In this new video tour, New York Habitat ( http://www.nyhabitat.com ) presents you a great way to learn about Central Harlem and West Harlem, the historic neighborhood in New York City! You will learn many lesser-known aspects of the fabulous neighborhood just a short subway ride away from midtown and downtown Manhattan. Don't hesitate to check out our other video about the Morningside Heights part of Harlem, New York. ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrPM5glklTU ) Harlem is a large, historical area in northern Manhattan. It's a major residential, cultural and business center. It stretches from the East River west to the Hudson River between 155th Street to the north and 110th Street to the south, which is the northern boundary of Central Park. Harlem is so large, in fact, that it would be impossible to cover in just one video. So instead, our first stop in our Harlem series will be Central Harlem & West Harlem! Harlem History: Harlem was originally a Dutch village founded around 1658. It was named after the city of Haarlem in the Netherlands. In the early 20th century many African Americans moved to this area and in the 1920s and 30s many famous artists, musicians and businessmen became well known in Harlem and took Black culture to a higher level, in a movement known as the Harlem Renaissance. The Studio Museum of Harlem -- 124 West 125th Street At The Studio Museum of Harlem, there is more about black history including guided tours, readings and exhibitions of African American art and culture. There is a suggested donation for entry. The Apollo Theater - 253 West 125th Street The Apollo Theater is one of the most famous and historic music hall in the U.S. This famous club is almost exclusively associated with African American music and performance. During the Harlem Renaissance and specifically in 1934, the Apollo Theater introduced its regular Amateur Night shows, during which many new stars were born and legends were made. In fact the Apollo launched the careers of famous artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, James Brown, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin and Mariah Carey...just to name a few. During amateur night, the audience would clap to approve the performers they liked and "boo" the performers they weren't too excited about. At that point an "executioner", a man with a broom, would sweep the bad performers off the stage. Even today, every Wednesday is Amateur Night at the Apollo. Accommodations in Harlem: If you want to catch the true spirit of Harlem, you should consider renting an apartment from New York Habitat http://www.nyhabitat.com/new-york-apartment.html . We have vacation rental all over Harlem http://www.nyhabitat.com/new-york-apartment/vacation , and with its convenient location in Manhattan plus excellent express subway access, you'll be well connected to all parts of the Big Apple. New York Habitat's selection of Harlem homes includes furnished apartments http://www.nyhabitat.com/new-york-apartment/furnished in historic townhouses that will allow you to experience the real African American unforgotten history. Have a look too to the 1 Bedroom Vacation Rental in Harlem http://www.nyhabitat.com/new-york-apartment/vacation/14298 featured in the video. Shopping in Harlem -- 125th Street 125th Street runs from east to west and is considered the Main Street of Harlem. Since 2001 many sections of the street have been developed with new stores, such as Old Navy, H&M;, Starbucks Coffee and the famous Magic Johnson Theaters, a chain of movie theaters, developed by the famous African American basketball player, Magic Johnson. So you can definitely spend a fun day. I hope you have had fun with our little tour of Central Harlem and West Harlem. It's only a small part of the greater Harlem area. If you know of other "must-see" places in Harlem, leave us a quick note in the comment box below. If you are planning a trip to New York, you should definitely consider Harlem as a home base. It's just a short subway ride away from midtown and downtown Manhattan and furnished apartment rentals are generally less expensive in Harlem than other areas of Manhattan. Don't forget that we have apartments not only in Harlem but also in many other neighborhoods of New York City. Be sure to check out our blog at http://www.nyhabitat.com/blog/2009/11/20/video-tour-of-central-and-west-harlem/ where you will find more useful travel information about New York and its neighborhoods.

• published: 12 Dec 2009
• views: 81918