West Village - New York, NY

Back in the 1630s, the settlement along the Hudson River in the area that is now West Village looked very different. Back then, it was wooded farmland. In fact, that's what Governor Wouter van Twiller called his 200-acre tobacco farm -- "Farm in the Woods" The Dutch settlement didn't last long -- the English conquered New Netherland in 1664. Shortly after, Greenwich Village became tiny hamlet, separate from New York. In 1797, Greenwich Village became the location of New York's first prison -- Newgate Prison. It was located on today's West 10th Street. A common phrase came out of this notorious prison -- since it was located north of the city and near the Hudson, being sent to Newgate Prison became known as being "sent up the river."

The oldest house in West Village -- and basically the entire neighborhood is a National Historic District -- is located at 77 Bedford Street. Known as the Isaacs-Hendricks House, it was built in 1799. Here's an interesting fact to remember when you move to your West Village apartment: Washington Square was once a potter's field -- the public burial location of many of New York's poorest residents (and many who died from the Yellow Fever epidemic). These unfortunate souls came to rest here from 1797 until 1823 -- and many (up to 20,000) are still buried beneath the square.

In 1916, Greenwich Village became known as Little Bohemia because it centered around the bohemian lifestyle. The area, filled with classic artists' lofts and chic boutiques, attracted an artsy crowd. During the late 1950s and early 1960s, Beatniks began to migrate to the eastern part of Greenwich Village, which became the haven of hippies, artists, and musicians. Eventually Greenwich Village separated into the East Village and the West Village.

The area, which is home to many celebrities, has maintained its artsy vibe. Streets lined with art galleries, local theaters, and music venues provide residents with a wide range of entertainment options. Along the neighborhood's northern border, you'll also find a few museums: the Ground Zero Museum Workshop, the Downeast Arts Center, and the Kennedy Boesky Photograph Studio.

Filled with local restaurants that serve everything from French and Mediterranean cuisine to classic American dishes, the West Village is a food-lover's paradise. Most of the restaurants are centrally located between Greenwich Avenue and Hudson Street.

As one of the few West Village hot spots that doesn't require a reservation, Extra Virgin makes a great restaurant choice for an impromptu date night, and its outdoor seating area provides a perfect summertime brunch spot. The dinner menu includes a different special each night along with regular dishes such as grilled Atlantic salmon, and wild mushroom and pumpkin risotto. If you want to try Extra Virgin's famed spaghetti and meatballs, arrive early for Sunday dinner before they sell out.

If you're looking for a place to grab a quick lunch, visit Westville on West 10th Street. Locals rave about the smoky, creamy flavor of the establishment's mac and cheese, which you can order topped with bacon, and it's been said that the turkey burger is the best that you'll find in the West Village. Nearby there is also the Upright Brew House, which serves good burgers and an incredible grilled cheese sandwich made with Irish cheddar, Gruyere, and Taleggio cheeses.

There's no such thing as a dull weekend in the West Village. From Irish pubs, karaoke bars, and dive bars to wine bars, music venues, and nightclubs, the area has something for everyone to enjoy. Near West 10th Street and Christopher Street, several music venues, such as Smalls Jazz Club and the Duplex, cater to tamer crowds, while the nightclubs located close to the Meatpacking District attract those who love to dance. With a booming sound system and a spacious deck that gives dancers a place to cool off, Cielo is known as one of the best nightclubs in New York City, but if you're looking for a nightclub with an amazing view, head to Le Bain -- a penthouse discotheque and rooftop bar located at the Top of the Standard hotel.

A major landmark in West Village is the Village Vanguard, a jazz club that opened in 1935. It is famous for launching the careers of many famous jazz legends such as Sonny Rollins and John Coltrane. And no night out in the Village would be complete without raising a glass at the White Horse Tavern, a landmark that first opened in 1880. In addition to being where Thomas had his last drink, the bar's famous patrons included Jack Kerouac (who was often booted out), Bob Dylan, Jim Morrison, and the Clancy Brothers.

You can drive through the West Village if you want to, but owning a car isn't necessary in this neighborhood. Like the rest of Manhattan, the West Village has several public transportation options. Five New York City buses serve the neighborhood: M5, M8, M11, M14A, and M20. The neighborhood is also home to five subway stations.

You can always hail a taxi in the West Village, or you can use your Uber app to let a driver know that you need a ride if you're in a pinch. But most people in the village use their own two feet as a way to get around -- the area, like all of Manhattan, is very pedestrian-friendly.

In 2013, the bike sharing program, Citi Bike, launched in the West Village. There are 14 bike share stations in the area where you can rent a bike, and you can return it to any bike share station when you're finished with it.

Enjoy a relaxing day on the water at Hudson River Park. The park offers a lovely green area and a few activities to entice more adventurous people, such as kayaking in the summer and ice skating in the winter.

Located on Horatio Street, between Eighth Avenue and Greenwich Avenue, Jackson Square provides locals with a quiet place to escape city life. The triangle-shaped park features an elegant central fountain, plenty of greenery, and Victorian-esque fences and streetlamps.

Washington Square Park is the place to be -- it is the center of culture, protests by local NYU students, festivals, and other events. The Washington Square Arch is the focal point of the park, but there are others -- the fountain is a favorite gathering spot for residents, and the various statues and monuments include one to George Washington and one to Italian patriot Giusepppe Garibaldi.

Living in the West Village isn't cheap. In fact, it's one of Manhattan's most expensive neighborhoods. Rental rates for a one-bedroom apartment in West Village fall between $3,400 and $4,000 per month -- by comparison, you can find a one-bedroom apartment in Gramercy Park or in the East Village that rents for about $3,000 per month. While housing may cost a little less in the adjacent neighborhoods, you don't get the winding cobblestone streets and charming townhouses that give West Manhattan its "Old New York" feel.

Shopping in the West Village is an experience you'll love. Working your way west, starting at Bleeker Street west of Sixth Avenue, you'll discover a variety of boutiques and upscale shops, such as Castor & Pollux, Considerosity, Flat 128, and Anine Bing. Mixed with these upscale boutiques, you'll discover some hidden gems.

On Christopher Street, visiting Aedes De Venustas is like stepping into Paris. This dazzling boutique sells a selection of hard-to-find perfumes, lotions, and scented candles. The charming clothing boutique Albertine carries its own unique apparel line, while also showcasing the works of up-and-coming designers. Discover your inner diva at Anine Bing, a clothing boutique by the famous Danish model and fashion designer. Her first shop is in LA, but the West Village boutique is her latest endeavor.

On Bleeker Street, between Carmine Street and Seventh Avenue, lies a strip of tantalizing food shops. Visit Murray's Cheese Shop to buy cheese, meats, olives, and fresh pasta, or pick up a few porterhouse steaks from Ottomanelli & Sons Meat Market. Several grocery stores serve the West Village, too, such as Gristedes at Sheridan Square.