cove Park at Harlem River Drive and Dyckman Street at 10th Avenue. Once the sight of an illegal dumping ground, it has since been renovated into a beautiful, quiet 5-acre park. Fresh with ponds and plantlife, this park is sure to calm and soothe any visitor.

For the nightlife in you, Harlem is just the place to be. Known to harbor the rich sounds of jazz music, Lenox Lounge is where it's at. Friday and Saturday nights find the hustle and bustle of those looking for a night on the town. Featuring music by artists such as Billie Holiday and Miles Davis, Lenox Lounge, which can be found on the corner of Lenox Avenue and 125th Street, is sure to have your toes tapping. For the dancer in you, be sure to visit the Cotton Club at 656 West 125th Street. Swinging jams is what you'll find here which explains the Swing Era decor which can be found inside. Although this is a bit of a dressier, much pricier club, it wouldn't hurt to spend that bit of extra to experience the wonder of this great and fun style. It is sure to make you groove and put a smile on your face before you leave.

With all the wonders found in Harlem, no wonder it is fast becoming a tourist hotspot. With all the work that the citizens have put in to make their town beautiful, they have certainly wasted no effort in pleasing not only themselves but any visitor as well. No where else can you find such style, sound, and diversity. Whether you are traveling alone or with your family, Harlem has something for everyone so when traveling to New York, Harlem is where it's at.

New York - The Big Apple - Soho - Harlem - Harlem : Some more addresses - Greenwich Village

Arnaud Calteau