Free Ideas for a Romantic Getaway in Greenwich Village

Greenwich Village Romantic Getaway

Learn more about Kornblitt Tours!

New York City is known for so many things…
It’s big. It’s glitzy. It’s noisy.
How about…..Quiet and Romantic?

Greenwich Village has those qualities!
Crooked streets in the West Village. Counter Culture. Avant Garde. Jazz, blues and rock and roll bars.  Beautiful Washington Square Park with the magnificent Washington Arch.  NYU.
The vibe in Greenwich Village is different.  It’s much more laid back.  Very cultural and dare I say Romantic!  Even if this trip is not the romantic type…the tips below will serve you well. Enjoy!

Step One on this romantic journey

Book a room at the Washington Square HotelWashington Square Hotel

http://washingtonsquarehotel.com
or call 212-777-9515

We suggest that you call the hotel directly…. you can ask for Charlie who is a manager and let him know you are referred by Kornblit Tours. Splurge and ask for the Executive King room with a corner view of Washington Square Park…the room is spacious by NYC standards and has a beautiful bathroom with double sinks and a modern shower. Ask for the VIP breakfast at their restaurant called North Square.

Step Two…Book your Greenwich Village Restaurant

Olio e PiuOlio e Piu

www.olioepiu.nyc
212-367-2067
A very pretty Italian restaurant
The Lemon Ricotta Panna Cotta dessert is to die for!

Pesce Pasta

www.pesce-pasta.com
212-645-2993
This restaurant is also Italian and specializes in Fish, Seafood and Grilled Italian vegetables. The House Antipasto is a must and can be shared by the table. If it is a huge hit, you can always order another.

Lady Bird – great vegan option!

www.ladybirdny.com
917-261-5524
An intimate bar with small tables that doubles as a vegan tapas bar serving delicious vegetable dishes and a Chocolate Fondue to finish the night!

Step Three… Plan an Outing

Rubin Museum of ArtThe Rubin Museum of Art
http://rubinmuseum.org/
212-620-5000
An arts and cultural hub in Chelsea (near Greenwich Village) featuring art and ideas of the Himalayas and neighboring regions including India.  If you are into Yoga, the Buddha, meditation…definitely for you!

Or… Book a Tour with us on February 11, 2018! www.kornblittours.com
We will take you to the most iconic Greenwich Village sites and hidden gems of this very romantic neighborhood!

What’s on view this month at Chelsea galleries

Le Bonheur de Vivre as seen on Tourist's Website

One of the greatest gifts New York City has to offer is its burgeoning art scene that’s constantly being revived with intellectual and intriguing exhibitions at its many art galleries in many lower Manhattan neighborhoods. Here are some notable shows to see in Chelsea this month:

  1. James Rieck—Rieck presents several, large scale, rectangular paintings each depicting an individual in a museum fascinated by the artwork that surrounds them. Many famous artists’ works of art appear in the paintings including Jackson Pollack, Henri Matisse, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Andy Warhol. At the Lyons Wier Gallery, 542 W. 24th St., through Nov. 4. The gallery is open Tues.—Sat. from 11 a.m.—6 p.m.

    “Le Bonheur de Vivre” (2017) by James Rieck
  2. Suzanne Guppy—Guppy presents several paintings that relate to the passage of time and observations in daily life. Her subjects include family and friends, summertime scenes in beaches and swimming pools, and wintertime scenes such as decorating Christmas trees or the snow outside. At the Bowery Gallery, 530 W. 25th St., through Oct. 28. The gallery is open Tues.—Sat. from 11 a.m.—6 p.m.

    “End of Summer Pool Time” (2013, oil on canvas) by Suzanne Guppy
  3. John Evans—Evans presents a collection of paintings relating to nature and include subjects such as lily pads and botanic gardens, and the ocean in the morning and evening. At Gallery Henoch, 555 W. 25th St., through Oct 28. The gallery is open Tues.—Sat. from 10:30 a.m.—6 p.m.

    “Four Boats” (2017, oil on canvas) by John Evans
  4. The Enormity of the Possible—This show features work by from the American Modern and Abstract Expressionist Movements. Notable artists include Milton Avery, Charles Burchfield, Stuart Davis, Elie Nadelman, and Helen Torr among others. At the Paul Kasmin Gallery  (297 Tenth Ave.) through Oct. 28.

    Installation view of “The Enormity of the Possible” at the Paul Kasmin Gallery
  5. Robert Motherwell—This show focuses on Motherwell’s early explorations in painting featuring works from the 1940s and 1950s. Notable works include La Belle Mexicaine (Maria) and The Sentinal. At the Paul Kasmin Gallery (293 Tenth Ave.) through Oct. 28.

    “La Belle Mexicaine (Maria)” (1941, oil on canvas)

 

What’s on view this month at Soho and Lower East Side galleries

Christina as seen on Tourist's Website

One of the greatest gifts New York City has to offer is its burgeoning art scene that’s constantly being revived with intellectual and intriguing exhibitions at its many art galleries in many lower Manhattan neighborhoods. Here are some notable shows to see on the Lower East Side and Soho this month: 

  1. Thomas Buildmore—In an exhibition entitled Sacred Mountains, Buildmore presents several paintings that pay homage to famous artists and artworks by using spray paint. Notable pieces include Buildmore’s version of Andrew Wyeth’s Christina’s World, Amedeo Mogdigliani’s Reclining Nude, and Mother and Child, after Gustav Klimt. At the Woodward Gallery, 132A Eldridge St., through Oct. 27. The gallery is open by appointment only.

    “Christina (after Andrew Wyeth)” (2017, spray acrylic and enamel on canvas) by Thomas Buildmore
  2. Wim Delvoye—The Belgian artist presents several life-size metal sculptures created over a five-year period. The pieces depict cars, tires, and various real and mythological animals such as Pegasus and Perseus. At Galerie Perrotin, 130 Orchard St., through Oct. 29. The gallery is open Wed.-Sun. from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

    View of the exhibition at Perrotin New York
  3. Sangsik Hong—For this show, Hong presents installations all composed of straw and forming various body parts such as lips, hands, eyes, legs etc., that are accentuated with very light pink backgrounds. At the Krause Gallery,149 Orchard St., through Oct. 30. The gallery is open Wed.-Sun. from 12 p.m.-6 p.m.

    Works by Sangsik Hong on view at Krause Gallery
  4. Ezra Johnson—Cap’n Crunch is the title of Johnson’s latest exhibition. Named after the well-known breakfast cereal, the name represents a mass-marketed product that sugarcoats American myths in both the literal and metaphorical sense. Johnson presents oil paintings that depict people and places at various points in time and revolve around themes that are both political and personal. At Freight + Volume, 97 Allen St., through Nov. 12. The gallery is open Wed.-Sun. from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. or by appointment.

    “Pirate” (2017, oil on linen) by Ezra Johnson
  5. Philemona Williamson—Williamson presents several new paintings revolving around her familiar theme of the transitions from adolescence to adulthood. The youthful characters in Williamson’s paintings evoke notions of energy, curiosity, while the older characters exhibit a more reflective sense of self-awareness. At the June Kelly Gallery, 166 Mercer St., through Nov. 14. The gallery is open Tue.-Sat. from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Mondays by appointment.

    “At Arm’s Length” (2017, oil on linen) by Philemona Williamson
  6. Judith Bernstein—Since the 1960s, Bernstein has produced drawings revolving around social and political issues. Her latest show entitled Cabinet of Horrors, revolves around the negativity the Trump administration has brought to America. She offers around 18 new drawings and numerous other work including hand-drawn dollar bills and a vintage piggy bank that bluntly illustrate the unrest America is currently experiencing. At The Drawing Center, 35 Wooster St., through Feb. 4. The gallery is open Wed., Fri.-Sun. from 12 p.m.-6 p.m., and from 12 p.m.-8 p.m. Thu.

    “Trump Genie” (2016, acrylic on paper)
  7. Raphael Mazzucco—Mazzucco, a critically acclaimed photographer and popular celebrity favorite, presents several captivating and intricate mixed media pieces using elements of fashion, photography, paint collage and text. Mazzucco is often inspired by female form and landscapes such as African wildlife or the Australian outback. At the Louis K. Meisel Gallery, 141 Prince St. (Ground Floor), through Nov. 11. The gallery is open Tue.-Sat. from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

    “Vietnam Three” by Raphael Mazzucco (2017, Archival Print, Acrylic Paint, Collage, Encased in Resin)

Parades, Festivals Highlight New York’s Autumn Scene

The Feast of San Gennaro as seen on Tourist's Website

Autumn is festival and parade season in New York City.  Here are some of the big ones, coming up soon:

The Feast of San Gennaro
  1. The German-American Steuben Parade—This annual event held this year on Sept. 16 celebrates German-American culture and heritage. Named for Baron Von Steuben, a general in the American Revolutionary War, the colorful parade includes marching bands, dancers, and lots of others wearing traditional German costumes. The noon-3 p.m. parade travels up Fifth Avenue from 68th to 86th Streets. The festivities also include a traditional Oktoberfest celebration in Central Park’s Rumsey Playfield. There’s always plenty of good beer on tap and an assortment of bratwurst and other German delicacies available, along with great entertainment by Spitze!, The Polka Brothers, and other bands.  There’ll also be the 9th annual national steinholding championship known as Masskrugstemmen, sponsored by Hofbrau Bier. Tickets to Oktoberfest are $31, and the festivities will take place from 1:30-7:30 p.m. Sept. 16. For more information click here.
  2. The Feast of San Gennaro—Taking place on the streets of Little Italy since 1926, this 10-day festival honors the patron Saint of Naples. From Sept. 14-24, Mulberry Street will be alive with parades, religious processions, live music, and lots and lots of delectable food! The highlight is September 19th, San Gennaro’s official feast day, where a special Mass is held in the Shrine Church of the Most Precious Blood on Mulberry Street followed by a religious procession where the Statue of San Gennaro carried through the streets. There’s plenty of live entertainment, along with appearances by actor Tony Danza (who dished out sausage heroes last year) and A Bronx Tale’s Chazz Palmentieri. For more information click here.
  3. The Columbus Day Parade—Honoring the Italian explorer who discovered America in 1492, this parade takes place on the second Monday of October (Oct. 9, this year). More than 35,000 marchers participate, along with colorful floats and marching bands. The event is considered to be the largest celebration of Italian-American culture in the country, attracting nearly one million spectators. This year, the parade is led by Grand Marshal Leonard Riggio, Chairman of Barnes & Noble. The parade travels up Fifth Ave. from 44th to 72nd Streets with a special “red carpet” area between 67th and 69th Streets for stage acts. The parade lasts from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., and practically invites spectators to seek out their favorite Italian restaurant for a good meal afterward. For more information click here.

Artists in Folk Art exhibit inspired by experience

On the Upper West Side is a small museum that many New Yorkers most likely don’t know about. Located in the heart of Lincoln Square, The American Folk Art Museum is a hidden gem dedicated to displaying exhibitions by artists whose talent has been shaped by personal experience rather than by formal training. The current exhibition on view is entitled War and Pieced which features several large quilts various types of shapes and geometric patterns.

All the quilts on view were made by men using richly dyed wools coming from British military uniforms. The patterns and images that can be found in the quilts reflect upon the hardships that occurred during the Crimean War, and also conflicts in India, South Africa, and other troubled regions of the British Empire during the 1800s. Also on view are quilts made from felted wools during the Prussian and Napoleonic wars beginning in the mid-eighteenth century. The exhibition is curated by Dr. Annette Gero, and includes more quilts from public and private collections, many of which have never been seen before. The exhibition will be on view through Jan. 7, 2018.

Soldier’s Patchwork With Incredible Border (Artist Unidentified)

The museum also has a lovely gift shop with items that are both adult and kid-friendly that are simple and many of them handmade, and are sure to fill your heart with love.

Admission is free and is open Tue.-Thu. From 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m., Fri. from Noon-7:30 p.m., Sat. from 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sun. from Noon-6 p.m. The American Folk Art Museum is located at 2 Lincoln Square on the corner of 66th Street and Columbus Ave.

Where to See Independent Films

Angelika Film Center as seen on Tourist's Website

New York is one of the major hubs for independent film fans given there are at least 30 theaters specializing in the genre in the whole city. Some of these theaters are relatively new while others have been neighborhood staples for decades. Below are three notable ones:

  1. Film Forum—This charming West Village space opened its doors in 1970 and still remains as popular today as it was nearly 50 years ago. Film Forum specializes in showing offbeat American and Foreign films including film noirs, documentaries, Foreign and American classics, and even a special kids’ program known as Film Forum Jr. Film Forum is located at 209 W. Houston St. between Varick St. and 6th Ave.
  2. Metrograph—In addition to a small theater, this unique hotspot also has a café, library, and restaurant. The theater was founded by Alexander Olch, a film and clothing designer, who had the idea of making Metrograph a place where people can truly relax and spend time in, like a lounge. To avoid the feeling of being a movie theater, tickets are sold online in order to avoid huge crowds lining up around the block. Metrograph is located at 7 Ludlow St. between Canal and Hester Streets.
  3. Angelika Film Center—Since its opening in 1989, this theater has been a longtime favorite of film lovers with its selection of independent films many of which have won awards such as the 2011 silent film The Artist which won an Academy Award for best picture the following year. The theater has a small café in the lobby and also has locations in Virginia, Texas, California, and Washington D.C. The Angelika Film Center is located at 18 W. Houston St. between Broadway and Mercer St.Below is a list of several other notable theaters:
  4. The IFC Center (323 6th Ave., New York, NY)
  5. Lincoln Plaza Cinemas (1886 Broadway, New York, NY)
  6. The Elinor Bunin Film Center (144 W. 65th St., New York, NY)
  7. The Paris Theater (4 W. 58th St., New York, NY)
  8. Anthology Film Archives (32 Second Ave., New York, NY)
  9. Cinema Village (22 E. 12th St., New York, NY
  10. Quad Cinema (34 W. 13th St., New York, NY)
  11. Brooklyn Academy of Music (30 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY)
  12. The Museum of the Moving Image (36-01 35th Ave, Queens, NY)
Angelika Film Center

 

 

Enjoy Breathtaking Views on a Free Staten Island Ferry Ride

Staten Island Ferry as seen on Tourist's Website

Lower Manhattan has the one of the most amazing skylines around, and one of the best ways to see it – and lots of other things too – is from the Staten Island Ferry.

The ferry, which connects the New York City boroughs of Manhattan and Staten Island, is a free 25-minute, five-mile trip that transports 70,000 passengers each day, most of who use it to commute to work. But it’s also one of New York’s top visitor attractions, offering spectacular views of New York Harbor and the skyscrapers and bridges of Lower Manhattan, including a head-on view of One World Trade Center, which is now the tallest building in the country.  Most impressive, however, is the stunning sight of the Statue of Liberty, holding her torch aloft in one hand and carrying the Declaration of Independence in the other. As the ferry glides past, passengers will be snapping pictures to their hearts’ content.  Another landmark that, like the Statue of Liberty, symbolizes the freedom that characterizes America, is Ellis Island, the gateway for more than 12 million immigrants to the United States for over 60 years, from 1892 until 1954. The building that housed its Great Hall is now a museum, and is part of the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island national monument.

The Staten Island Ferry operates 24/7, 365 days a year, with boats departing from the Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan and from the St. George Terminal on Staten Island. For most of the day, they depart every 30 minutes, on the hour and half hour, and every 15 minutes during morning and evening rush hours.  It’s best, of course, to go when the weather’s pleasant and not during rush hour (7-9 a.m. in the mornings and 5-7 p.m. in the evenings), for a pleasant, relaxing ride.

 

The Financial District’s Fearless Girl Stands Strong Against Challenges

Fearless Girl Statue as seen on Tourist's Website

If you’re sightseeing in New York, there’s a good chance that the Financial District’s Charging Bull statue (a.k.a. the Wall Street Bull) is on your list. But you’ll also see another, more recent, statue standing just a few feet in front of the headstrong animal. Fearless Girl by artist Kristen Visbal was commissioned by a Wall Street investment firm and installed in that spot in recognition of International Women’s Day, March 8, 2017. The newer bronze statue stands just over four feet tall and weighs 250 pounds. The girl is meant to be Latina to send a supportive message to immigrants along with its message of female strength. She stands with her feet apart, hands on hips, staring the bull directly in the eye.

While Fearless Girl quickly became a popular attraction on lower Broadway, its placement was controversial. The Charging Bull artist, Arturo Di Modica, said the investment company that sponsored the statue violated his rights by installing it near his iconic bull sculpture without permission. The city had granted a permit for Fearless Girl to remain at the site for one month, but its popularity resulted in New York Mayor Bill DeBlasio agreeing to let it remain through February 2018. So that’s where it is for now, see while you can.

Things to do in NYC in the summer

Bryant Park as seen on Tourist's Website

With a month and a half left of summer, there are still plenty of fun things to do in the Big Apple, including concerts, shows, movies and other special events – and many of them are free. Here are some of the ways you to enjoy your summer stay in the city:

 

  1. Free Outdoor Movies—Instead of sitting in a theater, take advantage of the totally awesome flicks you can see outdoors. Every year, the city’s parks invite New Yorkers to bring a blanket and view classic movies on a big screen. The films start after sunset and range from timeless classics, comedies and action thrillers to children’s films. While the mid-Manhattan screenings in Bryant Park are the best known, other parks that show movies include Tompkins Square Park and the Hudson River Park in Manhattan, Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, Prospect Park in Brooklyn, Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens. For a complete list of locations and schedule click here.
  2. Outdoor Concerts—Whether it’s a well-known act or a local act, there are many concerts that take place outdoors throughout the city with most of them being free. One of the most popular concert series is Central Park’s SummerStage in the park’s Rumsey Playfield section. It’s an eclectic collection of musical styles, pop and rock, country, international folk music and even comedy. (Trevor Noah did a show last year.) For a complete schedule click here.
  3. Free Outdoor Yoga—Devoted practitioners bring mats to parks in the city to channel their inner peace while effectively toning and flexing their muscles. Locations include Bryant Park, Battery Park, the Hudson Park, and Brooklyn Bridge Park. For a complete list of times and locations click here.
  4. Free Outdoor Kayaking—Get some sunshine and a toned upper body with free kayaking in New York City’s lakes and rivers. While the activity is free, you must sign a waiver first. Locations include Piers 26, 84, and 96 along the Hudson River in Manhattan, Prospect Park Lake and the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse in Brooklyn, and the Long Island Community Boathouse in Queens. Remember to bring sunscreen! For a complete list of times and locations, click here.
  5. Shakespeare in the Park—This annual summertime series takes place at Central Park’s Delacorte Theater, with two productions each season, one in May and June and the other in July and August, usually featuring big-name stars. Tickets are free but they go so fast that most people line up in the predawn hours on the day the performance to get them. This year’s July/August production is A Midsummer Night’s Dream starring Danny Burstein and Phylicia Rashad. For more information click here.
  6. The Metropolitan Opera’s Summer HD Festival—From the last week of August until Labor Day, the Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center offers free presentations of operas shown on a high-definition screen in front of the Opera House. This year’s productions include The Magic Flute, Rigoletto, and Il Barbiere di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville). For details, click here.

 

 

e. e. cummings and other greenwich village trivia

e.e. cummings

Learn more about Kornblit Tours!

in anticipation of our upcoming kornblit walking tour to greenwich village that features poets, writers, political activists, and a host of other legendary sites; i will write this blog post in all lower case letters, as a shout out to the non-conventional trademark that e.e. cummings has made famous.

during our walking tour, we will visit the house e.e. cummings lived in while in greenwich village. we step into a small gated haven once popular with writers and artists offering quiet and privacy, not to mention beauty, called patchin place. The plaque on the house commemorates his stay in greenwich village and his life and work. e.e. cummings is one of those prolific writers that, once you learn about him, begins to pop up everywhere. for example, i’m currently reading an autobiography about steve martin called born standing up (my book club book of the month). martin writes about his days at long beach state college in california. in this period martin is educating himself in the arts, logic, metaphysics, and ethics. This is an introspective period for martin, early in his life when he is just figuring out how to be a comedian. he says this about e.e. cummings:

“i was enamored of the rhythmic poetry of e.e. cummings, and a tantalizing quote from one of his recorded lectures stayed in my head. when asked why he became a poet, he said, ‘like the burlesque comedian, i am abnormally fond of that precision which creates movement.’

That line, (says martin), “with its intriguing reference to comedy was enigmatic, and it took me ten years to work out its meaning.”

steve kornblit likes to quote e.e. cummings’s more romantic side. while standing in front of his former home in patchin place, he will recite this poem by e.e. cummings to our group, (but he is really speaking to me) .….

i carry your heart with me (i carry it in

my heart) i am never without it(anywhere

i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done

by only me is your doing, my darling)

i fear

no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want

no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)

and it’s you are whatever a moon has always meant

and whatever a sun will always sing is you

[from “i carry your heart with me 1952]