Daytripping: Explore the West Village, beat the crowds

Pictured above, a portrait of Michelle Obama by Amy Sherald at the Whitney Museum; Pier 17 on the East River; buildings on Bleeker Street in the West Village; gardens of St. Luke's Church; the Fulton Stall Market on South Street. (DAISY LAWRENCE PHOTOS)

By DAISY LAWRENCE

Welcome to the final installment of my summer column that tackles New York City travel plans. 

I grew up in Mount Kisco, but for the past five years, I have lived mainly in Manhattan. I spent four years at Columbia University and for the past year I have lived in the West Village. In that time, I have learned that I can be a resource to a parent, cousin or friend who makes the trip to the city and needs a recommendation. Whether your city visit is principally for pleasure or business, this column aims to provide some helpful suggestions for interesting destinations, neighborhoods and activities that you might consider to round out your next trip into the city.

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Question: What is your favorite way to spend a full summer day in New York City?

Answer: I would spend the day in my current neighborhood, the West Village, where I have quickly discovered new interests and effortlessly spent countless hours with friends, family, and on solo adventures. Here are some of the summer highlights.

Start your morning on West 14th St. Take the 1, 2, or 3 train from Times Square, or there’s a garage at 160 W. 10th St. that also happens to neighbor one of my favorite bookstores, Three Lives & Company. 

The Whitney Museum of American Art, located at 99 Gansevoort St., opens at 10:30 a.m., and this is the best time to wander through its collections and the surrounding area before the crowds of tourists swell and you realize there isn’t much shade in the Meatpacking District. The fifth floor is my favorite and currently features two fantastic exhibitions on view through Aug. 10: “Amy Sherald: American Sublime” whose portrait of Michelle Obama you may be familiar with, and sculptor Louise Nevelson, who once remarked, “I see New York City as a great big sculpture.” 

Having enjoyed some arts and culture in the AC, the rest of the day is yours to meander less purposefully — indeed, my favorite summer day is slow. Walk over to Hudson Street for a diner lunch at Bus Stop Café, brunch at Anton’s, a burger at Corner Bistro (cash only), or gourmet takeout from Bonsignour on Jane Street (to be eaten in the shaded Abingdon Square Park). If you are in the West Village on Saturday, you might even catch the farmers market in Abingdon Square Park.

After lunch, continue down Hudson or Bleeker streets for some shopping. My favorite spots are The End of History for intriguing vintage glassware, Air Mail for a selection of books and homeware, and Zoomies for gifts for your dog. At Hudson and Barrow Street, escape into the gardens at St. Luke’s for a peaceful and shaded respite before walking to The Commerce Inn at 50 Commerce St. You could go inside for a beer or simply walk past and admire the old buildings on this street, which transport you into another era.

Turn right onto Bedford Street, another historic street that is perhaps my favorite in all of New York City. At the intersection of Bedford, West Houston, and Sixth Avenue is a small park. While you’re here, check to see if there’s an upcoming film at the Film Forum, just a block away at 209 West Houston St. The Film Forum is a nonprofit theater that shows artfully chosen independent films — almost anything they screen is bound to be thought-provoking, artful, and something you have never seen before. And, after a day of walking, sitting in a dark theater with snacks and entertainment is a fantastic way to recharge. My favorite summer day ends with a fantastic dinner, of which there are too many options to choose from in the West Village. Reservations are recommended at the Waverly Inn and Garden for tavern vibes; Port Sa’id for a fun atmosphere and flavors of the Mediterranean; Roeys for pizzas and spritzes; and St. Jardim for shared plates and an artsy crowd. 

A walk-in might work at the Little Owl for a laid-back and intimate experience; Fiaschetteria Pistoia for homemade pasta and their house red; Molé for reliable Mexican; and Tartine for French fare. 

And for special occasions, visit Cecchi’s at 105 W. 13th St., Semma at 60 Greenwich Ave., and  I Sodi, at 314 Bleecker St.

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Question: I am looking to explore the city but would like to avoid the summer tourist crowds. Do you have any suggestions?

Answer: Adventure by sea on an NYC Ferry. With plenty of day-trip destinations from Manhattan, including Staten Island and Queens, I will share my itinerary for a seaside excursion to Red Hook, Brooklyn.

Take the 4, 5, or 6 train to South Street Seaport from Grand Central Terminal or drive on the FDR Drive. There, you will find a sleepier part of Manhattan with sun-soaked piers jutting out into the East River — this area used to be the site of the Fulton Fish Market, the largest seafood market in the country, until 2005.

Before walking along the water to Pier 11, plan to spend some time in the South Street Seaport neighborhood. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, you can step aboard the 1885 steel-hulled Tall Ship Wavertree, a restored cargo ship docked outside Pier 17. Shop the Fulton Stall Market at 91 South St., open Monday through Saturday, from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. This farmers market offers locally grown and produced foods from over 100 family farms in New York. I recommend trying the honey from local beekeepers and picking up a free guide to the area at the checkout desk.

Take lunch to-go from the market inside the Tin Building by Jean-Georges before heading to the ferry. For a hidden gem, try El Luchador at 87 South St. You may have to wait in line, but the tacos and burritos are worth it.

Download the NYC Ferry app and check the schedule for ferries departing Wall St/Pier 11 for Red Hook/Atlantic Basin on the South Brooklyn line. From Pier 17, it is a 10-minute walk to Pier 11, and you can buy your ferry tickets at the terminal or online on the app.

The ferry ride from Wall Street to Red Hook is approximately 20 minutes, and during the weekdays, not very crowded. Upon docking in the Atlantic Basin, you will find a quiet neighborhood with wonders nestled in old warehouses alongside several newer developments. I love this excursion for the escape from Manhattan and the scenic opportunity to sit, enjoy a picnic by the sea, and feel as though I am away without really being too far from home.

Walk down Van Brunt Street toward the water. Many of the warehouses you will pass are now occupied by occasional artsy antique stores, like Lanoba, and artist studios, like the Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition, which occasionally hosts exhibitions. Red Hook Winery, Widow Jane, and Strong Rope Brewery are also housed in warehouses and offer an opportunity to try beverages from New York producers. 

You may know Red Hook for its famous burger at the Red Hook Tavern and the meats at Hometown Bar-B-Que. Both are great options, albeit they tend to attract tremendous crowds on gorgeous summer weekends. I recommend bringing your picnic from the Seaport and sitting at the waterfront tables at Strong Rope Brewery, which allows you to bring your own food and serves a wide selection of New York brews. From there, enjoy one of the only frontal views of the Statue of Liberty from land.