A Walk Through The Village

Enjoying a summer stroll through Manhattan's Greenwich Village

There are a multitude of places in the Village that are welcoming and relaxing. In many ways the quality of life is attractive.

There are more than 100 street fairs and festivals each summer in New York City. Here a man sells his wares in front of a church. I liked the contrast so I snapped it.

Being outdoors is a big part of New York City’s culture. Here a woman plays her accordion in Thompson Square Park in the East Village.

Using hoops to exercise. Also in Thompson Square Park.

Of course not all outdoor activities are recreational. This man is partially obscured by the cans he’s been collecting for redemption.

The Village is dotted with graffiti. Some of it is just giant artwork. Some malicious tagging. This one caught my eye because of its message.

Controversy in New York City over the outdoor seating shacks that popped up during the pandemic. Some people want them made permanent. Others cite booths like this one as an eyesore to support their argument that they should be torn down. But as you can see below, not all of them are unattractive. In fact, it could be argued that the outdoor seating area below actually adds to the ambience of the neighborhood.

I think if they all looked like this there wouldn’t be a controversy.

I find some of the businesses in the Village fascinating. This tiny candy store for example.

Amsterdam Billiards bills itself as “NYC’S MOST FUN PARTY SPACE.” And yes, they are so sure of themselves they write it in ALL CAPS.

The St. Marks Hotel. On St. Marks Place, a main cultural area of the East Village. And a less expensive hotel for tourists who are attracted more to the edgy Village life than the hustle and bustle of Midtown’s Times Square, upscale restaurants, office buildings and media headquarters.

Heeding Uncle Sam’s call. Unlike in suburbia, barber shops are open late here to accommodate New York’s ‘round-the-clock lifestyle. You know, waking up in the city that never sleeps :).

All photos copyright Gary Baumgarten.

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