Lounges, Zoos, Noise

[souldecirce]

Hi, all!

Recently found your site, and it's been very helpful, and fun, too; the photos are phenomenal!

I will be subletting an apartment for a month in what I believe is referred to as the Zebra (help me out if that nickname has changed).

I was wondering if any of you could tell me what the noise level is like (I'll be upwards of the 20th floor). Also, what about lounges in the area? I'm a single gal, but scrappy and, excepting flying Canada geese, generally fearless. Maybe lounges outside of the area (the Village? SoHo)? I'd like to go someplace that isn't a meat market, where a lone girl doesn't automatically indicate "for hire."

Also, I want to tour the outer boroughs, and see some of the streets mentioned in the hip hop songs of old. Any particular streets recommended (to go to or to stay away from)?

Last but not least (for the moment, at any rate), if I can only do one, should it be the Bronx or the Brooklyn Zoo?

Thank you, all!

[Bronxbombers]

I hope I will the Brooklyn Zoo and I also hope to see the Bronx Zoo while I will be in New York City on vacation.

[scumonkey]

Noise not that much worse there than anywhere else (except at rush hour)...
You'll hear noise (most everywhere in the city) but, up that high it can be somewhat diminished-
it will also depend on what side of the building your located on.
All along 9th Ave, from 42-57th there are M A N Y places to hang out -
most are new- the neighborhood is becoming quite trendy.
I don't leave Manhattan enough to answer you outer boro question,
but I DO know that you want to go to the Bronx Zoo;)
Brooklyn has a damn good Botanical Garden and Museum of Art

[souldecirce]

Thanks, scumonkey! Yeah, I guess Bronx Zoo is what I want to do, eh?

Am definitely going to check out Brooklyn botanicals, and the Gantry state park that was recommended elsewhere.

I can do trendy once or twice, but, as far as bars go, I prefer grit to shine. Will continue scouring.

I spent nearly a week in NYC once before (Jazz on the Park West), and didn't take advantage as I could have, though I did do Guggenheim, MMoA, Spamalot.

I already have my Explorer 7-attraction pass, so I'm looking for off-the-beaten sights /sites.

Here are two pics that I took on my first trip. Don't laugh! I'll do better this time round!

Again, thanks!

[scumonkey]

I'm sure you'll find that most spots on 9th still tend to be a bit gritty
(that's what's making them trendy at the moment),
compared to the more popular hoods which have been all but sanitized ;)

[BrooklynRider]

Definitely got to the Bronx Zoo. It is top notch.

And, definitely go to this bar in the Village. You walk through a little courtyard into a bar lit with candles and red lights. Friendly atmosphere. Good beer on tap. Great vibe. The courtyard has tables in the warmer weather.

Von (http://www.vonbar.com/)

www.vonbar.com

3 Bleecker St # 1
New York, NY 10012
(212) 473-3039