On Franklin Avenue, around Quincy, midst brick and mortar corner walk-ups separated by rows of asymmetrical two and three storey houses is one high, stately home made of wood, for which reason alone would make it stand out were it not for the six or seven chickens who live in its front yard. They have their own house in there and the yard is their domain, it being, well, a chicken-tended dirt surface, free of rocks, and mostly free of fallen feathers, except for a few which are hard to spot because of their earthen color.
It is one landmark you might pass as you walk from the Franklin Avenue Station to Bedford Avenue and Greene Street where is a shop called Candy Colored Girl where live more birds of differing species, and no chickens.
The walk takes enough time to feel deeply the bite of a 50° spring day when the wind is blowing hard enough to lay over the daffodils or make a close-hauled sail exciting.
Candy Colored Girl is the domain of Nora Young, the person with an eye for birds, but unlike the Franklin chickens, these Bedford birds have stopped preening themselves as they are dead, and the subject of photographs which when seen will remind you of Victorian black and white funerary art, but here they still wear their beautiful and brilliant plumage, in living color.
Equally beautiful frocks and Nora's attitude make this corner of Bed-Stuy vibrate—but oh, those tortoise shell shades!
Find your way with 301 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
The American Folk Art Museum in New York hosts free live jazz and eclectic concerts, with thoughtful exhibits and a folksy gift shop worth browsing.
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A walk through Central Park in New York is probably your best way of appreciating the folliage change colors. I recommend walking along the allée of elms.
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"Sisters" in New York is a Jamaican restaurant. Let's put it like this: when I go to Jamaica, I don't seek a restaurant until I come back!
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"Patisserie des Ambassades" in New York has extensive opening hours and prepares dishes & desserts for every time of day. It's refreshingly old-fashioned.
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"Loeb Boathouse Restaurant" in New York's Central Park is in the vicinity of the Bethesda Fountain and I think it's best for a warm-weather drink...
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In the lobby of 1166 Avenue of the Americas in NYC hang some significant tapestries by Lichtenstein & a large bronze homage to capitalism by Otterness...
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The MTA in NYC offers subway "nostalgia rides" during the summer months on old cars from the '30s and '40s. Book your ticket now!
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"Teranga" in New York City, in the Africa Center, is a restaurant as well as a library. It feels musical and maintains a feeling of communal comfort...
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"Grand Bazaar" NYC is the city's largest outdoor market, also with an indoor section. Here you can find absolutely everything and for bargain prices!
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S&P Sandwich Shop, opened in 1928, serves Jewish classics like matzoh ball soup and latkes in a nostalgic setting that feels like stepping back in time. A must-visit!
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Games of Professional Baseball in New York doesn't just mean watching the Yankees play and paying 100s of dollars: watch a Class A game for much cheaper!
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301 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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