a re-rebirth?

seeing as how my school is in harlem (city college stand up! lol), i usually end up venturing around aimlessly after class. and in my last few ventures i've found some interesting things...

i ran into carol's daughter, a black owned version of bath and body works to me. everything's natural and handmade, and smells waaaay too good. from lotions and scrubs to conditioners and bath oils, carol's daughter has got everything. check it out...then i ran across a placed called the brownstone. the brownstone is *drumroll please* a brownstone *tada*. lol nah seriously its this brownstone with about three levels that hosts a vintage clothing spot, a hair salon, a cafe and a wedding boutique. its quaint and amazing. i also found this small mini-mall that is home to a cafe, a beauty boutique (that is along the lines of carol's daughter...black soaps, shea butters, etc etc), a spa, and home goods. oh and a florist lol. also ran across something like an african-american acting school. and there's a bunch of REALLY nice restaurants tucked into nooks and crannies and underneath layers of scaffoldings (wimps is one of my faves!). there's also little lounges here and there. and while walking around 135th and lenox on a ravenous search for dinner lol, i ran across a gaming lounge - equipped with leather seating, computers with internet, different consoles, flat screens, dim lights and hospitable hosts. there's alot of realty spots too, looking to revamp and sell all the property back at ridiculous prices lol.

so wandering around this neighborhood, i asked myself if this was a re-rebirth of harlem. and its seeming so. besides the huge commercial stores on 125th, there seems to be an emergence of substantial black-owned stores and establishments. which is cool cuz im always down for supporting! so the next time you have some free time and an unlimited metrocard, roll through harlem and see what you find...i promise you wont regret it. i didnt!

PS: im gonna do my best to get the names, addresses, and possible websites for these places so you can check them out ::wink::