Prologue
Snow is falling and the season is upon us. Travel to 'ground zero' in Chelsea. This Manhattan neighborhood has recently received facelifts in the form of 'The High Line' and 'Chelsea Market', but you will avoid both. A world on a smaller scale awaits, filled with iconic winter pleasure; hot chocolate, ice skating and 'The Night Before Christmas' will help you celebrate on a winter afternoon.
...the poem
Before setting out on your walk, reacquaint yourselves with the famous holiday poem 'Twas the Night Before Christmas' by Clement Clarke Moore (1779-1863). Originally written for his children in 1822, it was at first published anonymously and rapidly grew in popularity, becoming one of the world's most well-known Christmas poems. Son of Reverend Benjamin Moore, Bishop of New York and President of Colombia University, Clement was born in New York City and inherited the family estate of Chelsea, which originally extended from 8th avenue to the Hudson River between 19th and 24th Streets. He donated a sizable portion of this estate to the Episcopal Diocese upon the condition that a seminary be built on the site. Moore continued teaching Oriental Studies and Greek there until his retirement in 1850 when he retired to Newport, Rhode Island.
After reading through the poem, compare these three recitals and enjoy the contrast between the spoken word, Edison's 1905 and the animation of the ASL version.
Travelogue
Pack & Prepare
- make sure to bring a mobile device with internet capability to follow along the projected route.
- bring skates, if you own them. Don't worry if you don't, you can rent skates at the Sky Rink.
- Trip length: 2 miles, approx. 3-4 hours. Check hours of Sky Rink & Seminary prior to visit
1. "...then we'll go ice skating!"
- The Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers (Pier 61, 23rd Street & the Hudson River Park. ) Start the afternoon by twirling and racing over the ice at the Sky Rink. Now a popular sports and event venue in Manhattan, these piers are the site where the Titanic was scheduled to dock in 1912. The doomed Lusitania also left from these piers in 1915. In spite of historical tragedy, nowadays, the Piers are a large and busy establishment. Pay the $10 fee and rent skates for $5, if needed and spend an hour exercising during the General Skating Hours. Time yourselves, GSHours tend to begin at 1:30 or 3:00pm. Skate for about an hour & then continue on to the Seminary before it closes in the late afternoon.
2. a secret winter garden
- Walking from the Piers along West 22nd Street on your way to the Seminary, you will pass Clement Moore's home (444 W. 22nd St). Built in 1836, Moore resided here until 1850, when he retired to Rhode Island. Although he donated most of his estate to the Church, Moore was concerned about expansion in the rapidly growing city and sold land for housing, as well. Moore hired James N. Wells to design and build residences on these plots and these Federal style brick homes exemplify a style which greatly affected future neighborhood development .
- The General Theological Seminary (440 West 21st Street)
Built on an apple orchard and land donated by Clement Clarke Moore, this Episcopalian Seminary consists of beautiful Neo-Gothic buildings which are built around a Close, or gardens, complete with adirondack chairs, benches and old trees. A quiet private oasis, the Seminary is open to visitors Monday thru Friday, from 9:30 - 6:00. Walk from Moore's home back to 10th avenue and down to 21st Street, the Visitors Gate is on the southern side, half way between 10th and 9th Avenues. Ring the bell and after being buzzed in, enter the office on your left to sign in. When you have done so, leave a photo id as security & you are free to stroll the gardens and enjoy a moment of peace during the busy holiday season. This is a campus for The General's theological students, faculty and their families. The buildings include residences, a children's day care, a library and the beautiful "Chapel of the Good Sheperd" where services are open to the general public. The High Line Hotel occupies the western end of the buildings. Take a moment to imagine Moore penning his poem by the fireside one evening at his old home on this estate in 1822.
3. Chocolate and Quiche
Le Grainne Café (183 Ninth Avenue)
A culinary reward for your winter rambles should involve something rich and warm...whether it be 'pain au chocolat', a cup of hot chocolate, or something other savory french treat. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at this truly neighborhood bistro located in the second oldest home in Chelsea, before continuing on your adventure.
4. christmas on the avenues
Glitter, evergreens and the joy of window shopping. Stroll through Chelsea, stopping to peruse holiday merchandise, just for the fun of it. Begin with the three unusual suggestions listed below.
- Authentiques Past & Present (255 West 18th Street)
Walk off all of that chocolate by strolling down to this wonderful eclectic antique store on 18th Street, near 8th Avenue and satisfy your craving for holiday nostalgia.
- STORY (144 Tenth Avenue @ 19th Street)
Walk west from 8th to 10th Avenue, on the corner of 19th Street and check out this unique 'concept' store whose focus changes, like a magazine changes its editions, throughout the year. The inspiration of entrepreneur Rachel Shechtman, the store picks different themes and then transforms itself accordingly. Like an art gallery/shopping boutique, the entire focus of its offerings and design is transformed every couple of weeks. Stop by to see what's in this week's store windows.
Artists and Fleas (88 Tenth Avenue @ 15th Street)
This indoor flea market is located on the corner of foodie paradise, Chelsea Market. A Brooklyn export it contains art, vintage, design and fashion items from about 29 different independent vendors. Do your Christmas shopping all at once...or hold off and simply enjoy the buzz, colors and energy.
- While in the area, end your trip by taking advantage of the vast array of hard-to-get ingredients offered inside the market. Purchase some traditional Christmas fare... Blue Points, anyone? Roast Suckling Pig? Duck or Plum Pudding?...Chelsea Market to the rescue!
Epilogue
strike a balance between
giving
'Gifts That Inspire' - nyt nyt's 'Neediest Case Fund' 'Where to Volunter in NY' TimeOut
'Ways to Give Back As a Family' MommyPoppins
Pay it Forward - anonymous gifting to people around you... pay the toll of the car behind you. Leave a gift outside the front door of someone in your neighborhood. Be creative. Take no credit. Tell no-one
& indulging
Cook that Christmas meal using your newly purchased ingredients and then sit back on your sofa & watch a holiday film..or Hulu a Christmas show from one of these famous TV episodes
