A Walk in the West Village

I discovered these beautiful bird houses in a tiny park off Seventh Avenue. 

One of my on-going goals is to walk at least six thousand steps a day. I know the goal for many walkers is ten thousand steps and I do try to get that many. But some days it's less feasible and I am content with six thousand. I do as much walking as possible in my neighborhood doing errands, but when my errands are done I pick a different neighborhood to in which to walk. This afternoon I returned to one of my favorite areas, the West Village, for my afternoon walk.

The West Village is the area of Greenwich Village below Fourteenth Street and above Houston Street on the west side of Manhattan. There are still small neighborhood stores and restaurants, a number of parks and for the most part, the buildings are relatively low, so there is lots of light. It's one of my favorite parts of New York and happily it's only a short subway ride from home.
 

One of my stops was a visit to a terrific stationery and stamp store.  I loved the Halloween window.

The neighborhood still has many nineteenth century brownstones. There weren't many that were decorated for Halloween, but I will be back in December to look for Christmas decorations. 

Another favorite are the fall displays at local florists. I especially enjoyed this one on Eleventh Street.

All this walking and looking gets a blogger hungry and I stopped for a snack at Dominique Ansel Kitchen on Seventh Avenue. I had a fabulous fennel salad and by some enormous stroke of willpower -- and the knowledge that I had just discussed my medical tests with my internist -- I abstained from the pastries. My tests were fine, but in an effort to keep them where they should be I am being very disciplined. There are beautiful pastries all over Manhattan, but this collection was calling my name.   

I was entranced by the croissants and will happily return for a treat when I have out of town guests. It's going to be a very difficult choice. Dominique Ansel is responsible for the cronut, a croissant/doughnut hybrid, which is for sale at the Bakery, at a different location. 

Dear friends, please come and visit soon!

Lots of walking, lots of reading and some long delayed errands -- that seems to be my schedule this week. I'm not sure where all of these errands come from, but as soon as a few are crossed off my list, a few more pop up to take their place. Do any of you have ever-multiplying errands, too?

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care!