The Soho Experience: What Is There to Do?
Often referred to as Manhattan’s richest and most exclusive locations, SoHo is also a very old neighborhood radiant with raw and authentic New York City charm. As far as we New Yorkers go, this is where you want to be if you want to take in some of the city’s finest shops and boutiques but also experience cutting-edge art galleries and cultural venues. In SoHo, beautifully restored cast iron buildings line picturesque cobblestone streets where the people watching is unbeatable - the chic, the artsy and the outright avant-garde love to stroll this haute neighborhood.
SoHo, which is short for “South of Houston” is a neighborhood bordered by Houston Street to the north, Broadway and Lafayette to the east, Canal Street to the south and the Hudson River to the west. The streets here are pretty close together, so navigation is easy; and because the area is so highly concentrated with exquisite places to see, shop and eat, the best way to get around is definitely on foot.
Do you like cool furniture? In what used to be a small, former gallery space on Greene Street you will today find a sprawling Mecca of decorative art, furniture and lighting known as Moss - a must-see shopping destination for contemporary and 20th century design lovers. For those who are fans of photography, don’t miss The SoHo Photo Gallery on White Street. If you are into natural history you will love Evolution, a unique store on Spring Street where friends of mine say you can buy everything from mammoth hair to decadently old pearls. For some beautiful organic soaps, home fragrances, and essential oils head to Sabon, also on Spring Street for good old SOHO shopping in NY manhattan. Whatever you are hoping to find, nearly everything is available in SoHo.
When you need a break from your shopping, rest your feet at one of the many superb eateries here. Organic food is at its best at Spring Street Natural, a spacious restaurant with a tasty menu. Or if you are heading to the Angelika Film Center on Houston for some excellent independent cinema, check out their renowned cafй for some tasty snacks. SoHo is also dotted with world-class restaurants. From renowned Balthazar on Spring Street to the neighbors’ favorite Raoul’s on Prince Street, you cannot go wrong.
When you live in a city like New York you learn that the best way to experience any neighborhood is to keep an open mind. Take your time to explore SoHo and you will discover that around every prime cobblestone corner there is a wonderful surprise.
