Secrets and Tales of the West Village
Discover incredible history and hear dramatic stories on a walk through the West Village
The West Village is the birthplace of Greenwich Village, with a character and history that is distinct from its famous neighbors. It is a mystifying maze of picturesque lanes and winding streets, each with fascinating stories to tell. On this walking tour, we’ll explore the tangle of twisting streets to uncover their rich history.
The tour is debuting in conjunction with the three-part podcast episode by The Bowery Boys on The West Village.
Tour Highlights
On the walking tour, get ready to see…
- We’ll visit the haunts of renowned writers, artists, and activists, who drew inspiration from the district.
- We’ll examine the neighborhood’s unique architecture, from some of NYC’s oldest homes to quirky new construction.
- We’ll explore the region’s history as a haven of counterculture – notorious speakeasies, gay & lesbian retreats, and wild clubs where tourists flocked to experience “Greenwich Thrillage.”
- We’ll uncover the area’s singular spaces, including hidden gardens, artist garrets, and secluded back houses.
- We’ll learn how the district was the cradle of creations and inventions that changed the world.
- We’ll hear stories of outrageous Bohemians who made “the Village” their zone of self-expression.
Praise for Jeff Dobbins:
“My friends and I walked the Hidden Histories of Greenwich Village tour with Jeff Dobbins over the weekend and it was simply sensational. It was stunning to note how much we had missed “seeing” with our eyes wide open on our many trips to the village over the years.”
–TripAdvisor
Duration
Tour: 2 hours; 1.5 miles of walking (flat and no steps)
This tour starts at Jackson Square, the intersection of 8th Ave, Greenwich Ave & Horatio Street. The tour ends at Sheridan Square.
Rates
$40 per person
(Best suited for ages 16+)
Jeff Dobbins is a tour guide and writer. Jeff has a decades-long career in New York’s theater industry, working as a performer, writer, press representative for Broadway shows, and manager of a Broadway Theater. He helped launch Bowery Boys Walks with his Broadway Tour in the fall of 2018.
Dive deeper into NYC history by listening to the Bowery Boys’ three-part series on the West Village. Listen here!