Morningside Heights is a slice of Manhattan that is on my radar and need to explore more. When I…read morewalked up the subway platform I felt a difference here; there's a small village like ambience. It's very different from other parts of Manhattan.
I only had a small taste of it and what I've experienced so far is pretty great.
I've made a " Neighborhood To Do List" to experience what might be the epitome of culture in the Upper West Side:
1. Columbia University: The neighborhood is known for its strong connection to Columbia University and its surrounding educational institutions, contributing to a unique academic and creative arts atmosphere. I can imagine freshman students who begin their first academic year here.. must be thrilling
2. Parks: I love nature and still find Central Park to be an urban masterpiece. Morningside Heights is close to Morningside Park and the Riverside Park, offering residents ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and enjoying nature. I've visited Riverside Park but need to explore more and Morningside Park will be entirely new for me. Can't wait to discover it!
3. Restaurants: I've peeked into Tom's Diner ( Seinfeld hangout) but will dine there next month as I have an appointment near there. However, there are other great finds to explore: Dagon, Pasticci and Le Monde, I've bookmarked all in Yelp.
4. Churches: Morningside Heights has a wealth of churches, including the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Riverside Church, the Church of Notre Dame. Now, Riverside Church has a bell tower with an observation deck offering terrific views. I'm feeling very Hitchcock vibes and feel a bit of "Vertigo"
5. Historic Architecture: I can't wait to visit Morningside Heights Historic District
6. Community Events: I love jazz and have already bookmarked the Miller Theatre. "At Miller Theatre, we believe that price should not be a barrier to attendance. Our ticket prices are consistently lower than most other performing arts venues in the city, and we offer significant discounts on single ticket prices, including discounts for students, seniors, and the Columbia community." Love it!
7. Farmer's Market: I love visiting markets and MH has a wealth of them. One I really want to explore: The Farmers Market is open year-round, inside the Park at the corner of 110th Street and Manhattan Ave.
8. Shopping: MH has local boutiques for unique finds and that really appeals to me
9. Culture: So many libraries and museums to check out: Butler Library, El Museo de Barrio, General Grant National Memorial, NY Public Library of MH, Museum of the City of New York
10. Getting lost... just picking a block and discovering hidden treasures.
More to come.. stay tuned!