The Arch

This magnificent arch was once just plaster and wood, erected in 1889 to celebrate the centennial of President George Washington's inauguration. The people who came up with this idea obviously did something right, as it became very popular and only three years later was replaced with a permanent marble arch designed by New York architect Stanford White.

Standing at 77 feet tall, this beautiful arch is focused around Washington's ideas of war and peace. It's hollow and contains a stairway up to the roof. Rumor has it that at one point a civil war veteran was living inside the arch! No one knew until one day someone spotted his laundry hanging up to dry!

The park is now a very popular spot now. Many people from all over nyc come to hang out in this park, along with many nyu students because it's practically on their campus.

One other cool thing about the park is a certain row of houses just outside of the park. They are actually known as "the row," and New York's elite moved here in 1820. Now, most of it is owned by New York University, but Artist Edward Hopper lived here for quite some time with his wife in #3 Washington Square North until he died in 1967. He lived there for about 54 years. Also, in the famous 2007 film, I Am Legend, Will Smith's character had the address , 11 Washington Square North. How cool!

Ten Movies You Probably Didn't Know had a scene in Washington Square Park

Let's face it... we New Yorkers love our city. One thing we do not love though, is the price of some things. For example, $15 for a movie ticket in Manhattan? You're kidding me, right? For being in an apartment with no AC on what is the hottest day of the year.... I think I would still rather sweat it out here than to go to the movies. So instead, let's talk about some NYC movies that have filmed scenes in Washington Square Park.

10) Hackers (1995)

A young boy is arrested by the U.S. Secret Service for writing a computer virus and is banned from using a computer until his 18th birthday. Years later, he and his new-found friends discover a plot to unleash a dangerous computer virus, but they must use their computer skills to find the evidence while being pursued by the Secret Service and the evil computer genius behind the virus. 

9) Kids (1995)

A day in the life of a group of teens as they travel around New York City skating, drinking, smoking, and deflowering virgins.

8) Searching For Bobby Fischer (1993)

A prepubescent chess prodigy refuses to harden himself in order to become a champion like the famous but unlikable Bobby Fischer.

7) My Sassy Girl (2008)

A sweet Midwestern guy with his life planned out for himself is wooed, groomed, and ultimately dumped by a complicated, elusive gal.

6) Fresh (1994)

Michael (or Fresh as he's well known) is a 12-year-old drug pusher who lives in a crowded housing project with his cousins and aunt. His father has become a street bum, but still meets with Fresh on occasion to play chess. Fresh is rather quiet in a crazy world. Fresh's sister is a junkie who sleeps with the dealers who Fresh sells for. As the story progresses Fresh realizes that he doesn't want to sell drugs anymore, he wants out. 

5) The Visitor (2007)

A college professor travels to New York City to attend a conference and finds a young couple living in his apartment.

4) When Harry Met Sally (1989)

Harry and Sally have known each other for years, and are very good friends, but they fear sex would ruin the friendship.

3) Bad Company (2002) 

When a Harvard-educated CIA agent is killed during an operation, the secret agency recruits his twin brother.

2) Ghostbusters II (1989)

The discovery of a massive river of ectoplasm and a resurgence of spectral activity allows the staff of Ghostbusters to revive the business.

1) I Am Legend (2007)

Years after a plague kills most of humanity and transforms the rest into monsters, the sole survivor in New York City struggles valiantly to find a cure.

All bios, links, and posters courtesy of IMDb.com

Fridays Featured Cocktail: Kalimotxo

The Kalimotxo- red wine mixed with Coca-Cola or white wine mixed with Sprite. Best served on the rocks. We found this gem in the east village at a Basque inspired Spanish restaurant called Huertas. This drink is very popular in Basque culture. It has a very unique flavor, so if you're feeling adventurous or have to find a wine to drink red wine without it being too dry, this is your best bet.

According to their website, "The name Huertas translates to orchards, or small gardens. These orchards dominate the landscape of northern Spain". 

One of the things this restaurant is known best for though, is their hot dogs window. Hot dogs made with chistorra sausage, a variety of pork sausage seasoned with paprika. These things are mouth watering and delicious. So start your weekend right and go check out Huertas, grab a Kalimotxo and a dog and pig out. 

Is This Tea or Is This...?

Happy Tipsy Tuesday! Thirsty? Just imagine how the people during the Prohibition felt! They were probably desperate for some libations. So much so that along with the Prohibition came the introduction of Speakeasies.  If you've downloaded our app, hopefully you'll understand why we're giving you this little history lesson.

The Tea Room in the village, owned by Henry and June Miller was one of the many speakeasies found in New York City. This one in particular was located in the basement of their home at 106 Perry St. in what is now known as the west village. It opened in September of 1925 but was out of business around December of that same year. Unfortunately, the not-so-happy couple drank all their profits. Seems they were pretty thirsty as well.

Cool, right? Well if you're itching to learn more about tea rooms or have worked up a thirst yourself, download our app from iTunes! We all know that there's tons of stuff to learn about NYC, but learning is always better with a few drinks along the way!

Download our app here: http://tinyurl.com/onzsscs

A Great Review from ART NERD NEW YORK!

"Art Nerd New York is a guide to cool, hidden, and unique New York City art and art history," and we're thrilled that Art Nerd New York is a fan of Cocktails & Curiosities self-guided walking tours of New York City's Greenwich Village.

CLICK HERE TO READ ART NERD NEW YORK'S REVIEW

Keith Haring's mural is a featured stop on Greenwich Village Walking Tour #2 available on both iTunes and Google Play. 

Many thanks to Two Roads Brewing Co. for sponsoring the Cocktails & Curiosities Art Exhibition Opening!

Based in Stratford, Connecticut, Two Roads Brewing Co. makes an excellent assortment of craft beers, and we were thrilled and honored that Two Roads sponsored Christi Scofield's Cocktails & Curiosities art exhibition opening event at Arts & Crafts Beer Parlor in NYC's Greenwich Village.  Thank you, Two Roads!