Harrison St, Tribeca

This tiny street tucked away in the riverside corner of Tribeca is an ideal location for fitness buffs. Just steps away from the West Side Highway - with its bike paths, pedestrian walkways, outdoor cafes, and beautiful trees (the noise and grime of the cars are almost completely obscured by a makeshift "hedge'), this street has parkside credentials while still maintaining its downtown vibe. Surrounded by galleries (including one, Michael Perez, on the street itself), Harrison Street is distinctively "artsy" while still feeling very much liveable, in contrast to other downtown streets. Head to locals' delight "Peace and Love Cafe" or splurge at The Harrison Restaurant. Mary-Ann's Tribeca Mexican is another outlet popular with locals. The street is physically beautiful, with a number of tenements and townhouses that look distinctively "historical," as opposed to the modern monstrosities found in some parts of the city - Harrison Street, with its greenery, cafes, and townhouses, feels in many ways like a village rather than a city, and is ideally suited to those looking for the perfect melding of village and urban life.

The Harrison street of a few years ago was a beautiful walk where trendy laughs and upscale businesses ruled the roost, but construction and congestion has turned it into a hell of a place to be, especially on foot. It's loud and rather irritating at times. It's sad that the beautiful street of old seems to be missing in action.