As many literary intellects in New York know, it is home to many famous writers, as well as many natives who’ve gotten seriously rich writing in New York. They know the famous landmarks, where this writer spoke her prize-winning poetry pieces, or where that writer finished his latest best-selling novel. For those of us who don’t live in New York and don’t have the opportunity to spot such favorable appearances by our favorite authors, there is the “pub crawl.”

            The Greenwich Literary Pub Crawl is a three-hour excursion, leaving from the White Horse Tavern, which includes places famous writers lived and worked, where writers met and drank, etc. Some places include the Cornelia Street Café and Cedar Tavern and some writers mentioned include Edgar Allen Poe and Edna St. Vincent Millay. The tour takes place on Saturday afternoons and covers a broad range of places that only the literary mind could truly indulge in. Being an avid reader and aspiring writer, the tour excited me, to say the least. Not only was it my first visit to New York’s Greenwich Village, but it was a chance to really explore some of the writers I admired; to see where they went, where they wrote, where they spent their leisure time, almost goaded me to pull out a pen and pad and start writing.

            As drinks were eagerly consumed at each rest stop, conversation flowed and it made the tour all the more liberating and mentally stimulating as fellow travelers broke loose from their shells and loosened up. I’d recommend the tour for anyone interested in good literature and a good time. Though the walking didn’t really put me in high spirits, the added architectural history assessment was a bonus, since my boyfriend was extremely into it.

            After an extremely tiring afternoon, we slipped into the evening with a stop by Hudson Bar & Books on Hudson Street, which enthused me beyond belief. Coming from my small hometown of Poughkeepsie, NY, I’d never seen a place that fused both drinks and literature for the intellectual. The bar attracts a refined crowd, which makes for interesting conversation, as not everyone is into the hobnobbing of the literary crowd. But this stimulating experience dragged me far beyond amazed as I stepped into the candlelit scene, which introduced a continental décor with wooden bars and tin ceilings. The cozy nook in the back is perfect for relaxing or reading, as you sip your drink in complete peace.

            The place seemed like the perfect “up-and-coming” novelist to rendezvous for drinks with writer friends. With late opening hours and early morning closing hours, the spot is the perfect spot for literary-minded tourists.

            After rousing with some of our tour-guided acquaintances, my boyfriend and I headed back to our Waverly Place tavern, the Washington Square Hotel. With 180 rooms, some of which face Washington Square Park, lobby bars, lounges and massage services, the Washington Square Hotel has provided a haven for writers for many years. It’s a writer’s (or aspiring writer’s) dream nook! Its loquacious charm and sophisticated decor transport guests on a voyage into the early 19^th century. I was simply astounded by the aura of the entire establishment. It made me feel like a writer of another time, winning me over before I even checked in. Even the prices amazed me. Rates are between $165-$199 a night! Incredible. I almost didn’t want to leave me ultimate alcove of reading and writing bliss. It’s the perfect place to go if you’re on a business trip for something relating to the literary world, or simply on a journey to escape from the hellish life back home to finish up your latest novel.

            The best time to visit Greenwich Village is late summer to catch all of the excitement and to meet natives and visitors alike. You might also catch a lot of end-of-summer deals on hotel rooms and discounts at restaurants.