The Beacon on Broadway
It’s interesting because all during my corporate career whenever I travelled to New York City, I never spent any amount of time in the Upper West Side neighborhood. But it was six years ago this month, when I went looking for a place to spend my year (ha ha) in NYC…that I walked the streets and fell in love with this part of Manhattan.
2009…six years ago…seems like yesterday!
Why the Upper West Side? It had such a family atmosphere and a sense of community…not to mention a safe feeling to it. So it was no surprise when I read an article this week that the Upper West Side was named the second most livable neighborhood in the country for people 50-plus. “Despite its expensive housing, the Upper West Side offers a multi-generational and walkable community with great restaurants, world-class culture, cheap and convenient mass transit, as well as easy access to gyms and Central Park jogging paths.”
Not only do we have Central Park, but Riverside Park…with Eleanor Roosevelt at the entrance…
So let’s focus on world-class culture…just a week ago it was a performance at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. I’m so fortunate to have this 16 acre complex only ten blocks from the apartment. An evening with The New York City Ballet was exceptional…compliments of a great gal I met a couple of years ago while we were both photographing…thank you Darial! I’ve never been one for ballet…even though I took ballet myself for many many years as a child. Could it be age? Don’t know, but I think it also had something to do with the amazing talent of Amar Ramasar who just took my breath away! No doubt…this Bronx born dancer is going places and fast. You can witness it yourself it you have time for a three minute video here. (Believe me, after watching that first video, you’ll understand why!)
72nd Subway Station…five minute walk to an express subway!
Then along came an opportunity this past week to see an off-Broadway play in a small, intimate theatre – The McGinn/Cazale Theatre – just two blocks from the apartment. I mean really…two blocks – a three minute walk! The play titled “The Other Thing” is about a journalist gathering information about ghost hunters in rural Virginia. Written by Emily Schwend…”It’s about storytelling and fathers and sons and mothers and daughters. “It’s about the rage I feel sometimes as a lady navigating her way through a world that caters to men.” Trust me…the story and the acting kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. A great performance by John Doman, James Kautz, Bhavesh Patel and Samantha Soule. The organization responsible for it all…Second Stage Theatre Uptown. Their mission is to help develop and provide exposure for the voices of a new generation of theatre artists…so for more than three decades they have launched the successful careers of numerous directors, actors, playwrights and artists. Wonderful!
Riverside Drive in the Upper West Side
And then last night an event at Symphony Space…just a short subway ride north on Broadway… a reading by Sally Mann, one of America’s most renowned photographers. Her latest book – just released this week – Hold Still is a revealing memoir…and what better way to be introduced to it but to hear parts of it directly from Mann herself. Down to earth…articulate…funny…and obviously one heck of a writer based on her reading, not to mention this is her ninth published book. Oh, and a MA in creative writing doesn’t hurt either. Her photography has been exhibited in the Guggenheim, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Whitney, the Museum of Modern Art and many others. It’s those black and white images filled with drama and moodiness from her 8×10 view camera and unique printing style that just woos me. If her name sounds familiar you may recall all the controversy and negative criticism when Mann published a number of nude photos of her children while growing up on their farm in Virginia. Regardless of how you feel about that…there’s no doubt she is one talented lady.
So I’d say the publisher of the article (AARP) was right on…however, perhaps I’m biased…but in my eyes…my hood is definitely number one! I ❤️ the Upper West Side!
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Coming up? A visit to the new Whitney Museum and where I’m off to next!
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You know how much I agree….the UWS is pretty special….and so are you and Robert!
I know you love my hood too! So enjoyed our days together! Thank you!!
Fantastic! When do you ever sleep?!
LOL! Somehow I manage to squeeze it in, ha ha! Thank you!!! xo
Love it.
Thank you!
I love being able to “walk beside” you on your tours!
And I’m happy to have you by my side!!! Thanks Lou!
Having seen much of this for myself, dear, dear Robin, I can attest to the beauty and charm of your hood there in NYC. I’m one of the lucky ones, of course…as you are knowing some of what we see here in the Netherlands. I’m as thrilled for you as I am for me because I really couldn’t be happier! I share your enthusiasm, as you know!
I sure do know Ginnie! We both have such wonderful opportunities to explore! Very fortunate. Thanks always for your visits and comments! Now very soon you two need to come back over the pond for another visit! xo
I loved this tour round your neighbourhood and thought it sounds like just the kind of place I’d like to live in for a while. I looked up Sally Mann, and its a case of a women who sees the beauty in things having her work misinterpreted by those who see little beauty in things or have other agendas. Still, that’s the modern world eh: love it or hate it.
Thanks Duckie! I’m in total agreement with you…so appreciate your visit!
O I am so nostalgic and green with envy!! Super post Robin!
Thanks Catherine!! And I’m equally green with envy – IRELAND! Your hood is awesome too!
I remember when you first moved to “your city” and visiting you in your very first apartment there. It was on that trip that I got to see first hand why you fell in love with “your city” and I so enjoyed getting to walk the streets with you trying to take it all in in four of the most amazing days of my life! Love it and you!!! XoXo
Oh that was SO fun!!! The best! Thank you my sweet! xoxo
Love your neighborhood, too. “Won’t you be my neighbor?” LOL.
So glad you are living in the neighborhood in the city you love.
I especially love your, “Ta Da” shot of you!
Love that beautiful face and lady.
xoxoxo
Thanks Lisa!! So much!
It is clear you are thriving in this environment and loving the place you live. You feel at home and it shows in every picture you take and description you share. When I read this post, I am struck by how being immersed in place produces contentment. I know it’s a little corny, but “bloom where you are planted ” sounds like really good advice to me! Happy for you that every day brings adventure and art and culture and connection.
I’ve always loved that quote Donna and it’s perfect for me here in my city! Thank you so much always for your visits and wonderful comments!
Ok – I guess I need to do some apartment shopping in the Upper West side! You live in a marvelous town and I am happy for you that you found such a lovely neighbourhood!
Yes, would love to have you as a neighbor!!! Thanks so much!
OH yes, a beautiful part of the city. I’d say enjoy, but I know you will:)
Yes, no worries there Elena! Thank you!