Brooklyn...is that you?
New York! Yep I am going to guess pretty much everyone’s heard about this lovely city. You know..the one that never sleeps?
I personally hate that sentiment, so maybe that’s why I like Brooklyn. Yes. You got it. Brooklyn. And Yes it is part of New York.
What about Manhattan you ask? Well yes Manhattan is also part of New York, but luckily this city is not just Manhattan.
There are five boroughs all with their own cultures and identity – Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island, and the Bronx.
If you really want to see all of them in a weekend – train for the marathon. It takes off in November and winds through these, but I’m afraid unless you’ve got your running shoes visiting all is pretty hard in a weekend.
So that’s why Brooklyn. And my friend asked me to give her tips since I lived here for two years from 2005 to 2007. First tip: bring a stroller, a dog and a NY Times.
Parts of Brooklyn, especially Park Slope and Carroll Gardens, have been overrun by Manhattanites who want to procreate.
The beauty is they also wanted to bring their stores, restaurants and cafes with them so you get great boutiques without the hassle and hustle of Manhattan.
Start at the Brooklyn Bridge. Seriously…you haven’t walked over it? Well walk over it. Yes you can do it…..phew you’re in Brooklyn.
Walk right to the end where you come to a dead-end and have to cross the road either left or right. Go right ahead in the direction of the water. You should get to the Brooklyn ice-cream factory just under the bridge. Get an ice-cream.
Now take those shoes and walk up the hill and along the water until it turns into Colombia Street. Follow this path and enjoy the view of Manhattan without actually having to be IN Manhattan.
Turn up Degraw Street, but if you miss it don’t stress. These streets are all on a grid and are all tree-lined and beautiful so any street will lead you on an adventure and to your destination – Carroll Gardens.
Follow Degraw or your chosen street until it runs into Court Street. Stop.
Go Left Go Right. It’s up to you. Between Court Street and Smith Street which runs parallel and is one block up you will find scores of shops: my favourite is Brooklyn Industries but you have to find your own – and restaurants.
From French cafes on the corner to Cuban food and even a cinema this area is great. But if you’ve got a kid well…even better. There are playgrounds and plenty of kiddie shops to cater to the tots.
But you’re not done. I know. You might think you’re done, but you’re not done.
Find Union Street. Walk away from the water. Keep walking. Keep walking. You’re going to eventually hit the cradle of life of New York City – Park Slope.
I used to live on Berkeley Place right in the heart of it all and I loved it. From here you can continue up to Prospect Park which come with a zoo and running trails for anyone more adventurous. Feeding ducks and birds is also a big plus with the kids as well as the boats that run around the lake.
Take some time to explore this park OR even better…hit Union and 6th Avenue and pick up groceries at the yummy Union Market before hitting the grass…you know that you sit on.
Otherwise if you need a coffee along Union there is the Tea Lounge. I used to spend hours in here soaking up the chilled-out atmosphere even with screaming tots at times. Random chairs just add to the crazy-relaxed interior.
For food you really can’t go wrong here and I can’t suggest one because well…there are too many and isn’t it more fun to wander and find a “special” place for yourself.
I mean I did get you here. Have fun. Relax. Enjoy Brooklyn…it’s not so scary. But if you must return to Manhattan…well get on the Q train on Atlantic Avenue and 7th. It’s only 20 minutes to mid-town.
Robyn's Wanderings 