Washington Sq North, Greenwich Village

Washington Square North is what Waverly turns into right around, you guessed it, the north side of Washington Square Park. This is one of my favorite parks in the city. It's not as serene or topically beautiful as Central Park, but it is the most vibrant park in the city and it has so much history. The gorgeous townhouses surrounding the park don't hurt the aesthetic either. Let's just hope NYU doesn't get their grubby mitts on this next . . .
Washington Square Park was a big marsh in the early days of New York, and then a cemetery for the destitute and yellow-fevered. I've mentioned it a few times before, but I can't get over the fact that there are still thousands of bodies under this park. When the ground was broken to commence moving the fountain to line up with arch a few years ago, the workers were floored, so I hear, to find how many human remains they kept digging up. This park is always crowded with picnics, music, kids, etc so how many people we're all having a hoot over is mind boggling. The coolest / most macabre thing about Washington Square North, in my opinion, is the Hanging Tree. It's a giant tree right at Wash Square North on the west side and you can't miss it. It is one of the oldest surviving trees in the city and it was used for public executions until the 1830's, I believe. The spook factor associated with that tree alone is incredible.
The townhouses and Brownstones that line Wash Square North up to 5th Ave are spectacular, and as far as know, not currently under NYU's regime. This area was the center of social activity during Henry James' life and his grandmother lived on this block. The next block over is pretty much NYU stuff, but the buildings are no less grand. Henry James and Edith Wharton both called this block home at one point. If you can gain entrance to one of the NYU halls on this street, it is well worth it. The interiors don't disappoint. And, you feel like you just got into a time capsule. I love this street. Even on the bleakest days, it's still beautiful.

This is where you’ll find Washington Square Park, obviously, and along with it the huge Washington Square Arch that resides there. It’s really picturesque – except for the hordes of homeless and the occasional drug salesman, of course. Despite a few setbacks a lot of joggers come here to run in circles around the park, and there are plenty of students that gather on the benches.