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Have you ever wanted to visit a place where your Blackness speaks to you? Go to Haarlem.
The New York City area is known worldwide as one of the black meccas of the world. With its legendary landmarks that were once the abode of the famous artists who drove the car Renaissance of Haarlemthe period of cultural expression that took place from the end of World War I (1917) through the 1930s, the neighborhood was home to the legends we have come to love, including Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday and Cab Calloway. To this day, the community buzzes with electric energy, enhanced by its vibrant businesses, charming eateries and interesting creative spaces. This energy is especially strong in the fall, when the weather is perhaps the best in town. Let’s take a look at some things you can do at Harlem World this time of year.
The place to stay
The Renaissance Hotel Harlem
Thanks to Hotels.com, I was transported to a world of black excellence and art deco splendor during my stay at the hotel Renaissance Hotel Haarlem. The platform offered a competitive rate of about $140 per night for the four-star hotel in the heart of the neighborhood, flanked by upscale restaurants and bodegas.
The hotel transports guests to both past and present grandeur with subtle nods to Harlem Renaissance icons, which can be found in the artwork, furniture design and even the staircases.
Led by New York-based firm AJC Design and Carlita Alexander, the hotel beautifully honors the neighborhood’s storied culture with beautiful artifacts, furnishings and books.
The Renaissance Hotel is housed in the Victoria Theater Building, the rehabilitated manifestation of the iconic Victoria Theatre, which originally opened in 1917. It has been redesigned to include the Victoria Restaurant, a craft cocktail lounge residential tower, theater space, ballroom, rooftop terrace, and soon shops will be housed there.
My room was beautiful and cozy, with city views, free WiFi, air conditioning and coffee makers. Granted, space was limited, as is typical of New York hotel rooms, but what it lacked in square footage it made up for in functionality. Perfect for a fashionista, the room still managed to have multiple mirrors (including a full length mirror in the bathroom). I was particularly taken with the etchings of Langton Hughes poems in some of the mirrors, which further enhanced the thoughtful design and highlighted the history of Harlem for hotel guests.
In addition, The Renaissance features an incredible concierge team, a health club, laundry and dry cleaning services and room service.
The Renaissance Hotel Harlem
Things to eat
Amy Ruth’s
The restaurant has been named one of the best chicken and waffle restaurants in the country and is certainly delivering based on its hundreds of positive customer reviews and its five-star rating from Google. If you’re in the mood for authentic Southern cuisine in New York, then you’ve come to the right place.
For less than $20 you’ll get a stomach-filling treat, as most of the items on the menu are incredibly affordable.
Fumo
How about delicious Italian food? Give Fumo a try. The Harlem location on Amsterdam Avenue offers an airy atmosphere with its sleek and bright decor, intimate seating and a mouthwatering menu. I got the penne funghi, a delicious pasta dish with wild mushrooms, marsala cream and truffle oil. To die for!
Massawa
This Eritrean and Ethiopian eatery is sure to transport you straight to East Africa with its authentic cuisine and friendly service. Calling itself the oldest African restaurant in New York City, Massawa established itself in 1988 and has been delighting guests ever since.
Melbas
This restaurant serves American Southern classics with a modern twist. Founded by Melba Wilson, a Harlemite who previously worked at the world-famous soul food restaurant Sylvia’s in New York, Melba saw firsthand what it took to launch an everlasting restaurant that spans generations.
Excursion
If you’ve ever wanted to know what it would taste like if you crossed Chipotle into the Caribbean, you’re in luck. Fieldtrip, a fast-casual chain serving African and island-inspired rice, is a quick way to significantly satisfy your global tastes. Created by Chef JJa world-renowned culinary master, Fieldtrip “celebrates rice, not as a side dish but as a main course, because it brings people together.”
The sea and sea Harlem
If you’re craving a hearty seafood stew or chowder, head to 116th Street and get the catch of the day.
Things to sip on
IL Caffe Latte
What’s good enough for Dapper Dan is good enough for me. I was told that the legendary clothing designer often visits the cafe for his favorite coffee and raves about the flavor profile and friendly service.
Haarlem hop
If you’re craving some fall-themed beer, visit Harlem Hops. It offers a wide variety of craft beers and a brief education on microbreweries in the heart of Harlem. It also has east and west coast IPAs that you can enjoy in the sitting backyard to enjoy all the crisp fall weather.
Apollo Theater
Things to see
Harlem Creative Collective
Located at 147th Street and St. Nicholas Avenue, this vintage store’s inventory includes clothing donated by the beloved late actor Michael K. Williams and others. If you’re looking for an incredible and sustainable way to upgrade your fall wardrobe, look no further.
Heritage Theatre
Known as one of the oldest black non-profit theater companies in New York City, the Heritage Theater was founded in 1964 by Roger Furman, a playwright, director and actor. It was created to celebrate and admire classic works of black theater. It still does.
Apollo Theater
The iconic theater was originally built between 1914 and is still functioning today. Just like in its heyday, Amateur Night is still running and can be seen every Wednesday at 8 p.m