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When was the last time you took a walk along West 8th Street? I confess, being a lifelong resident of Greenwich Village, I took West Eighth Street for granted. It took a visit from out-of-town relatives for me to appreciate and rediscover the magic of the street. Not only did we relive the Eighth Street of our youth, the epicenter of the Village, brimming with shoes stores, book shops, theatres and studios, but we also discovered the new and improved Eighth Street of today.

With about 70 stores and 100+ years of history, the street comes alive with the magic that only Eighth Street can inspire.

Begin your adventure at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Eighth Street, where you can stock up on local area books from the corner "Barnes and Noble". The street is loaded with artistic heritage and chock-full of unique trivia.

Once the home of socialites and prominent social leaders, the street evolved into a haven for artists, bohemians, musicians and literary personalities. The poet Allen Ginsberg lived on West Eighth Street in the early 60's, as did Bette Davis, Edmund Wilson, and novelist Jack Kerouac.

Don't miss "Sports Cap and Hat Shop". with its astounding selection of headwear. If it's bling you want, stop by "Crown Jeweler" with its blinding diamonds and hip jewelry. Need a futon? "Economy Foam and Futon" is your place to order a custom-sized futon, or select from any of their endless choices. Need Eyewear? "The Eye Shop" has expert service and an amazing inventory of designer brands at noteworthy prices.

You can get your nails touched up at the nail salon, while learning that the building next door once housed the Hans Hoffman School, which featured Abstract Expressionists.

There is no shortage of eateries on West Eighth Street. Some call the street "Culinary Alley". Le Pain Quotidien, Eva's Restaurant, Pio Maya, Subway's, Domino's, Chicken Kitchen and Gray's Papaya, (where Carrie from Sex and the City got hers)will soon be joined by a Brazilian restaurant, Gizzi's Coffee shop, BBQ, and a Japanese/Korean eatery.

A quick stop at "Disc-O-Rama" will satisfy your music and mp3 needs. A few feet further is the former "Eighth Street Playhouse", which originated the midnight showings of the cult movie, "The Rocky Horror Show", making it a theatrical experience unlike any other.

No tour of Eighth Street would be complete without a stop at the "Electric Lady Studio", formerly owned by Jimi Hendrix, who lived across the street. Since its opening in 1970, the studio became a haven for a new generation of musicians, seeking an alternative venue from the record-company owned studios. Noteworthy clients included The Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, Aretha Franklin, Joni Mitchell, Led Zepplin, Billy Joel, Kiss, Bon Jovi, The Clash, The Cars, etc.

Next door, you can get a peek at Sid Vicious' boots which are still on display at 48 West 8th. Three doors down is the hideaway, where in 1929, Romany Marie had a tearoom designed by Buckminster Fuller which later became Don Julio's Latin Dance Club. Soon after, it became "Bon Soir" where Barbara Streisand, Phyllis Diller, Kay Ballard and Woody Allen performed.

It will be hard to pass up "Uncle Sam's" the Army Navy store, whose owner sent gas masks, gloves and countless supplies to the workers at Ground Zero after 9/11. Next door, the Salvation Army showcases its thrift shop treasures.

You may recall the days when the sidewalks were so crowded making it difficult to walk without bumping into someone. The illusion of density was reduced when the sidewalks of Eighth Street were recently widened, making the street more pedestrian friendly. Now shopping is a pleasant and civilized experience.

The corner of MacDougal Street once housed the famous "Eighth Street Bookshop", a literary gathering spot where the likes of Joseph Campbell, Michael Harrington, William Steig, Joseph Mitchell and Richard Howard, inspired and influenced many. Bob Dylan and Allen Ginsberg met here in the early 60's. Now it is alive with fabulous eveningwear in a boutique known as "Versailles." The latest newcomer to the street, "Paints and Prints" will delight you with its accessories and fun paintings.

At 33 West 8th, bands like Vanilla Fudge and Curtis Knight & The Squires performed. It was called The Eighth Wonder in the 60's. Shopping for that special outfit is easy at "Untitled," a celebrity haunt featuring cutting-edge fashions, including Bob Marley's daughter, Cedella's line. Tibetan poet, Edwin Arlington Robinson once lived next door at 28 West 8th. The small buildings next door were built in 1838 by a merchant named John W. Alsop, and were later used as artist's studios.

Reminiscing about the shoes of yesteryear? Check out one of the oldest, authentic shoe stores at 19 West 8th, "Stylish Shoes," here since 1952. The building at 17 West 8th, once housed the duplex of Mae West and Texas Guinan, the world class diamond buyer of the Roaring 20's and "Queen of the Nightclubs." Rumor has it that she had a solid gold bathtub in her apartment.

One of the street's newest additions, "Is Wine," with its warm cave-like decor, is a wonderful place to discover hard to find wines. Further up the street is the historical "New York Studio School of Drawing, Painting & Sculpture", which was once the first Whitney Museum of American Art. In 1931, Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, one of the city's wealthiest heiresses, established the museum to display the works of contemporary American artists, such as, Edward Hopper, Bellows and Stuart Davis.

Ecuadorian President Galo Plaza was born cross the street, at the "Marlton Hotel". In 1964, Lenny Bruce sought refuge here during his obscenity trial. Author Jack Kerouac wrote his work, "Tristessa" while staying here.

All this shopping and touring is guaranteed to stir up an appetite. Fuel up with an espresso and fruit tart at "Le Pain Quotidien." What may have started out as a quick walk, will reignite the spark of your youth and give you a whole new appreciation for the magic of the street that is the gateway to the Village.

ADELAIDE POLSINELLI,

SENIOR EXECUTIVE BROKER,

THE PLATINUM TEAM

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