Are you looking for some “activities” to check out in Harlem? While New York City in general is not conducive to a whole lot of physical activity, there are a few things you can do in Harlem to get your butt up off the coach. Here are just a few:
Harlem Lanes – 2116 7th Avenue #3, New York, NY 10027
When it comes to an active nightlife, bowling is one of the few American staples that has stood the test of time. However, bowling does not attract too many New Yorkers because of its relatively low “sex appeal” in a city full of nightlife and charm. However, Harlem Lanes is one of the few bowling alleys in Manhattan that’s moving the game of bowling away from Grandpa’s favorite pastime to a treat for the young, as well as the young at heart. They will hate me for saying this, but don’t even bother going to Harlem Lanes during the day-it’s just not the same. At night, when the sun goes down, the fluorescent lights of Harlem Lanes come on, and Harlemnites come out. At Harlem Lanes, you can get your bowling game on, and your mack on, all at the same place. And with popular drinks, food, and DJs galore, this place will make you forget about your plans to go to the club. Its comfortable furniture, make it a wonderful place for a sit-down conversation, and the music spurs the occasional dance-off or two. And don’t worry about the kiddies! After 8pm on the weekends, no one under 21 is allowed in the building.
The North End of Central Park
The north end of Central is for more than just your morning jog (all though you could start there). First, you can enjoy the view of the Harlem Meer, which is located right in the Northeast corner of the park. The water is beautiful there, especially at night, and you can see it from 110th street in case the park is closed, should you decide to roll past with your spouse for a little late night rendezvous. There is also The Loch, which is one of my favorite sites during my morning run. It is a very pleasant view to see this algae-riddled pond as it traverses its way through a windy little stream that stops near the top end of the park. And don’t forget about the unbelievable trails at the north end of the park. Joggers and walkers alike know that the north end of the park is probably the “hilliest” end of the park as well, and while it may jack up your morning run, it makes for a great inner-city trek along side streams, meers, wooded-areas and of course, The Loch.
ImageNation
One of the hottest cultural movements going on in Harlem is ImageNation. A moving stage for the works of all sorts of black artists, ImageNation puts together film festivals, musical performances, and art screenings all throughout Harlem in Manhattan. They have featured the works of Charles Stone, India.Arie, Talib Kweli, Sarah Jones, Curtis Hall, Erykah Badu and Stanley Nelson, just to name a few. Some of their specific events have featured “Jackson 5 in Africa” shown at the National Black Theater, an outdoor film and music festival at Marcus Garvey Park featuring the Roots, and the showing of an independent film called “Antonia” in the middle of St. Nicholas Park. So if you’re into popular music and up-and-coming independent artists, get on board and check out the schedule of events at ImageNation Film Festival.us next time you’re in Harlem.
