One block from the stop is the heart of this neighborhood - Washington Square Park. The two prominent features here are Washington's Arch and a large fountain in the center of the park. The arch was designed by architect Standford White and was modeled after the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The park is also famous for attracting chess players from around the world.
"Some of the greats have played here. Bobby Fisher, Kasparov played here. We have some nice up and coming grand masters," Anthony Williams said.
Surrounding the park is New York University. Founded in 1831,NYU is now one of the largest private universities in the country. Famous Alumni include, NYC Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia, Alec Baldwin, Investor Carl Icahn, and Woody Allen. Its campus is Greenwich Village.
Three blocks south is Bleecker Street,famous for its nightlife, folk clubs, and specialty shops.
Right outside the stop is what is nicknamed by street basketball fans as The Cage. It is one of the top street ball amateur locales. Its small confined size causes quite of bit of tough physical play with many a player bouncing off the gate.
After a good game, some like to quench off with a cold brew. Four blocks from the subway stop is a unique throw back to how people in the neighborhood used to take home their favorites from the local pub called Growler Station. A Growler is the container that carries fresh beer from a brewery to your home. Popular in the early 20th century, this store specializing in craft beers has brought it back and updated the concept for the 21st century.
"Our delivery system is a counter pressure system and we are delivering fresh keg beer into a growler. We are bottling it and capping it and you are taking it home and it's as if you are sitting at the bar drinking a pint of beer with your buddies. Tastes the same," John O'Connell said.
A historic park, a world class university, and little something for everyone can be found within 7 blocks of the West 4th street subway stop in Greenwich Village.
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