Exploring SoHo: A Vibrant Blend of Art, History, and Modern Culture in Lower Manhattan

Introduction

Only in New York City would a neighborhood be known as SoHo, that is, south of Houston Street. Only in New York City would it be pronounced Houston How-stun.

These claims to fame pale in comparison to the colorful history, architectural splendor, magnificent shopping and dining opportunities of this Lower Manhattan district, along with its past reputation as an art gallery enclave.

Main article

SoHo shines as one of the most modern and diverse neighborhoods in the Big Apple. Upscale stores like Tiffany and Dior bypass street vendors selling knockoff watches and jewelry, clothing, homemade art, and all manner of knick-knacks. About 500 buildings make up a 26-block historic district. The galleries provide hints of a time when the area was world famous for its thriving art scene.

Adding to the appeal are facilities and assistance aimed at making SoHo as accessible as possible for people with disabilities. While not all subway stations in the area are easily manageable, the Broadway-Lafayette Street and Canal Street stations have elevators and accessible entrances. New York City buses are wheelchair accessible, making them a convenient option for getting around SoHo and the surrounding area. Taxis and ride-sharing services often have accessible vehicle options, and New York City’s Accessible Dispatch Service can accommodate transportation requests.

Looking back in history, what is now SoHo during the colonial period was farmland given to formerly enslaved people, which became the first free black settlement on the island of Manhattan. At the time of the American Revolution, numerous fortifications were located there.

Fast forward to mid 19^th century when an explosion of cast iron buildings created the largest collection of this type of architecture in the world. The flexible metal was molded into intricate patterns that were used to enclose spacious, high-ceilinged interiors with enlarged windows. When these spacious, well-lit lofts became vacant, they began to attract artists and SoHo became the epicenter of New York City’s thriving gallery scene.

While that came to an end in the 1990s, some notable art spaces remain in the community. The Eden Gallery is an international company that represents artists from all over the world. The Georges Burges Gallery exhibits works by established and emerging creators.

Art also decorates the exterior of some buildings and other surfaces. An outdoor mural, applied in 1974, combined that medium with the hidden architectural treasure. It represents a false cast iron façade that echoes that which adorns its neighbors. The man-made architectural gem serves as an introduction to the SoHo Cast Iron Historic District, to me one of the neighborhood’s most intriguing attractions. Other images embellish mailboxes, streetlights and many other flat surfaces scattered throughout the enclave.

Adding to the attractiveness of the surroundings are the streets paved with Belgian blocks. These are decorative rectangular stones that were formerly widely used in the country that gives them their name because they provided better grip for horses’ hooves than a smooth surface. While crossing these streets can be challenging for mobility devices, the sidewalks are generally accessible.

SoHo’s architectural riches, combined with its longstanding reputation as a haven for artists and, more recently, a virtual shopping mecca, make it a must-visit location on my future trips to New York City.

When I return, I will surely return to dine at Fanelli’s Café, a nondescript establishment with a great history. The site it occupies has been documented since 1644, and food and drinks have been served there since 1847. Over time, the building also served as a grocery store, saloon, and, during the Prohibition years, a speakeasy.

It was a gathering place for members of the artist community and for patrons ranging from boxing champion Rocky Graziano to singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. I enjoyed watching old silent movies on the TV and chatting with the bartender, who complemented the generous drinks with colorful tidbits about the establishment’s interesting past. I also noted that the cafe lives up to its reputation for being welcoming to guests with mobility issues.

Another cozy dining establishment is Balthazar, a lively brasserie serving traditional French food from breakfast to dinner and weekend brunch.

A magnet for those with a sweet tooth is the Dominique Ansel bakery. In addition to the owner-chef’s innovations like the cookie shot and frozen s’mores, people often line up long before the store opens to make sure they can enjoy the long-awaited Cronut. So beloved is that cross between a croissant and a donut that customers limit themselves to purchasing two of the tempting delights.

If you’re visiting SoHo with kids, a couple of places are likely to be highlights for youngsters. The Museum of Ice Cream is housed in a building that dates back to the 1860s. Today’s visitors can jump into a pool filled with colorful sprinkles, plummet down a three-story slide, and enjoy unlimited ice cream.

The curiously named Sloomoo Institute is an interactive experiential space dedicated to slime. Those willing can dip their hands into dozens of scented substances, design their own substance, and take a slime shower.

Movie buffs can visit several SoHo locations where movies and television shows have been filmed. One is the cast-iron apartment building that served as Molly’s (Demi Moore) home in the film. Ghost. Not far away is the street where Patrick Swayze, playing Sam Wheat, was shot during a robbery gone wrong and died, only to return as an apparition that saves Molly’s life.

If filming locations or free ice cream aren’t enough reasons to visit New York’s SoHo district, perhaps the art and architecture are. Add a colorful history, a shopper’s paradise, and a desired destination for discerning diners, and if you haven’t stopped by on previous trips to the city, the question is why not.

For more information about SoHo, log on to nyctourism.com

Author Credentials:

Victor Block has been a travel journalist for many years, writing for major travel newspapers, magazines and websites and serving as editor of Fodor’s travel guides. He is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers and the North American Travel Journalists Association. Victor is a regular review contributor to Disabled World’s travel section. Visit Victors’ biography to learn more about his background, experience and achievements.

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Cite this page (APA): Block, V. (2024, November 14). Exploring SoHo: A vibrant mix of art, history, and modern culture in Lower Manhattan. Disabled world. Retrieved November 14, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/travel/usa/soho.php

Permanent link: Exploring SoHo: A vibrant mix of art, history and modern culture in Lower Manhattan– Exploring the vibrant SoHo neighborhood in New York City, known for its rich history, stunning cast iron architecture, eclectic shops, and artistic heritage.

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