Dear Postcard from New York Reader,
Doesn't this fountain look inviting? Too good not to be enjoyed.
So, if Central Park is a hike, and you don't have the luxury of a private park nearby like those lucky folks who live around Grammercy Park; Father Demo Square extends a welcome invitation.
For a visitor, it's a great spot to take a break after wandering around the West Village, and for a New Yorker, it is a perfect time-out place to peruse the Sunday Times before your day goes into high gear.
Father Demo Square at the intersection of Bleecker and Carmine Streets and Sixth Avenue was a construction eyesore for the longest time. The Square faces the facade of Our Lady of Pompei Church and is a tribute to former pastor Father Antonio Demo (pastor from 1899 - 1933), who was responsible for building the church and adjoining school in the early days of the last century.
Doesn't this fountain look inviting? Too good not to be enjoyed.
So, if Central Park is a hike, and you don't have the luxury of a private park nearby like those lucky folks who live around Grammercy Park; Father Demo Square extends a welcome invitation.
For a visitor, it's a great spot to take a break after wandering around the West Village, and for a New Yorker, it is a perfect time-out place to peruse the Sunday Times before your day goes into high gear.
Father Demo Square at the intersection of Bleecker and Carmine Streets and Sixth Avenue was a construction eyesore for the longest time. The Square faces the facade of Our Lady of Pompei Church and is a tribute to former pastor Father Antonio Demo (pastor from 1899 - 1933), who was responsible for building the church and adjoining school in the early days of the last century.
The Squares renovation was finally completed this spring. Now refurbished, antique style benches and colorful flower beds surround a three tiered wedding cake fountain.
The tiny park, fashioned after an Italian piazza, is open every day until 1 AM and can be enjoyed anytime, but I think it is best experienced early Sunday morning before the temperature heats up and the sun reaches it height.
Grab your favorite sections of the Sunday Times, and maybe a few magazines that have piled up; Throw anything on, you'll only be gone an hour or two, and head for the nearest subway. Once in the Village, pick up a steaming hot cup of coffee, cappuccino or espresso from Rocco's Pastry Shop and Espresso Cafe at 243 Bleecker, then find an empty bench or seat, spread out your papers and magazines and listen as falling sheets of water drop into the fountain's pool. It is hypnotic.
Question; Do you lose yourself reading the papers and magazines, or is it the people around you that capture your attention?
The tiny park, fashioned after an Italian piazza, is open every day until 1 AM and can be enjoyed anytime, but I think it is best experienced early Sunday morning before the temperature heats up and the sun reaches it height.
Grab your favorite sections of the Sunday Times, and maybe a few magazines that have piled up; Throw anything on, you'll only be gone an hour or two, and head for the nearest subway. Once in the Village, pick up a steaming hot cup of coffee, cappuccino or espresso from Rocco's Pastry Shop and Espresso Cafe at 243 Bleecker, then find an empty bench or seat, spread out your papers and magazines and listen as falling sheets of water drop into the fountain's pool. It is hypnotic.
Question; Do you lose yourself reading the papers and magazines, or is it the people around you that capture your attention?
Jacqueline Cable
Addresses to Remember: Father Demo Square, Bleecker and Sixth Avenue, New York, NY 10014.
Rocco's Pastry Shop and Espresso Cafe, 243 Bleecker Street, New York, NY 10014, 212-242-6031.
Directions: From Times Square MTA 1 to Christopher Street, short walk to Bleecker Street, N, R, and W to 8th Street short walk to Sixth Avenue, A, C, or E to West 4th Street, short walk to Bleecker.
Photo by Joseph Knight
©Copyright 2007 The Cable Group
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