New York City is a vast, ever-changing city with seemingly new places to explore every day. I don't know about you, but I love to explore all of the places that, while they're not huge tourist attractions, have cool stories behind them. So, whether you are in Queens or Manhattan, there is always somewhere bizarre to check out!

1. Obscura Antiques & Oddities

Located at 207 Avenue A in the borough of Manhattan, this antique shop is not your typical run-of-the-mill antique shop. The owners of this store collect all types of oddities from all over the world to add to their fantastic collection. Adorned with things like shrunken heads, weird taxidermy (including a two-headed calf — which the store owner informed me was real), paintings, old medical records and skulls, this antique shop is a weird way to spice up your afternoon.

2. Hess' Triangle

If you like stories about individuals defying the government, then this is the place for you. Located in Manhattan's West Village (outside Village Cigar Shop and the Christopher Street subway station), this tiny triangle comes with an interesting history. In the 1910s, New York City claimed eminent domain (the claiming of private property, which then becomes public) over the West Village property that belonged to the estate of David Hess.

Years later, the heirs of Hess realized there was still just a small, triangular area of land (no larger than a regular doormat) left of Hess' property. Instead of donating the tiny portion of land to the city, the heirs of Hess decided to leave a plaque stating, "Property of the Hess Estate which has never been dedicated for public purposes." If you're in the neighborhood, stop by Village Cigar Shop and on your way in be sure to admire Hess' triangle, a comical statement on taking back what's rightfully yours.

3. The Haunted Spring Street Well

Located inside of the Manhattan clothing store, COS (129 Spring Street), this allegedly haunted well has a history that is certainly unsettling. Gulielma Elmore Sands, a young woman from the area, was found dead inside of this very well shortly after New Year's in 1800. The story (which is documented and entirely factual) is that eleven days before her body was discovered, Sands had eloped with a man with whom she was in love, Levi Weeks.

Speculation began that Weeks had gotten Sands pregnant. Instead of dealing with the reality of the situation he strangled her and threw her down the well located on modern day Spring Street. Although marks on her neck supported this theory, Weeks was tried for murder but was acquitted. It is said that the ghost of Sands now haunts the property. If you're ever in the mood to get some shopping done while simultaneously hunting ghosts, be sure to check this creepy well out!

4. The New York Earth Room

This one is a little dirty, but an interesting place to check out! Located in a loft at 141 Wooster Street, this interior sculpture by Walter de Maria has been installed and on display since 1977. The 280,000 pounds of soil is the same soil that the artist laid in the apartment in 1977. The soil has to be watered once a week to keep it moist and the room is said to have a musky smell to it. This work might seem like a giant waste of time to anyone who doesn't reside in Manhattan, but to the people who live here, it is a nice change of pace from the miles of concrete we are so used to every day.

5. Attaboy Speakeasy

If you thought that speakeasies were just a thing of the 1920s, think again! Attaboy, located at 134 Eldridge Street on Manhattan's Lower West Side, is a fun way to roleplay prohibition as if it never ended. When arriving at this blast from the past, you might not be able to locate the entrance. The door to Attaboy is gray and unmarked. You have to walk into the unmarked entrance and up a staircase to the bar door where the doorman will escort you to the bar. Enjoy a few cocktails 1920s style at this modern day speakeasy!