Meet the Neighbors: Bluestockings

The Lower East Side is one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in New York. Even those of us who walk through it every day are often surprised by new treasures, or old ones we've overlooked. It's a neighborhood of small businesses, where chain stores are the exception rather than the rule.  Best of all, its abundant delights are generally accessible--from $5 lunches to $3 happy hours and free cultural events, there's a bargain around every corner.

Since a stroll through the LES yields so much, we're launching a new blog series called "Meet the Neighbors" which will profile restaurants, cultural institutions, shops, historic sites and anything else that makes the neighborhood unique. If you have topic suggestions, please share them in the comments section below!

To kick off the series, allow us to introduce you to Bluestockings, a bookstore, fair trade cafe and activist center. Whether you're familiar with Bluestockings or not, it definitely deserves a visit (or repeat visit). Located at 172 Allen Street, between Stanton and Rivington, Bluestockings sells over 6,000 titles on a variety of topics including: queer and gender studies, Black liberation, democracy studies and global capitalism.

Bluestockings also hosts events (most free of charge or small suggested donation), including performances, workshops, readings, and film screenings, all of which are listed on their events calendar. While you're there, sample the eats at their in-house cafe, which features organic, vegan and fair trade options.

Bluestockings strives to be a space that encourages and empowers all people. It makes a unique and important contribution to the neighborhood and the city at large--much like the immigrant communities that the Tenement Museum celebrates. Be sure to check back later for more introductions to our intriguing neighbors!