Editors Note: This article has so many great ways to change up your routine and make your day more colorful.  Choose even one new place to try every weekend and see how much fun you can have with a little exploration!  Or ask friends to go on this tour together, print out the below article and explore the East Village all day long. ~Nitika~

Take a stroll with me through the East Village. I want to invite you to experience the neighborhood I have lived in for more than six years in the healthy, fulfilling way I do each day.  I am continuously surprised by how many places are buried in such a small area and I am always finding new places to explore. I will introduce you to some of my favorite markets, juice bars, restaurants, and ice cream shops.  I encourage you to try out as many as you desire and to also take some time to find your own hidden gems!

1)  Markets & Specialty Shops. When shopping for produce, I buy mostly organic, especially if I will be using it for juicing. So, I frequently shop at Commodities Natural Market or Urban Roots for their fresh selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables.  They also have a wide variety of supplements and natural beauty products.  For natural spices and other ayurvedic products, I have recently found Dual Specialty Store where I love to roam the aisles.  Experimenting with different spices such as turmeric, cardamom, and cayenne helps keep your meals favorable and exciting!

2) Juice Bars.  There is no better way to start my day than with a nice refreshing glass of vegetable juice.  If I don’t have time to make my own, I often go to Liquiteria to get my fix.  You can also find tasty organic juices and smoothies at Urban Roots, Great Jones Spa Café, and Natural Green Market.  Don’t worry if you are thinking, I need my coffee in the morning, incorporating a vegetable juice anytime of the day is always beneficial.  Try it for yourself as a mid-afternoon energy boost!

3)  Lunch Spots. Whenever I am lucky enough to be in the neighborhood for lunch, I often go to Organic Grill.  They have a great selection of salads and my recent favorite is their Raw Kale Salad.  Other great lunch and brunch spots with a laid back atmosphere are Westville (you can’t beat their blackboard filled with market vegetables), The Mudspot, Angelica Kitchen, and Caravan of Dreams (the live music is always inviting and relaxing).

4)  Dinner Favs! I am a bit of a foodie and I love spending time with my friends over a fabulous meal and delicious red wine.   Although I love fresh juices and salads, I’m adventurous in other types of foods.  I often crave oysters, sushi, and a nice piece of wild salmon for dinner and my top three places to satisfy my cravings are KanoYama, Mermaid Inn, and Five Points.  I love spicy food that makes the Thai Green Curry at Pukk or Bodhi Tree a perfect choice!

5)  Ice Cream Shops! During the hot summer months, I definitely treat myself to a scoop or two!  Luckily, for those of us who are lactose intolerant there are now many delicious dairy free options such as nut, hemp, and coconut based ice creams.  My top three places to indulge are Stogo, Lula’s Sweet Apothecary, and the beautiful outdoor garden at Pure Food and Wine. Their ice cream sundaes are amazing!

I hope you have enjoyed our trip around the East Village.   I would love to hear your experiences and other gems you have found, so please post your comments and share!