20th St Between Park Ave and Broadway

As you head west from Gramercy Park, this stretch of 20th Street begins to change from over from the close-knit feeling of the previous neighborhood to the shopping-crazed feeling of the next. With a myriad of shopping opportunities and restaurant options, this block fits right in with it's neighbors to the north and south. A bike lane runs across the entire length, essentially limiting the street to one narrow lane and two lanes for parking. Like 18th Street, covered on Tuesday, the tall buildings here create for a canyon effect - something I don't normally feel anywhere except the Financial District

One of the more notable buildings on this street, the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site sits nestled in the center of the block. While the 26th President was indeed born on this site in 1858, this is not the original house – it was demolished in 1916. The structure that stands here today was built three years after the fact as a faithful recreation. It's apparently furnished with many of the original pieces from the actual house. Now, I'm a big history fan however I'd have to pass on this one. Sorry National Park Service...but recreations just don't cut it...even 90-year-old recreations.