That afternoon it was pouring rain; splashing along East 7th Street in the Village I decided the antidote to my cold feeling, wet-leathered feet should be a bowl of matzoh ball soup at Veselka over on Second Avenue. Umbrella tilted toward the wind I glimpsed beneath it tulip and daffodil colours in the window of this shop and beyond, its interior coziness. So I went inside, then realized that I had been there, years before, seeking a black cashmere wool fitted baseball hat.
Still present was the coziness, but not the cap. Instead, perched atop vintage wooden hat blocks and flanges was a range of striking cloches, turbans, fedoras, toppers, sisals, raffias, toyos and porkpies. I didn't see any toques.
The shop offers classes in which you can make your own hat with provided supplies; seeming eager to please and accommodate its customers and students, one class begins at 2am and ends at 5am!
Of all possible souvenirs or mementos of a trip to New York, none seems more special than a unique, hand-made hat, a piece of lifelong lasting jewelry, or a piece of original art work. For jewelry, read about Icon Style, for artwork The Old Print Shop.
Find your way with 308 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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This sun soaked park bench is a destination neighborhood residents know, spending time there in observation. It’s one of the more fabulous NYC stages.
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Among its offerings are a $10 breakfast special and its enormous $15 lunchtime hamburger, a price unobtainable anywhere else within walking distance.
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"Der Krung" in Hell's Kitchen in New York City is by far my favorite Thai place around. One of the best things about it is the $9.75 lunch special...
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"Dinastia" is a great Cuban-Chinese restaurant in New York City. They definitely make soul food here. Consider the squid and rice: it's always good...
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"Studio Museum in Harlem" in New York focuses on local, national and international artists of African descent and other work inspired by black culture...
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Its bright neon sign is easy to spot. Stand Up NY feels like a proper theater as it has a street-level entrance and the programming is mad extensive,
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308 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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