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!

ACBP, E, F, G...

Okay, so maybe that's not  how the alphabet goes, but who cares? 

Today we are talking about a bar where the owners are known as "the beer whisperers," the Arts and Crafts Beer Parlor.The thing that's so special about this bar is exactly what's in the name, great beer and great art. While it is a beer bar, it still has a far better selection of wines than most other beer bars. It also has great bar food! Who doesn't love a steaming hot soft pretzel? 

Now this beer is amazing, as we've already clarified, but why? Well,  Arts and Crafts Beer Parlor has a high tech subterranean beer cellar right under your feet!. This "Bugatti of beer taps," makes absolute sure that the beer you're drinking is always served at exactly 32 degrees. There's nothing more refreshing than a nice cold beer on a hot summer day.The cellar also features a custom-made chill room for their kegs and bottles to keep them at the perfect temperature.

Now for info on the beer! Don and Bob (our beer whisperers), always make sure their bar features 24 great tasting beers on tap and are always very knowledgeable and able to help you find the perfect beer for you, as is their great staff. If beer is your thing, go ahead and do the "run of the board." which is a tasting of all 24 beers on tap. If beer just isn't your thing however or you're too scared to try the run of the board,  try a tasting flight: your choice of either 6, 12, or 18 different beers. They also have growlers to go if you don't want the party to end when you head home.

They have up different art exhibits as well and they change every few months or so. So you should definitely hit up this bar and go try some beer!

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. 

Friday's Featured Cocktail: Hell-Or-High-Watermelon

Hey everyone, TGIF! So this week our featured cocktail is actually a beer, but a very in season one at that. As everyone is still nursing their hangovers from the fourth of July,  others would rather choose to take "The Hair of The Dog" path. Well, this refreshing beer is a great way to do so!

Hell-Or-High-Watermelon is a wheat beer that is very light in its looks and its taste. The first sip you take leaves you feeling like you just bit into a fresh piece of watermelon, but without the seeds! Not much to complain about there, right? It's crisp and refreshing while not being as filling as a regular beer, which leaves you plenty of room to drink more!

This beer can be found at The Writing Room on the Upper East Side, The Well in Williamsburg, or even as a six pack at your local bodega.

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.