Okay, so let me tell you about one of the coolest days we’ve had exploring NYC—bouncing around the Lower East Side and East Village with basically one mission: eat everything delicious and learn something while we’re at it. Spoiler alert: mission accomplished, pants button status: compromised.
The Tenement Museum Was Actually Mind-Blowing
We kicked things off at the Tenement Museum, and honestly, I wasn’t expecting to be as hooked as I was. This place tells the stories of actual immigrant families who lived in these tiny tenement apartments from the 1860s through the mid-1900s. We’re talking cramped three-room apartments with no running water, no heat except a coal stove, and four outhouse stalls for the ENTIRE building of 20 families.
Our guide was incredible—totally brought these spaces to life with stories of Irish, Italian, Jewish, and other immigrant families who basically built New York from these little rooms. It’s wild to stand in the actual building at 97 Orchard Street and think about all the people who cooked, slept, raised kids, and dreamed of better lives right where you’re standing. If you’re into history at all, this is a must-do.
East Village Vibes and Economy Candy Heaven
After the museum, we wandered into the East Village to walk off our feelings (and make room for what was coming). This neighborhood is SO eclectic—old school New York energy mixed with cool shops and street art everywhere.
Then we hit up Economy Candy and oh my GOD. This place has been around since 1937 and started as a pushcart outside a shoe repair shop during the Depression. Now it’s this floor-to-ceiling candy wonderland with like 2,000 different types of sweets—everything from retro candy bars you haven’t seen since childhood to chocolate-covered everything. I bought some much needed black licorice, Grace got some other gum.
The Food Marathon Begins
Here’s where things got delicious. Grace went for Japanese—the East Village basically has its own “Little Tokyo” vibe with tons of amazing spots to choose from. Meanwhile, I was feeling Mexican and went full-on taco mode. We love that we can split up and get exactly what we’re craving, then reconvene to compare notes on our choices.
But I wasn’t done yet—I also grabbed a crepe because apparently one lunch wasn’t enough when you’re on vacation and surrounded by good food. Sweet, warm, totally worth the extra stop.
Dessert for the Absolute WIN
The grand finale? Gelato. Together. Because after all that walking around the Lower East Side and East Village, we both deserved some creamy, cold, Italian perfection. Multiple flavors, obviously. No regrets whatsoever.
Honestly, between the candy haul from Economy Candy, my crepe, and the gelato we shared, it was basically a dessert-dominated day—and I’m not mad about it. The East Village is a food lover’s dream, and we took full advantage of every bite.