When we think of spending the day in New York City’s SoHo, the first (and perhaps only) activity that pops into our heads is SHOPPING! And while, yes, it’s totally the truth that SoHo is filled to the brim with any and every store you could possibly imagine–all the way from the top designers to tiny boutiques with budding no-names–there’s more to SoHo than clothes.
Today, we’ve partnered with our friends at TripGo to take you around to all our favorite non-fashion forward stops in SoHo. TripGo is a handy dandy app that connects your calendar with real-time transport suggestions, providing all your door-to-door options for easy breezy comparison. Basically, a New Yorkers best friend. Before heading out for the day, I plugged in my locations (below), plus my travel preferences (subway + walking), and was provided an optimized schedule for my day in SoHo. First stop…breakfast!
1. Chobani
While a yogurt bar may sound about as exciting as a bag of rocks, let me promise you, this place is deliciously worthy of a visit every single time I’m in the neighborhood. They have Sweet (toasted coconut + pineapple), Savory (cucumber + olive oil), and Seasonal creations that are hands-down out of this world! Since it’s the start of fall, I opted for the seasonal special of the day, pumpkin + cranberry.
2. The Earth Room
What would you do if given a 3,600 square foot loft space in the prime real estate area of SoHo? I bet 9.5 out of 10 of you sure wouldn’t say “fill it with dirt”…which is exactly what you’ll find at 141 Wooster Street. This free exhibit has been open to the public since 1980…although there are no huge signs or fanfare letting you know the gallery exists. A bit of a hidden gem (or if not gem, at least hidden!;-) You go to the address, press 2B, and wait to be buzzed in. Upon entering the building you’ll smell the room right away (I mean…280,000 pounds of dirt!) Unfortunately, no photos are permitted, so you’ll just have to go and experience this one for yourself!
3. Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art
A quick walk down the street will land you at another under-the-radar museum, featuring LGBTQ art and the artists who create it. Also a free museum, you can walk right in and enjoy the art, or check out their calendar for a host of events…film screenings, opening receptions, talk back with artists…lots of greatness going on here.
4. The Mondrian SoHo
When you’ve reached a point in your day when you’re ready to kick those feet up, there’s no better place to go than the Mondrain Hotel in SoHo. From its entrance, you’ll get a glimpse of just how cool this place is. You can sit anywhere on the first floor, grabbing a cup of joe or glass of bubbly if you’re feeling festive. My favorite place to go is on the second floor. Across from the reception desk is a darling outdoor terrace with comfy lounge seating. Perfect place to catch up on emails or call your mom;-)
5. Housing Works Bookstore
It’s no secret I love bookstores (especially this one, which is where we had our wedding reception!) Housing Works sells used books, and the proceeds then go to help the local homeless with HIV/AIDS. Besides being an awesome charity, the two-level store has a vintage feel, tons of seating, and a cafe in the back. Oh, and TONS of special events here, guys! We’re talking author readings, story time and sing-a-longs for kids, free films…you name it!
6. Pearl River Mart
Besides being a place to get inexpensive, adorable gifts, let me tell you the real reason to visit Pearl River Mart. Okay, you know that store Anthropologie (please tell me I’m not the only one obsessed with everything there?! Well, everything BUT their price tags…crazy town!) So here’s the insider’s scoop: a lot of the very same home goods that Anthro sells can be purchased right at Pearl River Mart for a FRACTION of the cost. Seriously, this chihuahua nut bowl was $10 at Anthro, and $5.95 at PRM.
7. The Angelika Film Center
No secret to movie buffs, as this fabulous theater is where to go to see the artsier, more independent films that aren’t at your local AMC.
8. La Esquina
When asked about the best Mexican food in NYC, this place is always first out of my mouth. While the fancy rezzie-only restaurant is downstairs (call ahead, wayyyy ahead, people!), you can grab some of the basic goods at the faster-food joint upstairs. Like these avocado veggie tacos. Oh.Emm.GEE!!!
9. Street Art
And of course, I would be amiss if I didn’t draw your attention to the huge amounts of random street art you’ll be encountering along your SoHo adventure. Here’s a few snaps of some that caught my eye.
Jessica Tiare Bowen lives in the juicy Big Apple with her adorable pink-nosed chihuahua, Gillman. He’s the inspiration for her first published children’s book, “Park Avenue Pound Puppy.” The book is the combined result of her two greatest passions: pooches and penning stories.
Her passions include art, urban hikes through Manhattan, drinking coffee with 3 creams and 6 sugars, making extremely detailed itineraries and traveling to far away places, singing along to Broadway shows, Netflix movie nights, discovering incredible treasures at Goodwill and thrift stores, and listening to stories from little people under 7 and big people over 70.
She started her career as New York City Teaching Fellow, teaching elementary school and theater arts at a special education school in the South Bronx for 6 years. She is now a Special Education School Improvement Specialist working in public schools throughout New York City. She is the Editor-In-Chief of the online New York City travel magazine, Used York City. The magazine focuses on finding the best of New York…as used by New Yorkers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and an ASPCA Ambassador.
