The A-Train Neigborhood Tour

Everybody knows Duke Ellington's song called "On the A Train" for its funky lyrics. But did you also know that the A train is the longest train in the NYC transit system that goes through three boroughs. As a result, it goes through many great neighborhoods. Come along with me for a ride on the A train and learn about some funky neighborhood attractions on the A train.

First, stop on this neighborhood tour is Rockaway Beach stop in Brooklyn. When you are mood for some fishing, surfing and some fun beach activities go to Rockaway Beach during the summer months. But this area is not just for beach visitors but art lovers as well. All year long, due to the help of the Rockaway Artist Alliance, that encourages residents to appreciate art from locale artists, you can see some impressive art for free. There are galleries and photography exhibits offered to art patrons and a free art splash festival in the summertime also. Go their website at http://www.rockawayartistsalliance.org/exhib_events.html for updated information on their activities all season long.

Another fun summertime activity, along the A line in Brooklyn, at the Utica Avenue, station, is Bed Stuy's annual neighborhood African American Culture fair that goes on for four days July 4-8 2007. This fair is held at Boy and Girls High School. Visit their http://www.internationalafricanartsfestival.com for more information.
Next, stop is a locale stop along the A route called Lafayette St. Here you can hear some great music and see dance, music and movies at the Brooklyn Academy of Music www.bam.org If you want even more of a locale theater flavor then go see the cultural group that celebrates African American culture called 651. Go and check out their website www.651arts.org. Also, visit the Billie Holiday Theater where people can see original cultural significant plays about African American life at affordable prices. Look at their website at www.thebillieholiday.org for their 2007 play schedule. Even this area's Fort Greene Park offers some great music theater in the summertime. If you are hungry for some great dessert after you saw a movie or show at one of the above-mentioned establishments, then go to the Cake Raven for a slice of this baker's famous red velvet cake. Read this inspiring baker's bio on his bakery website at www.cakemanraven.com If you are not that interested in theater there is one other alternative in this area. Visit the glass-blowing factory that gives free limited tours of how they blow glass to make great art work. Look for details about upcoming free tours at www.urbanglass.org

Next stop on the A train tour is the Jay Street stop that will take you to the area of Brooklyn Heights. This is where you can see walk and some great historical brownstones (bed stuy also has great brownstones also) and go then go and relax at the Brooklyn promenade while looking at the Manhattan skyline. If you are interested in Brooklyn history nearby you can visit the Brooklyn Historical Society and see some interesting exhibits. For dessert go and eat a slice of Junior's famous cheesecake that is not that far away. If you can't get enough of the present train ride you have been on then you can see some old historical trains at the New York Transit Museum located inside an old subway station that also not that far away. If you visit this neighborhood, in the summer time visit Metro Tech to hear some great summer musical concerts for free also.

If you go to the last in Brooklyn, the High Street, this is your chance to walk the Brooklyn Bridge and see the sites of Manhattan from high up. If you have a chance grab an ice cream cone before you stroll on the bridge at the Brooklyn Ice Factory that is located nearby in the neighborhood of Dumbo.

Dumbo is where you can stroll around and look at some great unique shops, see great artists work, get great furniture deals and eat at some unique eateries. If you feel too tired to walk across the bridge, after walking around Dumbo all day, then you to relax at this Bridge's park instead. You still will see some great views of the Manhattan skyline. Another option for some great entertainment is at this park's entertainment arts center called Tobacco Warehouse.

Walking this bridge will lead to the next neighborhood on your train tour called Chamber Street. If you interested in the neighborhood formerly called "Radio Row' (this where people would shop for great electronic deals in the 1960's) check out Chambers street for great discount deals. Shop at Century 21 clothing store for designer clothing at discount prices, go to the great pizza right next store for one lunch option, and shop for snacks and discounted drugstore items at Ralph's discounts. All around the surrounding area of this store you can get great discounts on shoes and irregulars sheets and clothing items. When you get hungry again, after getting your shopping bargains, put down your bags and eat at the Pakistan Tea House. Once you wait on the long line you will get some great Pakistan food with Nam bread for a meal that will cost you less then ten buck.

I just gave a small sampling of the cultural diverse train trip you can take on the A Train. I just got you started but you can take this train trip through the neighborhoods of Chelsea, Inwood, Washington Heights and Chinatown and you will see many funky neighborhood attractions along the way. All you need is a metro card to get on your way to a great neighborhood.