THE BEDFORD-STUYVESANT WALK

Two of Brooklyn's old colonial villages – Bedford and Stuyvesant Heights – long ago merged to become what’s now the most populous of New York’s predominantly African-American neighborhoods. These days, the area is once again on the upswing, in terms of community spirit, and its proud residents are active in more than 200 block associations.

During this walk, we'll explore the gracious tree-lined blocks along Bedford-Stuyvesant’s southern rim, many filled with well-preserved brownstones built between 1890 and 1910 that are equal in distinction to the best of those in Park Slope and Boerum Hill. What’s more, several of the larger local apartment towers – the Renaissance, the Imperial and the Alhambra – are still every bit as magnificent as their names suggest.

Among the jazz luminaries who've lived in this neighborhood over the years are Eubie Blake, Sidney Bechet, Lena Horne, J.J. Johnson, Duke Jordan, Max Roach, Barry Harris, Wynton Kelly and Philly Joe Jones. There've always been small jazz clubs along these avenues. We'll pass the sites where several of these were once located – and check out some of the newer ones, too.

Toward the end of our tour, after cruising Fulton Street’s multicultural shopping strip, we’ll dash across Atlantic Ave. to look at a neighborhood known as Crown Heights North, home to one of Brooklyn’s most medieval-looking National Guard armories and what was once the borough’s most resplendent gentlemen’s club.

To arrange for a personal or group tour of Bed-Stuy, contact SwingStreets.