When I visited New York last year, I had been given a recommendation for an inexpensive place to stay, called Leo House. Leo House is a Catholic Guest House (the website describes it as a "quiet Christian Guesthouse) that has been around since the early 1920's, offering affordable accomodations to travellers of all faiths, (or none, as the case may be). It's not fancy, in fact, it can be downright shabby, and if you have a strong adversion to crucifixes, pastels and floral prints, you may want to stay elsewhere, but both times I stayed there it was clean, safe, and the staff, which include lay people, and The Sisters of St. Agnes, were polite and efficient. And they have a great breakfast buffet Mondays - Saturdays for $9. The best thing about it is the location, which is right in the heart of Chelsea, which is a neighbourhood located on the West side of Manhattan, bordered roughly by 14th Street to the South, 30th Street to the North, the Hudson River to the West and Sixth Avenue to the East.
Prior to staying at Leo House I didn't really know anything about Chelsea, other than it was the home of the famous Hotel Chelsea, where a great many artists and musicians lived and worked.
As a long-time fan of Leonard Cohen, I was happy to see his 75th birthday commemorative plaque mounted by the front door
The High Line park, built on no longer use elevated rail train tracks, provides a quiet, plant-filled oasis from which to view the city streets below.
Artists have contributed installations to add visual interest
and some residents whose windows face onto the Highline have added their own art
I fell in love with Chelsea from the moment I stepped out the front door of Leo House on my first morning in New York last year, and found myself blending right in with the sidewalk traffic of people heading to work and walking their dogs. It's far enough from Time's Square that you don't have to contend with hordes of tourists, and it has become my home away from home. The businesses reflect the ethnic diversity of the neighbourhood, and within a block of my hotel I could see a movie, have my palm read, get a fresh-baked brownie, or.....
if I was a guy, I could get my hair cut at 9:00 pm
How could you not want to live in a neighbourhood that has a Nice Laundry?
or a place that has hot food AND groceries
or a place that has hot food AND groceries
I've discovered that many New Yorkers don't cook at home much, and really, when there is such a variety of great food (some of it very inexpensive) just outside your door, why would you? This is another reason why I think I would make the perfect New Yorker. Chelsea is home to some great restaurants, and I had time to try four - The Red Cat, The Rocking Horse Cafe, Cafe Champignon (photo below) and Cafeteria.
Cafe Champignon was a little bit of Paris in the heart of Chelsea, where The Style Crone and I had a lovely dinner, to the accompaniment of some classic soul tunes
The uber-cool Cafeteria, open 24 hrs, where the Idiosyncratic Fashionistas and I were treated like royalty by the wonderful staff
I had the most delicious grilled salmon BLT, accompanied by a "Rude Margarita"
Jean, half of the Idiosyncratic Fashionistas, and I entertained ourselves while waiting for our food by duelling with the hot peppers from our Rude Margaritas. Photo courtesy of The Idiosyncratic Fashionistas
In case you were thinking I must have been commissioned by the Chelsea tourism board (if there was such a thing) to write this, it's not the case. I really do love the neighbourhood, and if circumstances ever were such that I could move to New York, I would be delighted to become a full-time Chelsea Girl!
I like your photos very much they are always so exciting good spots and good story
ReplyDeleteThat salmon BLT has my mouth watering! I recently read an article on rooms in NYC for $150 and under. They didn't mention this place, which sounds like a great bargain.
ReplyDeleteOhhh, I want to be there, like now. I just realized that the skirt I wore in my post "Autumn Reverie" was bought at a Housing Works thrift store- I had forgotten the name until you mentioned it. The next time you go, let us know. Maybe we can organize a convocation of us bloggers and we can descend on Chelsea. Sounds like a plan!!
ReplyDeleteWow, Chelsea looks so cool! I've just read Patti Smith's Just Kids so the Hotel Chelsea has particular resonance! Loving the chilli duel, you crazy pair! xxx
ReplyDeleteThat area looks so cool. I love cities and I love New York.
ReplyDeleteThanks for mentioning the restaurant where we dined, listening to some of my favorite music. Such a great time! I think you really are a Chelsea Girl!
ReplyDeleteWonderful pictures and travel ideas! I've shopped at the Housing Works on 17th St (I guess that was the one you were in?) and they always have beautiful clothes. Lucky you to get some Docs! You have a great blog.
ReplyDeleteomg, I love this post!! It's giving me ideas for a future trip. Your place reminds me of where Ang and I stayed in Memphis but we didn't have nuns!!! Step out the door in to a cool neighbourhood, it's cheap cheerful and a blast! Can't get any better. And then to find excellent vintage shopping? Be still my heart.
ReplyDeleteI thought I commented here, but I guess I just read this and then went away so satisfied I forgot... I can completely see you living in Chelsea and blooming there!
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