Here are some tips for newcomers who want to get acquainted with this delightful and intriguing chunk of the Big Apple.

Pick a day with nice weather, so you can enjoy the sites and sounds of the many outdoor attractions in this unique part of town.

Start your adventure near the famous arch in Washington Square Park, at 5th Avenue and Waverly Place, in the heart of Greenwich Village. Here you can catch up on your people watching, listen to the street musicians, and maybe catch a glimpse of a celebrity or two. (I crossed the street alongside Dustin Hoffman on my last visit.)

Don't be afraid to make a friend or two. The people you'll find in this part of town tend to be very interesting, friendly, and fairly laid back. Some of my closest friends today are folks I originally met on a bench in Washington Square Park.

Ready for more action? Head south to Bleecker Street, and browse the many charming and unique shops and boutiques. Have a leisurely gourmet lunch at an ethnic eatery or at one of the many fabulous bistros. Follow it up with a cappuccino and dessert at a romantic sidewalk cafe.

When the sun goes down, Greenwich Village takes on a more manic edge. Leisurely sidewalk diners abound, but are complemented by the pumped-up mood of the hip, young bar crowd and the smoky chic of the jazz scene.

Greenwich Village nightlife offers something for everyone. From classic jazz venues like the Blue Note (at 131 W. 3rd), to rock & roll corner bars, to weird-but-hip multi-genre places like the Wreck Room (at 116 MacDougal), you’re sure to find a spot for any taste.

In the mood for a more relaxed evening? Catch an art-house flick at the Angelica Theater at 18 W. Houston. Follow it up with a stroll through the Village, and stop for coffee or a cocktail to round out the evening.

Greenwich Village is "America's Hangout." Explore and enjoy!