September 16, 2006 – Often when people visit New York City, they fail to travel above the imaginary line that separates Harlem from the Upper East & West sides. While Manhattan’s glitzy lights, flashy Times Square, and endless miles of retail shopping are the highlights of most Big Apple vacations, tourists rarely take advantage of the Apollo Theater, Sylvia’s Soul Food or the Lenox Lounge. Subsequently, Harlem remains an unknown to many travelers, but it is my intention to end that. Because Harlem is full of life, diversity and culture, and its tourist attractions should be known by the traveling world.
Apollo Theater
The Apollo Theater is one of the many reasons that everyone should visit Harlem. It is one the most famed Black affiliated venues. It is located at 253 West 125th Street and its growth since 1934 can be attributed in large part to the Harlem Renaissance. It is the place “where starts are born and legends are made,” or so goes its motto, and its past shows have launched the careers of James Brown, Michael Jackson, and Ella Fitzgerald. Those notable names paved their way to stardom on the Apollo’s Amateur Night, a performance that continues to last to this day. Amateur Night allows performers to showcase very unique and matchless artistic pieces, which inspire audiences to laugh, revel and appreciate art in its rarest form.
The Lenox Lounge
The Lenox Lounge is one of the longest-standing clubs in New York City. It is a historical landmark in Harlem, and it is the launch-pad for some of the greatest jazz musicians of all time. Since 1939, performances from Billie Holiday, John Coltrane and Miles Davis have graced the Lenox Lounge platform. On the nightly basis you can travel to the Lenox Lounge and take part in an electrifying night of beautifully orchestrated jazz music and exquisite dining. In its art-deco club interior, one of only a few left in New York, you can take part in a truly innovative jazz experience. It is like stepping back in time when you first see that art-deco interior, sit down in the loveseat-sized banquettes and hear that New York City jazz. You can also enjoy a big plate of porgy and grits, an entrée that is unlike any other you’ll find in the country.
125th Street (Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard)
One of the most notable Harlem landmarks is 125th Street. It goes west and east from western end of Manhattan to the Triborough Bridge on the east side. It is also known as Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. The west side of 125th Street is full of shopping, theaters, dining and ethnic vendors. The street serves as a central point for commercial and entertainment venues. If there is something popular in Harlem, it is either on 125th Street or is in one of its tributaries. On 125th Street, or right near it, is where you will find The Apollo Theater, Sylvia’s Soul Food, Magic Johnson Theaters and the Lenox Lounge. Among all of the indoor stores at your disposal, there is also what can be considered as one big outdoor store. With people selling everyday needs, historical artifacts, ethnic products and cultural manuscripts/books, you are certain to find anything and everything on 125th Street. And with the variety of ethnicities and characters that you will find roaming this street on the daily basis, you are sure to find pleasure in experiencing in the diversity that is reminiscent of all of New York City.
So the next time you visit New York City, or if you live there already, take a trip to Harlem and get to know an area that is full of more culture and meaning than can ever be described in one article.
