Lark Street

Lark Street is a historic street in Albany, NY, known for being the unique "Greenwich Village" of the city. Technically the northernmost border of the "Center Square" neighborhood, and located one block south of Washington Square Park, the ever-popular Lark Street is home of many independent shops, coffee houses, restaurants, art galleries, antique shops, bars, and even a tattoo parlor. Although the southeasternmost strip was rebuilt in 2002-2003 to place new roadways, trees and sidewalks in front of the new shops in the active portion of Lark Street, some local residents have protested the neglect of the northwestern side of Lark Street (crossing west of Central Avenue), which runs down into the less-affluent Arbor Hill neighborhood.

Location

Lark Street is located two blocks west of the Empire State Plaza and one block east of Washington Park. Just a short walk from downtown Albany's business district, Lark Street has long been a mix of commercial and residential that is reminiscent of the great and colorful neighborhoods of Manhattan. 19th century brownstones line the streets, many filled with commercial residents who have been there for years, and give the street a decidedly vintage feel. Also lending that "Greenwich" feel are the cobblestone intersections that remain from the turn-of-the century neighborhood this once was. During the day, residents and nearby workers lunch at cafes, enjoy cocktails, and shop among the eclectic selection of boutiques and stores.

The Lark Street Bookshop (Which has since closed down).

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Inside a popular showhouse and pub - 'Valentines'.

Culture

A diverse range of artists and organizations have found their way to Lark Street - among them, the Upstate Artists Guild (UAG) which is working to get more galleries and studios into the downtown Albany and Troy areas. Because of this, and efforts from others, Lark Street's many historic apartment buildings have been turned into galleries and artist studios.

Shopping is available, and many storefronts are tucked into basement level shops further lending to their appeal. You can find contemporary art, antiques, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces, vintage clothing, flowers, books, and wine - as well as many bars and nightlife including Tex-Mex, Greek, Thai, Indian, Hunan, Italian and Japanese resturaunts.

Lark Fest

The street is transformed each year by artist's displays including: painters, photographers, jewelers, sculptors, ceramicists, glass artists and live shows on several stages.

The event has an average attendance of 55,000 people. The highest attendance record was in 2006, with 80,000 people showing up.

External Links

• The Hidden City
• Metroland - Alternative newsweekly of Albany.
• The Launderette - Publication
• Salvage Magazine
• Upstate Artists Guild
• The Sanctuary for Independent Media
• Trink - Contemporary furniture shop on Lark Street
• AlbanyPoets.com
• The Frobel Gallery
• Les Bohemes Collective
• Firlefranz Gallery