One evening, in cool, pleasant autumn air—en route to ROCKMIL, a salon on the backside of Harlem’s Sugar Hill—Sister’s Uptown Bookstore presented itself.
Its storefront window light backlit the early evening gatherers outside, some staring down trays of fried chicken and pork ribs displayed in the window of the takeout next door.
Inside, were folks sitting by the entrance reading, others gathered near the back in a manner of discussion that drew me closer, wanting to hear what was going on, to pick up some clues.
Owner Kori Wilson worked at her overseer’s lectern, near the middle.
Searched for Ntozake Shange in the stack of shelves holding dozens and dozens of other poets—that midst thousands of other writers. I've not seen many shops like this one, none within miles of my Upper West Side home.
The thing is, Ms Wilson offers so many authors of the African diaspora that I was alarmed to wonder why I did not think the number would be so great.
This eye-opening trove of books is a comforting way to look more deeply into that question but you’re never going to stumble across it unless you make a point of visiting the neighborhood to discover this and what else is going on.
Here, midst readings—even drum circles— the Wilson sisters pledge to "…provide an educational, emotional, spiritual and loving environment for our diverse community" which they have done for the past fifteen years.
This is what In The Heights is about.
Find your way with 301 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"The Elevated Acre" is in the middle of the Financial District in NYC, but you would never see it when passing by - this park is hidden above street level!
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John's Pizza is situated inside a former tabernacle with a domed stain glass ceiling about 50 feet above, and ‘sliced’ into 8 sections, just like a pizza.
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On Broad Street stands a bronze sculpture named Fearless Girl which exudes bravery, pride and strength but not, according to the artist, 'defiance'...
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The space functions day to day as a bright and modern-looking upscale deli and on certain evenings, it doubles as a performance space for stand-up comics.
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It’s all free, on a first-come, first-served basis. You'll get a life jacket, a paddle, a 'kayak', and a locker, for a session of approximately 20 minutes.
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"Amsterdam Billiards" in New York has a nice bar, nice service and soft couches. It's a well-known place to play (and watch!) billiards, darts, foosball...
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The Cage in West Village is a chain link fenced, bagel-sized basketball court in New York. Here you can also find handball, a citywide spectacle...
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"The Seasoned Vegan" in New York is crowded (in a good way), energizing and really fun. I got the Harlem Chopped Cheeseburger, and I'd order it again...
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"TAP - NYC" makes Brazilian tapioca from yuca! I really love their Pão de Queijo, tangerine-sized, feather-weight bread-puffs with molten cheese...
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"Bethesda Terrace" in New York's Central Park is home to Bethesda Fountains, sculptural balustrades and breathtaking magical depictions of wild animals...
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"Bodegas" are NYC convenience stores that are as much an essential part of urban culture as are chippies in Whitley Bay or curry shops in London, England...
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You can see eight of the thirty-six paintings by "Johannes Vermeer" in New York City. There's a ninth one, but it's behind closed doors...
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