By Town Crier Staff Report

Transportation

If you decide to walk, keep in mind that New York’s city blocks are twice as long as San Francisco’s average city block. Be prepared to walk the equivalent of eight blocks, even if your map shows four.

Barbara toured the city via tour bus and taxi. Her friend purchased all-day bus passes that permitted them to hop on and off as many times as they liked while sightseeing.

Harlem

But Barbara discovered much more - Harlem has become a diverse neighborhood with a multitude of cultures.

As a result, there are open markets and shops with one-of-a-kind goods on every block.

If you want to find a bargain, Harlem is the place, she said. And the people couldn’t have been friendlier, she added. People were quick to start a conversation and help with directions.

Sylvia’s Restaurant

Sylvia opened the restaurant with an $18,000 loan from her mother, who mortgaged the family farm in South Carolina to raise the money. Today, three generations of the Woods family operate the restaurant, worth $12 million.

Barbara said she walked five New York blocks to eat at Sylvia’s.

When a photographer at the restaurant overheard Barbara and her friends raving about Sylvia, whom they have long admired, he asked if they wanted to meet her.

“I thought she would be at her penthouse,” Barbara said. To her surprise, Sylvia was in the restaurant and came over to meet Barbara and her friends. Barbara said Sylvia treated them like celebrities.

“She hugged us and acted like she knew us,” Barbara said. “I was impressed by her warm hospitality.”

Barbara said the food was fantastic. She recommends the fried and smothered pork chops served with sweet potatoes, collard greens and corn bread. For dessert, try the peach cobbler - it’s large enough for three.

Sylvia’s hosts a gospel brunch every Sunday that features live music.

Mishaps

Barbara said one of her highlights during the trip was spending the night at a gorgeous historic hotel - the result of a mistake with the hotel reservations where she originally booked a room.