Once known as “Little Bohemia,” the West Village maintains its century-old reputation, attracting creative types to the leafy, twisting residential streets. The High Line Park now connects this nabe to the galleries and boutiques of Chelsea and Meat Packing, making it even more desirable as an arts hub. Of course rent isn’t cheap here, but hopefuls who are still true to la boheme can add their name to the wait-list for life at “West Beth,” the world’s largest affordable artistic community. Today 300 artists, dancers, actors, designers, writers and their families call it both home and studio. The community room at West Beth can be booked for rehearsals, non-profit organization meetings and numerous other neighborhood oriented needs, even for those who don’t reside there. Beginning August 14th West Beth, on Bethune St, will be celebrating its 40th anniversary with a group exhibition in the West Beth Gallery. Visit Thursday-Sunday, 1-6pm, for a chance to experience a retrospective of one of the West Village’s most artistically influential addresses.
Hester Street Fair: A LES Throw Back Reinvented
image courtesy of Carl MiKoy
The Lower East Side of New York is one of the oldest and most historically rich nabes in Manhattan. Hardworking immigrant families from all over Europe made their homes here more than a century ago. And while it is now a predominantly Latino community, with gentrification paving the way for a new, young crowd, the remnants of Jewish and German cultures are still prominent, as well.
Back in the day, Hester Street, at Essex Street near Seward Park, was home to the largest pushcart market in the city, a hub for peddlers of all kinds. Nowadays the food offerings are still local, but lobster rolls, damn good barbecue, and gourmet pretzels and cupcakes have replaced the fish and bread of old. Each weekend more than 60 vendors (many vary from week to week) sell vintage clothing, crafts and jewelry, fresh farm produce and the most delicious street fair food imaginable. “We knew that if we had great food, the rest would fall into place,” fair cofounder SuChin Pak told Time Out New York.
image courtesy of Misterteacher
There is something for everyone here, and that’s exactly the point: a reflection of this dynamic neighborhood in all it’s diverse, evolving glory. Not only does the fair bring LESers together, but it also attracts folks from other nabes who wouldn’t normally venture that far south.
Visit every Saturday and Sunday, rain or shine, through December.