SULLIVAN ST TEA & SPICE CO.
Hello fellow adventurers,
It’s week one of our escapades. Week one of experiencing the city as a solo urban explorer. While this week may not have been my most daring week, it was one of comfort and familiarity. It was a week of silent revelations, and fun finds. Let’s jump right in shall we!
Tea is a beloved beverage enjoyed by people all over the world. It is made by brewing the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, and can be enjoyed in countless varieties, from classic black tea to trendy matcha.
If you’re looking for a tasteful tea shop in NYC look no further than Greenwich Village. The Sullivan St Tea and Spice Co. was founded in 2011 with the mission to bring unique teas and spices to NYC. Since then, it has been a staple in the community for all things herbaceous. While this is not my first time visiting this local tea shop, I was in the neighboorhod and thought it would be a good place to start my adventures.
The shop has a plethora of different teas and spices that you can take a look at and purchase. While some are pre packaged, most sit loose in glass jars that line the shelves of this quaint hideaway. I couldn’t help but buy a few things for myself while I perused this wonderfully eclectic space; a few vials of French Flur Salt, Rose Buds, and French Lavender made their way into my collection. More than just teas and spices though, Sullivan St Tea and Spice Co. sells bath salts and balms that will make you feel just as cozy as a cup of tea on a cold day.
Walking into the shop you can feel the years of history in the patiniaed walls. The aroma of herbally goodness wafts around you, and it makes you feel as though you are inside of a giant teabag, while the friendly staff is so knowledgeable of their craft that it is easy to want to buy up the whole shop. With everything from common herbs and spices, to exotic salts and blends, this charming spice salon is a one stop shop for anyone looking to up their culinary game, or source herbs for rituals.
Right around the corner from this adorable tea shop, is Washington Square Park; one of NYC’s many iconic parks. From art to skaters to performers, this small park is always bursting with energy. Despite the cold weather and the late afternoon hour, the park was bustling. Dogs played in the dog run, skaters used the empty fountain as a small skate park, and artists set up around the fountain selling their creative wares.
As I sat on the side of the bare fountain, watching the skaters roll about, I was struck with the communal camaraderie my fellow observers and I shared. Whether alone or with company, we all shared the same experience of simply existing in one of the greatest cities in the world. The quiet moments in between the hustle of the city are the moments that hold beauty and peace. Sitting there, I realized that despite being alone I was in fact part of a larger community that was around me. A community of those seeking the moments in between.
History Corner: Washington Square Park, named for George Washington, became a public park in 1827. It was in the 20th century however that the park was redefined socially and culturally. The southwest corner became a cherished play space and chess and gaming tables at the south and northwest entryways created a vibrant culture with an international reputation. The famous arch that adorns the park was built between 1890-1892 to honor the centennial of the first president’s inauguration.