When many people think about New York City, especially in a visual sense, they often think about 5th Avenue, Madison, Times Square, Rockefeller Plaza, the Empire State Building, and all else that makes this city so grand. And while I think of these places too, they make up my past image of the city more than my current one. As a kid, I remember my favorite part about visiting the city was looking up at the tall buildings and feeling dizzy. I remember going to Radio City Music Hall for the Christmas Special and being amazed at how magnificent everything was, how bright and extravagant it all looked. It was like everything was larger than life and covered in glitter.
All of this is indeed a part of the New York City experience, but after spending more time here, I find that my favorite parts of the city are not the grandest. Thus far, the place where I have felt the most – well – at home in New York has been the Village. I love the older, smaller-scale buildings, the narrow streets, the little shops, and the general feel. I love the history of it. The intellectuals, the rebels, the artists, and the revolutionaries. There is an incredible sense of vibrancy and youth.
The village is also where you will find culture of all sorts at every corner. Just the other night, my roommates and I went out to dinner at a small place on St. Marks Street called "The Crooked Tree Creperie." At first, it didn't look like much. But upon entering, we found it to be a quaint treasure of a restaurant. The atmosphere was intimate, the wine was tasty, the food was delicious, the music was (appropriately) French, and we had a fabulous time. From places like these, to the cafes, to theaters, to the fantastic dive bars, I have found the village to be one of my favorite places in the city.
