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 301 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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!
by
"Rubenstein Atrium" in New York's Lincoln Center has a free performance every Thursday night. I recommend you try to arrive around 18:30 to catch a seat.
by
"Revson Fountain" at the Lincoln Center in NYC is one of the results of the renovation that started in 2006. It's spectacular and a must-see!
by
"Gray's Papaya" in New York equals classic hot dogs. This place has been here at least 45 years, and it's easy to see why. Great people-watching spot too.
by
"Paris Cinema", est. 1948, is the last single screen cinema in NYC today; what irony that it was saved from closing by Netflix itself...
by
The White Clam Sauce linguine is classic. So much is served that what can’t be eaten on the spot can be taken home and easily reheated the next day,
by
At the "American Legion Post 398" in New York City I get to hear jazz played the old fashioned way, Harlem in the '30s, '40s and '50s...
by
"A Great Day in Harlem" is an important photo of 58 jazz greats taken in 1958 in NYC. The building on 126th Street where it was taken is still there...
by
The 13-mile Hudson River Greenway in NYC, which begins at the George Washington Bridge, is the most heavily used bike trail in the USA...
by
"New Plaza Cinema" in NYC has one mission: to show independent, foreign and classic films. It is run by a grassroots group; how long will it survive?
by
"Manny's Bistro" is a French bistro in my neighborhood in New York. Susan & I prefer to sit at the bar, which makes us belong & contribute to the scene...
by
301 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 301 Insider Tips