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What To Do In NYC: 6 Things To Do In Harlem

October 9, 2018 | 5 min Read

Located right at the northern end of Manhattan lies Harlem. Known for rich African American heritage, passionate jazz, and comfort food, Harlem provides a cultural experience you won’t get in the rest of Manhattan, and merits at least a day trip.

Here’s a list of 6 things you can do to fill a day trip to the home of Billie Holiday, Sammy Davis Jr., and J.D. Salinger, among many other iconic NYC and worldwide figures.

The Miriam And Ira D. Wallach Art Gallery

This gallery is free and open to the public. You can find art pieces from Columbia University, as well as pieces from other universities. Current exhibitions includes featured artists, such as Joiri Minaya: Redcode II: La Dorada.

You can also attend events this fall. Duke Ellington’s Portraits and Self-Portraits can be found October 18 and The Black Model from Manet to Matisse to Today Symposium is on November 8-9. If you are going with your family, you can also attend free artmaking and creative workshops, though you’ll need to keep an eye out for the next one.


Where
: Wallach Gallery; Lenfest Center for the Arts, 615 West 129th Street, Manhattan (30 min drive from The Lombardy Hotel)

When
: Saturday & Sunday 12pm – 6pm; Wednesday – Friday 12pm – 8pm

Harlem Nights

Harlem Nights describes themself as a “cozy neighborhood bar” where you can find live music, specially made cocktails, and a frequently updated menu of small plates.

Current dishes include classics like smoked wings and beer battered chicken nuggets, as well as special items, such as Jambalaya, Cuban Roast Pork, South African Beef, and Jerk Chicken.


Where
: Harlem Nights; 2361 7th Ave., Manhattan (20 min drive from The Lombardy Hotel)

When: Happy Hour Specials: Daily 4pm – 9pm; DJs: Thursday – Saturday 10pm – 3am; Live Music: Most nights 8:30pm – 11:30pm

National Jazz Museum

Jazz is undoubtedly the first thing people think of when they think of Harlem. What better place to visit than the National Jazz Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate. Committed to preserving the history of Jazz, they offer live performances, exhibitions and educational programs, such as Born in Harlem during the Jazz Age and America’s Jazz Ambassadors.

The Jazz Museum is also proud to own the Savory collection, a collection with over 100 hours of live jazz recordings.


Where:
National Jazz Museum; 58 West 129th Street, Manhattan (20 min drive from The Lombardy Hotel)

When: Thursday – Monday 11am – 5pm

Corner Social

If you’re looking for food and drinks that embody the spirit and culture of Harlem, then Corner Social should be on your list. They seek the perfect balance between Harlem history and modern flavors. They offer an all day menu, a brunch menu, and seasonal Happy Hour.

Drinks include cocktails such as Uptown Baby and Harlem Sage, and a healthy artesanal beer and wine menu. Their food menu includes burgers, salads, and many classic and updated Southern dishes, such as Shrimp & Grits, Lobster Ravioli, and Mushroom Spinach Mac & Cheese.


Where:
Corner Social; 321 Lenox Ave., Manhattan (20 min drive from The Lombardy Hotel)

When: Thursday – Saturday 11am – 3am; Sunday – Wednesday 11am – 2am

Morningside Park

Next to Columbia University, you’ll find Morningside Park, a 30 acre NYC public park that spans 13 blocks northeast of Central Park. The land was referred to as Muscoota by Native Americans and later played a part of the Revolutionary War’s Battle of Harlem Heights.

Currently more than 1,000 volunteers maintain the park, including the several statues, a waterfall and pond, fountain, baseball diamond, basketball court, and a dog run.


Where:
Morningside Park; W 110 St. to W 123 St., Manhattan Ave. to Morningside Ave., Manhattan (25 min drive from The Lombardy Hotel)

The Studio Museum - inHarlem

Currently, the principal Studio Museum is closed as they construct their new building, however there are still many exhibitions and events held by the museum throughout Harlem in New York Public Library branches and cultural centers.

Current events include the inHarlem Guided Tour of eight sculptures in Marcus Garvey Park and A Gallery Tour of the Latimer/Edison Gallery at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.

Where: The Studio Museum

Marcus Garvey Park: 6316 Mt Morris Park W., Manhattan (20 min drive from The Lombardy Hotel)

Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture: 414 Malcolm X Blvd, Manhattan (25 min drive from The Lombardy Hotel)

When (Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture):
Tuesday & Wednesday 10am – 8pm; Thursday – Saturday 10am – 6pm

Staying in New York City - About The Lombardy Hotel

Harlem lies on the other side of Central Park from The Lombardy and offers a cultural and art experience you and your family will love. The Lombardy is your premier Manhattan hotel for you, whether you’re in New York City with your family or for business. Close to Harlem, Midtown, and Lower Manhattan, you’ll be able to easily reach anything you need to while in staying with us. We look forward to hosting your stay.

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