Guest Blogger: Lexy Vandekieft
The FiDi Community has grown exponentially over the last several years and the number of families that call downtown home continues to rise. On the FiDi Families blog, we are sharing the story of one local FiDi tween, who has navigated the streets of FiDi since she was a toddler and shares her unique view of Lower Manhattan.
I moved to the Financial District when I was 3, and I have loved it ever since. From the lively, energetic streets during the weekdays and the peaceful blocks on the weekends, it is truly the perfect place to live. FiDi has wonderful restaurants and stores. Nearby are top retail stores such as Gap, Aldo and Abercrombie and Fitch and small stores as well. One of my favorites is Lee Lee’s Forest at the South Street Seaport. When I suddenly need a white shirt for school, I can always find it nearby. I have a lot of homework on the weekdays, but on the weekends we love to eat out. Adrienne’s Pizza Bar always has my vote, but in a family with 2 other kids, we have to take turns. My brother and sister love Fields Good Chicken and Dos Toros. My parents like Jim Brady’s and Bobby Van’s Steakhouse for my dad’s birthday! No matter what type of food we feel like, there are always multiple options. FIDI is also so wonderful because everyone knows each other. There aren’t many places in New York where you can walk into a restaurant or store and be known by your first name.
FiDi has it all. We also have so many great attractions that are within walking distance, including the South Street Seaport, Chinatown, Little Italy and Brookfield Place in Battery Park. There are also many museums nearby. The South Street Seaport Museum, 9/11 Museum and Anne Frank Museum are all just minutes away. Every season there is something to do. In the winter, I enjoy ice skating. In the summer I frequently go riverside rollerblading and on boats, which leaves from Pier 16. My parents also love taking my brother, sister and I for walks across the Brooklyn Bridge.
The Financial District also has a great history. In 2nd grade when we were studying New Amsterdam, I remember being so excited because everything that we studied was right on my corner. Every street has an astonishing history behind it.
I’m so happy to be turning 15 in such a fun and friendly neighborhood!
Check out a new video featuring FiDi Courtenay Mundy, the owner of PhotoPlay.