ness14, most of this post is about how Soho does seem to attract a lot of tourists, not that we don't want them!
Soho used to be a less traveled part of NYC (compared to other neighborhoods) but that isn't the case these days.

The hotels in the area are less chain-like than other parts of town.
And there are side streets with galleries and smaller shops (many very expensive, I might add). But don't think you're coming to a quiet off-the-beaten-track area--if NYC even has any anymore

This thread, my posts in particular, are a bit of a mixed message, I agree.

We certainly do want tourists in SoHo. The local businesses can't survive on the locals alone. Rents are ridiculous. Really ridiculous.
And without the mom-and-pop places making a living, the "chain stores" *will* have their way here.

If you want to give some real local New York places a shot in SoHo check out:
Prince Charles III Menswear
98 Thompson St.
The owner's name is Gina and she's super friendly. She's got a great hand-selected stock of men's clothes.

Peter Hermann accessories
118 Thompson St
One of the two owners are always in the store. Most of my wife's gifts have come from this store over the past five years and I've gotten some great sunglasses and leather goods for myself.

There is a strip of diverse and inexpensive restaurants on MacDougal between Houston and Prince Streets.

Shorty's 32 on Prince and Sullivan is making one of the best hamburgers in the city and the rest of the menu is every bit as delicious.

Caffé Tina is still largely run by Italians and seems to remain unaffected by changes in the area.

Raoul's is the oldest restaurant in SoHo and is still one of the best.



There are plenty more.
Why not come and discover them for yourself.

Thanks for the responses.

Nyer - yeah, i imagine that there is no area in the city that is quiet, but am i right in assuming that Soho isn't as razzle dazzle lights everywhere as Time Square?

Ciaony - Thanks for the tips. We will surely check out these 'mom and pop' places. Husband and I run a Pub/Restaurant/Hotel in the UK so we like to support 'family run ventures' over big names.

It's going to be a long wait until April/May but i'm so excited, for most us of Brits it's a once maybe twice in a lifetime experience to go to NY, we spend most of our vacations in the warmer (than UK) climes of the Med in our never ending search for the sun!!

Soho has virtually NO "razzle dazzle" lights or signs so you're safe there! Just lots of people, but nowhere near the number in Times Square.