Earlier we learned about  Empire State Building which is an important part in the New York in Song Series

Chelsea StreetNew York in Song
“Chelsea Morning – Spotlight on Chelsea in Manhattan”

Woke up it was a Chelsea morning and the first thing that I saw
Was the sun through yellow curtains and a rainbow on my wall…

The song “Chelsea Morning” was written and recorded by Joni Mitchell in 1969, and has been recorded by other major artists as well, including Judy Collins and Neil Diamond.  Mitchell has said that she wrote the song while living in a small apartment in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan during the 1960’s.  Former President Bill Clinton and Senator Hillary Clinton have often noted in interviews that Judy Collins’ version of this song inspired them to name their daughter Chelsea.

Chelsea has undergone many changes in the more than 35 years that have passed since “Chelsea Morning” was written.  At that time, the neighborhood was still in a transition from a more industrial area, with a lot of manufacturing buildings and warehouses, to the hot residential market it has become today.  New luxury buildings blend with destinctive older brownstones and the area boasts some of the most popular restaurants, shopping, and nightlife hotspots in New York.  After you’ve enjoyed a night of great food and wine, you can even make up for it the next day at Chelsea Piers Sports Center (www.chelseapiers.com), complete with a full health club, Olympic swimming pool, basketball courts, boxing rings and rock-climbing walls.

In addition to all of Chelsea’s attractions, you are also a short distance from other Manhattan attractions..  You’re basically right in the middle between the tourist destinations of midtown (The Empire State Building, Times Square, Broadway, etc) and the charming galleries and cafes of downtown Greenwich Village, West Village and Soho.

Click here to check out some great apartments, vacation rentals, bed & breakfasts and roommate shares in Chelsea. Maybe you’ll even be inspired to write a song about your stay.  After all, 35 years is a long time and “Chelsea Morning” deserves a sequel.

“Chelsea Afternoon”, anyone?

Read more about    Another Important part in the  New York in Song Series, this time we will focus on Uptown- The New Harlem