Couple of neighborhoods in New York are as rich in social history as Harlem, a shelter for African-American legacy. This walk begins in Strivers' Row, one of only a handful couple of ranges that gave reasonable lodging amid the 1920s and 1930s when the region prospered with innovative and scholarly expression. It takes you past eminent gospel holy places, jazz and blues clubs, and closures at the Apollo Theater, Harlem's well known showcase for new specialists.
Tips for Walkers
Starting point: Strivers' Row
Length: 1.75 miles ( 2.8km)
Getting there: Take subway train 2 or 3 to 135th St and Lenox Ave, then walk north to 138th St and west to Seventh Ave. Or take M2, M7, or M10 bus to 135th St and walk to Seventh Ave.
Stopping-off Points: Sylvia's on 127th and Lenox is the famous soul food place in Harlem, where you can eat amazing New York food. It is the perfect place to refuel.
Strivers' Row
The tree-lined territory on 138th Street somewhere around Seventh and Eighth roads is the St. Nicholas Historic District, usually known as Striver's Row. In the 1920s and 1930s rich and powerful dark experts going for better lives moved into homes outlined by such incredible designers as James Brown Lord and McKim, Mead and White. Signs on a portion of the entryways still read "Private street walk your horses." A short bypass left on Seventh Avenue and right on 139th Street, where in 1932 16-year-old Billie Holiday moved into No. 108 in a matter of seconds before finding her first singing employment at a club in adjacent "Jungle Alley."
Apollo Theatre
On West 125th Street is the renowned Apollo Theater, where since 1934 "stars are born and legends are made." These entertainers have gone in style from Ella Fitzgerald to James Brown. Since 1987, "Amateur hour at the Apollo" has been broadcast across the country and the theater has turned into the third-most prominent traveler destination in Manhattan. Therefore if you are travelling to New York City, especially if it is your first time, the Apollo Theatre is definitely a place to visit in NYC.
Article Provided by michela@welovenyc.com