Huron-Perth Boomers Summer 2024

TRAVEL
Give me the Lower East Side
The iconic metal staircases, lively streets, and
hole-in-the-wall eateries make this one of my
favourite neighbourhoods. On this trip, my main
reason for visiting the Lower East Side was to stop
by the Tenement Museum. More storytelling than
a traditional history museum, our guide shared
insight into Eastern European, Puerto Rican,
Chinese, and Jewish immigrants when they arrived
in New York City.
This particular tenement building – at 97 Canal
St. – dates back to 1863, and its four, three-room
apartments on each of its five floors were inhabited
until 1935 when they were boarded up for 53
years. Today, the apartments, relatively untouched
just refurbished to meet safety standards, feel like
stepping into a time capsule where the stories shared
are humbling, and incredibly insightful. Reserve
early to ensure a ticket to the tour of choice.
Unsurprisingly, it’s in this neighbourhood where the
famed Katz Delicatessen for pastrami sandwiches
on rye, and Russ and Daughters Cafe for bagels
loaded with smoked salmon are located. But I found
a perfect slice (maybe two) at Williamsburg Pizza on
Essex Street.
Galleries and art in Chelsea
The city has no shortage of heavy-hitting art galleries
– The Met, Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and
even the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Guggenheim
(free on Saturday evenings) – and I opted to join the
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