Technically the oldest street in New York City’s West Village, CHRISTOPHER STREET – so named in 1799 – is a continuation of 9th Street west of 6th Avenue. With a plethora of unique shops and restaurants, it ia the embodiment of old world charm meeting 21st Century innovation, bursting with bold creativity and jovial spirit. Most importantly, Christopher Street became the historical hub of gay life in New York City and continues to be a cultural center for the LGBTQ community.
LGBTQ HISTORY MADE HERE
In the early hours of June 28th, 1969, police officers raided the Stonewall Inn. Unlike typical raids of gay establishments at the time, this one did not come with advanced warning and those being rounded up by the police did not wait quietly or peacefully. Instead, a riot broke out among the bar patrons aligned with neighborhood bystanders against the attacking police officers. It marked the first time a unified gay community took action in letting the authorities know that they were no longer willing to participate in their own persecution. That night launched Stonewall Inn’s reputation as the birthplace of the gay rights movement. In 2016 the building was designated a national monument. Across the street in Christopher Park is George Segal’s sculpture “Gay Liberation”. Installed in 1992 after a 12 year battle with Greenwich Village residents, the work consists of four life-size bronze figures modeled after two gay couples who were friends of the artist.
SHOPS ON CHRISTOPHER
John Derian Company: Step inside this charming 500 foot space that once housed a former pet shop and you will feel as though you’ve left Manhattan and been transported to a cozy shop on Paris’s Left Bank. This home accessories shop is filled with decoupage glassware, vintage silverware, vibrant tablecloths and accent pieces from around the world. You can never go wrong buying a gift here for your lucky friends and yourself! Greenwich Letterpress: I’m a sucker when it comes to quirky, innovative paper, greeting cards and stationary. In this age of all things online, there is no better gift nor nothing cooler than receiving a card, a note or an invitation (let alone one that’s uniquely tailored to the sender or receiver’s particular taste) in the mail. What a concept! This place has it all and more. Three Lives & Company Books, technically on 10th Street, this West Village book shop has been a neighborhood staple since 1968. Books cover every surface of this tiny store and the staff is super helpful and really encourage communication. This is the store you go into to buy one book and come out with an armload. McNulty’s Tea & Coffee Company, a visit to MCNULTY’S is like a journey to another age. Immediately upon entering the shop, the senses are delighted by the aroma of coffees and teas from around the world. Sacks of coffee and chests of tea with obscure markings from far away lands are visible everywhere.
EATS
There are so many wonderful restaurants in the West Village and a couple of my favorites are on Christopher Street. Boucherie – on a cute corner of Christopher Street tucked behind a beautiful wooden door is the smaller but more quaint of the Boucherie restaurants. I especially love this spot for weekend brunch. Grab a seat by the window for great people watching. Jeffrey’s Grocery – a focus on seafood and American fare at this spot, Jeffrey’s has a full raw bar menu and a selection of oysters that change daily. Joseph Leonard – a tiny, sweet restaurant with a warm friendly atmosphere serving American cuisine with French and Southern touches. Try the Steak au Poive – it’s delicious!
ICONIC SPOT
An iconic symbol of Greenwich Village, Village Cigars has resided at its present location since 1922. Housed under the unmistakable red and white sign on the southwest corner of 7th Avenue South and Christopher Street, this little triangular tobacco/convenience store does a brisk business in everything from lighters, flasks, lottery tickets, candy bars and cheap cigars.
PRETTIEST SIDE STREET
Gay Street is a beautiful one block street that was originally a stable alley, extending from Christopher Street to Waverly Place. Contrary to popular myth, the name does not refer to the LGBTQ character of the village but rather is thought to have come from a family named Gay who lived there in colonial times. One of the most photographed streets in New York it is also where the opening shots of Cyndi Lauper’s video “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” was filmed.