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Scouting out some of the City’s coolest places

A courtyard and backhouse on Perry Street. Scouting New York features views of places that aren't always accessible to the general public. Image via Scouting New York.
A courtyard and backhouse on Perry Street. Scouting New York features views of places that aren’t always accessible to the general public. Image via Scouting New York.

Recently, Off the Grid has spotlighted a number of blogs that we like to read to keep us up to date about our community and our city beyond the borders of the Village. We’ve spotlighted Untapped New York, which helps its readers discover New York’s architecture and culture from the perspective of both experts and citizen journalists; EV Grieve, the blog that is a must-follow for anyone interested in the East Village; and Jeremiah’s Vanishing New York, which sadly laments vanishing businesses and buildings across New York City.

Today we thought we’d take some time to scout out the blog Scouting New York. Written by Nick Carr, a movie location scout for movies shot in and around New York City for the past four years, Scouting New York takes you outside, inside, and even underneath some of the most unique places across the Metropolitan New York area.

Greenwich Village Locksmiths was featured on Scouting New York because of its amazing facade of keys. Image via Scouting New York.
Greenwich Village Locksmiths was featured on Scouting New York because of its amazing facade of keys. Image via Scouting New York.

For movie buffs, there are an incredible number of posts featuring locations of movies shot in and around New York. Posts featuring locations from Taxi Driver, French Connection, and Ghostbusters are interesting in terms of chronicling how much has changed. Carr has some interesting insights on change in New York that are worth a read.

As you might suspect, I am particularly drawn to posts about Village locales. My favorite just might be the post on a former gas station at the corner of Commerce Street and Seventh South (and yes, it might be a favorite because it features an image from the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation’s archive!). And check out before and after pictures of the façade of Greenwich Locksmiths.

And the best feature of Scouting New York? It has to be Nick’s access to interiors and private outdoor spaces not just anyone can gain access to. I particularly love this post on a Perry Street courtyard and backhouse and a recent post on the Valencia Movie Palace (now the Tabernacle of Prayer church) in Queens.

Joe's Friendly Service, 1959. Julie Rinaldini collection, Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation.
Joe’s Friendly Service, 1959. Julie Rinaldini collection, Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation.

Thanks to Scouting New York for a blog that delivers some astounding views of New York, past, current, and seen on the big screen. This resource is a definite read for those who appreciate our city’s built environment.

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