South Street Seaport, New York

In the relentless pursuit of bigger and better, New York has followed a pattern of construction, demolition, and grander reconstruction, striving to become the largest, most exceptional entity in the Western Hemisphere. Amidst this trend, the South Street Seaport stands as a peculiar and endearing anomaly in Lower Manhattan. Its collection of historic ships and well-preserved nineteenth-century buildings transports visitors back to the city's mercantile and shipping past, with a distinct charm to it all.

Initially, one might mistake the South Street Seaport for a mere shopping mall, with its cobblestone pedestrian areas lined by chain stores. However, following the transformative impact of Superstorm Sandy, the area has undergone significant physical and spiritual changes. Today, the Seaport has been rebranded as a hub for temporary container ship installations, artisanal vendors from Brooklyn, and a venue for live events.

Driving this revitalization is the Howard Hughes Corporation, aiming to shake up what was once a sleepy and, frankly, stagnant part of Lower Manhattan. For now, the South Street Seaport deserves all the support it can garner. Enjoy delectable sushi rolls at SUteiShi, conveniently located across the street, while recognizing the resilience of Barbalu's owners in the face of adversity.