Meet 89th Street
After 86th Street, Manhattan side streets become largely residential. What the streets lack in businesses, however, they make up for in interesting architecture and historical edifices.
I came upon a unique neighborhood bar, however, not too long after I began my walk. Unlike the typical Irish pubs and sports bars, the Auction House is decorated to resemble a French salon, with velvet curtains, classical art, a fireplace, and candlelit nooks.
The Church of Saint Thomas More, known for being the spiritual home of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, is a pretty, historic church that was built from sandstone in 1870, but did not acquire the name “Saint Thomas More” until 1950.
One of the highlights of the street was paying a visit to the National Academy School of Fine Arts located at Fifth Avenue, on the corner of Museum Mile. I walked through both the school and the museum, which have their home in a building that used to function as a private mansion. The breathtaking grand old spiral staircase occupies a central spot in the museum.
The West Side of 89th Street held many architectural treasures, keeping me entertained as I walked and gazed upward. Once again, I was able to step inside the West Side Community Garden, as it has an entrance on both 88th and 89th. In addition, I discovered a small but charming green space between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue. Spending time observing a class at Ballet Hispanico was an afternoon highlight. It is an internationally recognized ballet studio that grew from a neighborhood grassroots school. At the end of the day, I walked towards the Hudson River and discovered the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument at Riverside Drive, an impressive memorial dedicated to the members of the Union Army who fought during the Civil War.
