Have you ever wanted to visit a place where your darkness speaks to you? Go to Harlem.

The New York neighborhood is known worldwide as one of the black meccas of the world. With its historic monuments that were once the haunts of famous artists who led the Harlem RenaissanceA period of cultural expression that ran from the end of World War I (1917) to the 1930s, the neighborhood was home to the legends we love, including Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, and Cab Calloway. To this day, the community is full of electric energy enhanced by the bustling businesses, charming restaurants, and interesting creative spaces it has. This energy is especially strong in the fall, when the weather is arguably the best in the city. Let’s take a look at some of the activities you can participate in at Harlem World this time of year.

The place to stay

Renaissance Harlem Hotel

Thanks to Hotels.com, I was transported to a world of black excellence and Art Deco splendor during my stay at Renaissance Harlem Hotel. The platform offered a competitive rate of around $140/night for the 4-star hotel located in the heart of the borough, flanked by family restaurants and bodegas.

The hotel takes guests into past and present grandeur with subtle nods to icons of the Harlem Renaissance, which can be seen in the artwork, furniture design, and even the staircases.

Led by New York-based AJC Design and Carlita Alexander, the hotel beautifully pays homage to the neighborhood’s historic culture with stunning artifacts, furniture, and books.

The Renaissance Hotel is located inside the Victoria Theater Building, which is the rehabilitated manifestation of the iconic Victoria Theatre, which opened in 1917. It has been reimagined to include the Victoria Restaurant, a residential lounge tower craft cocktails, a theater space, a ballroom, a roof terrace. , and will soon house retail stores.

My room was beautiful and comfortable, with city views, free WiFi, air conditioning, and coffee maker. Sure, space was limited, as New York hotel rooms are, but what it lacked in square footage it made up for in functionality. Perfect for a fashionista, the room still managed to have several mirrors (including a full-bodied one in the bathroom) throughout. I was particularly charmed by the engravings of Langton Hughes poems in some of the mirrors, further reinforcing the thoughtful design highlighting Harlem’s history for hotel guests.

Additionally, The Renaissance has an incredible concierge team, health club, laundry and dry cleaning services, and room service.

Things to eat

Amy Ruth’s

Voted as one of the best chicken and waffles restaurants in the country, the restaurant certainly delivers on its promises based on hundreds of positive customer reviews and a five-star Google rating. If you’re craving a taste of Southern cuisine while in New York, you’ve come to the right place.

For less than $20, you’ll be treated to a treat that will fill your stomach, as most of the items on the menu are incredibly affordable.

Smoke

How about delicious Italian cuisine? Try Fumo. Its Harlem location on Amsterdam Avenue offers a casual ambiance with its clean, bright decor, intimate seating and mouth-watering menu. I had the penne funghi, a delicious pasta dish with wild mushrooms, marsala cream and truffle oil. To die for!

Massawa

This Eritrean and Ethiopian restaurant is sure to transport you straight to East Africa with its authentic cuisine and friendly service. Billing itself as New York’s oldest African restaurant, Massawa took root in 1988 and has been delighting customers ever since.

Melba

This restaurant serves southern classics with a modern twist. Founded by Melba Wilson, a Harlemite who previously worked at famed New York City soul food restaurant Sylvia’s, Melba saw firsthand what it took to launch a sustainable restaurant that spans generations.

Field trip

If you’ve ever wanted to know what it would taste like if you crossed Chipotle with the Caribbean, then you’re in luck. Fieldtrip, a fast-casual restaurant chain that serves African and island-inspired rice, is a quick way to significantly satisfy your global palate. Created by Chef JJA world-renowned culinary master, Fieldtrip “celebrates rice, not as a side dish but as a main dish, because it brings people together.”

The sea and the sea Harlem

If you’re craving a hearty seafood stew or chowder, head to 116th Street and pick up the catch of the day.

Things to sip on

IL Café Latte

Anything good enough for Dapper Dan is good enough for me. I’m told the legendary clothing designer often frequents the cafe for his favorite coffee and raves about its flavor profile and friendly service.

Harlem Hops

If you’re in the mood for a fall-themed beer, visit Harlem Hops. It offers a wide range of craft beers and a brief microbrewery education in the heart of Harlem. It also offers East Coast and West Coast IPAs that you can enjoy in its seated garden to take advantage of all the cool fall weather.

Things to see

Harlem Creative Collective

Located at 147th Street and St. Nicholas Avenue, this vintage boutique’s inventory includes clothing donated by the late, beloved actor Michael K. Williams and others. If you’re looking for an incredible, sustainable way to upgrade your fall wardrobe, look no further.

Heritage Theater

Known as one of New York’s oldest black nonprofit theater companies, Heritage Theater was established in 1964 by Roger Furman, a playwright, director and actor. It was created to celebrate and admire classic works of black theater. It’s always exactly that.

Apollo Theater

The iconic theater was built between 1914 and is still operating today. As in its heyday, Amateur Night still takes place and you can find it every Wednesday at 8 p.m.