When John Lennon said he wished he had been born in Greenwich Village, he was longing, not for its picturesque present, but its romantic and rebellious past. Throughout its history, it has been a magnet for culture-confronting artists, lured by its reputation for nonconformity, intellectual freedom, sexual energy and artistic excess. This quest walks in the footsteps of its most interesting characters -- from disgraced philosopher Thomas Paine to sultry actress Mae West, poet ee cummings and counter-culture singer Lou Reed – hearing their stories, solving clues, and solving the ultimate riddle.

 

Ages: 17 to 102

Time: 2.5 hrs if you rush/all day if you don’t

Best time: store hours

Price: $5.99

 

Starting point: outside the Christopher Street Station on the corner of Christopher Street and 7th Avenue.