Once New York's most fashionable neighborhood, The “Black Capital of America” has a fascinating story to tell. It began as a rural Dutch community, and then transformed into a summer retreat for New York's most prominent families. By the turn of the century it had become a mecca for African-American writers and artists, who brought about an amazing time of productivity and culture - the Harlem Rennaissance. While Harlem’s brilliance faded with the Great Depression, it has started to renew itself over the past several years. To show you this renewal and historic neighborhood, we offer three types of Harlem Tour.
On the Brunch and Gospel Tour, you will start with a Harlem tour by bus. The tour will show you sights dating back to the Dutch colonists of the 17th century. You will also see famous landmarks such as St. John the Divine, Columbia University, City College, Morning Side Heights, the Morris Jumel Mansion, Sylvan Terrace, Strivers Row and the famed 125th street. Next, on a walking tour of Harlem, you will experience local institutions including the Cotton Club, the Apollo Theater, the Schomburg Center for research in Black Culture and Harlem’s elegant Sugar Hill enclave, where famous musicians including Duke Ellington once lived. In the next part of the tour, you will attend an authentic Harlem Gospel service and enjoy the music of a live gospel choir, performing in the historic African-American tradition that strongly influenced rock and roll and so many other styles of music. Afterwards, the tour will bring you to brunch in Harlem, at a restaurant serving authentic soul food - made with foods traditional to African-American culture.
Important Recommendations for Harlem Tour and Gospel Service in New York:
Proper dress is required to attend the Gospel church service: no shorts or tank tops will be accepted. Children of age 4 and under free and do not require a reservation for Harlem Tour and Brunch.
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