Harlem, New York
Harlem is known for it's soul food , music, and African-American heritage! I've walked out my apartment to the sounds of Fantasia, James Brown, and Al Green. I've received small acts of kindness and many of the black man's head lifts on my frequent walks in Harlem. The poverty and drug use is present in Harlem, and so is the beauty, hope, and love.
Areas:
Central Harlem (125th and Lennox/MLK)
Central Harlem has been a cultural and artistic mecca since the 1920's and the birth of the Harlem Renaissance where it gained notoriety for its diverse population and rich heritage.
Stays:
Aloft Harlem
Aloft Harlem is a walk away from the many restaurants and landmarks in Harlem. The hotel provides dry cleaning/laundry services, a bar, and a gym. Free in-room WiFi and a 24-hour business center are available to all guests.
Restaurants:
Sylvia's
Sylvia’s Restaurant, the “The Queen of Soul Food”, has been serving authentic soul food for over 55 years, this restaurant remains a culinary must-visit for foodies. Gospel brunch Sundays, Live Music Wednesdays, and Daily Specials scream home-style cooking, within an at-home environment. Presidents, celebrities, and Harlemites alike call Sylvia’s home.
Crab Du Jour
Crab Du Jour is a cajun-inspired eatery, known for fresh seafood boils (made for sharing) and an array of signature house-blended sauces, to enhance the experience. They offer everything from delicious starters like wings, po-boys, chicken tenders, and seafood favorites such as fried fish, shrimp, crabs, and oysters.
Activities:
Apollo
The Apollo has been a place of dynamic energy and forward motion for more than 88 years. Go to The Apollo Website to see what shows are available for your trip!
Marcus Garvey Park
A park that nurtures its entire community, Marcus Garvey provides pastimes for children, teens, adults, and the elderly during the day. The two playgrounds are built for all children, giving the neighborhood's youngest members hours of fun on the park’s slides, fountains, and drawbridges. On summer days families and friends swim and sun in its outdoor pool, and in the warm evenings they gather to watch plays and concerts in the park’s amphitheater. You will also see the elderly playing board games, Harlem locals cooking out, and basketball games.
Gyms:
Planet Fitness
A diverse, Judgement Free Zone where a lasting, active lifestyle can be built. It is a 3 level facility full of cardio and workout equipment. Individuals are focused on their workout, and they still have time to be kind in between reps!
Desserts:
L.A. Sweets
L.A Sweets prides themselves on serving delicious sweet treats to the community. They offer fast service cupcakes, cookies, sliced cakes, cinnamon rolls, cheesecakes and much more. I recommend the red velvet and peanut butter cupcake.
Sugar Hill Creamery
Many of Sugar Hill Creamery's ice cream flavors and menu items are seasonal and rotate on a daily basis. There are flavors such as the Andy Griffith which is the best vanilla I have ever tasted thus far, and other more creative flavors such as Nunu's Peach Cobbler.
Drinks:
Harlem BBQ
Harlem BBQ is a great place to enjoy frozen drinks. Many people prefer the rum punch and others prefer the margaritas. There are many options in between. The drinks are flavorful and strong. The food is quite tasty as well.
Cantina Taqueria and Tequila Bar
Cantina is also a great place for frozen drinks with their blue patron leading the way for me. They also have many options with many flavors. The food is great here as well.
Smokes:
125th and Lennox
There are venders available walking east. You will see at least two venders with various strands and prices.
Mutaz Smoke Shop
Mutaz has plenty of options available from pipes, bowls, and vapes. There are also individuals near the shop with various strands.
Festivities:
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