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Guest Writer: Delicia Paisley-Smith
Spread love it’s the Brooklyn way. Brooklyn is a melting pot of art, culture, and food. There are numerous sites to see and activities to enjoy that are sure to fulfill any hearts desires. My favorite out of all five boroughs, Brooklyn is home. What would a long 3-day weekend look like in my beloved borough? Take a stroll with me and let’s check out where to visit, where to eat, and where to get down.
We start with a stroll across the historic Brooklyn Bridge so we can capture amazing selfies with the horizon waterfront on either side. This is my preferred way into Brooklyn to take advantage of the sweeping picturesque scenic views. We’ll get off the first pedestrian exit on the bridge towards the left and slightly downhill, to the heart of Dumbo.
There we’ll be met with charming cobblestones lining the streets, and we’ll walk along the waterside facing Manhattan. For just 2 bucks we can hop on a wooden horse housed in a glass box in Jane’s Carousel, that is open all year round. If we venture there at night, we can catch the carousel creating a magical mood as it lights up the sky against the city views.
But for now, we’ll grab a slice of coal oven pizza at the famous Grimaldi's. If you have a sweet tooth, we can hop over to the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory. I must warn you, they like to keep things sweet and simple - only offering 8 different flavors. My favorite is strawberry, and you can pick whatever flavor you like from vanilla, vanilla chocolate chunk, strawberry, butter pecan, chocolate, chocolate chocolate chunk, peaches & cream, and coffee – YUM!
Brooklyn Bridge Park is a short walk away, a grassy oasis opposite of the skyscrapers of Manhattan. We can walk there with our ice cream in hand. At some point, you can visit the piers to roller skate along the water while taking in the city lights or watch a quick soccer game. During the summer the BBQ grills are available along the waterfront. After a tour through Dumbo, we’ll head to Bed Vyne for a night cap. Bed Vyne offers an array of wines distilled from Up-State N.Y. Sip on one of their wines or hand-crafted cocktails while the D.J. spins tunes to set the vibe.
Who says brunch is only reserved for Sundays? We’ll start our day with brunch at Piaqunt located on Flatbush Avenue. The eggs benedict, composed of two perfectly poached eggs and Canadian bacon served on top a crisp English muffin, and smothered in hollandaise sauce is to die for. Twelve dollars added to your meal will get you unlimited flowing mimosas for 90mins. If you’re down, I’m down!
Afterward, we’ll head to the Brooklyn Museum for a rich cultural experience of contemporary, historian, and worldly art. Just a six-minute walk from the museum is Prospect Park, and we can’t possibly say no to the tall whimsical trees drawing us in. As we stroll, try to find the hidden waterfalls and capture the quaint scene. There’s also a castle-like boathouse overlooking the lake. When we are done, we’ll take the train to Williamsburg to admire the colorful street art along the walls.
Williamsburg is known for its eclectic street art, as well as its charming bookshops – a book lovers dream. Shop around unique stores like Pink Olive, where you can find adorable trinkets, personal touches for the home, endearing postcards, and much more. If you are into vintage clothing, we can check out Beacon Closet for affordable pieces. Williamsburg has many other vintage stores if you don’t find anything here.
Hungry? Welcome the cozy Jimmy’s Diner! Here we’ll grab a bite to eat. The basket of pickle chips is absolutely to die for, so I highly suggest you get that, I know I am, and I’m not sure I want to share. Jimmy’s also serves up a delicious fried catfish and grits; the menu has numerous tasty options, and breakfast is served all day for breakfast lovers.
Tonight, if you’re up for it (I don’t know why you wouldn’t be), we can catch a performance at BAM, Brooklyn Academy of Music. It’s a smorgasbord of performing arts, everything from opera, theater, film, and dance. If you would rather put on your dancing shoes, we’ll go to Lot 45, where we’ll find a diverse crowd jamming to throwback R&B hits of the 90s as well as up to date tracks. A more intense crowd is your thing? No worries, House of Yes gives a full theatrical party experience. Acrobatic dancers hang from the ceiling under the strobe lights as the crowd raves to the bumping house music.
Maria’s Bistro in Sunset Park is perfect for Sunday brunch. An inexpensive option to feast and unlimited mimosas for one hour with your selected brunch entrée. Maria’s has a modern spin on Mexican cuisine, the Buritto al Pastor is a mouthwatering option, scrambled eggs wrapped with spicy pork, grilled pineapple, rice, beans, guacamole, lettuce, and sour cream. So you guessed it, this is where we are heading.
Next, we’ll make our way to the iconic Coney Island. During the summer you’ll find a party on the beach with multiple DJs lining the boardwalk playing music from house to bachata. You can slip into a different party scene while taking in views of the ocean. The New York Aquarium is also must-see attraction when visiting Coney Island, to play with the seals and sea lions or dare to get close to a shark at their newest exhibit Ocean Wonders: Sharks! There’s also more art at the Coney Art Walls, featuring artwork from renowned local and international artist. This popular attraction alone brings in tens of thousands of visitors throughout the year. We’ll grab a hot dog at the Nathan's Famous with a side of cheese fries. Did you know that on the 4th July they hold their annual hot dog eating contest?
Depending on the season you can ride the historic Cyclone at Luna Park, find your adventure with the other rides with many twists and turns. Dare to be flung in the air by the stimulating Sling Shot? Be sure to post on IG if you are able to ride without closing your eyes. Luna Park is planning on expanding in 2019 and 2020 with more thrilling rides including sprawling log flume ride, zip lines, and a rope course.
To end our Sunday, we’ll take a trip to Peaches in Bedford–Stuyvesant. Described as contemporary southern cuisine, Peaches serves all the soul food classics with a new age twist. The twelve-hour short rib definitely lives up to its name - fall off the bone tender melts right in your mouth. The setting is warm like your grandma’s house, so we’ll enjoy the comforting hospitality from the welcoming staff.
Considering it is still New York weather, you need to follow the seasons.
Pack light fabrics and cool colors to escape the humidity of NYC. Also, don’t forget to bring a bathing suit, sunglasses, towel, and glasses for the beach.
Visitors need a good puffy coat to avoid the scowl of that cold chilly air and a pair of snow boots just in case.
These are the in between seasons, so dressing in layers is key. A comfy sweater is recommended for these two seasons to remain comfortable for that changeable weather. You can also opt for a stylish blazer for outings.
The Black Travel Box Body Balm infused with Mango and Shea butter is perfect for any time of the season. Keeping your skin glistening under the summer sun and moisturized against that dry chilly frigid air. After a long day at Coney Island beach and swimming in that harsh saltwater, you’re going to want to soften your tresses with the Hair Balm as well. In colder months the Hair Balm will work overtime with deep penetrating oils to add shine and strengthening your locks. Don’t forget to snag the Lip Balm while you’re at it and keep your lips moist and hydrated in hot summer days and cold winter nights.
The best way to fit everything in your suitcase is to treat it like a game of Tetris, everything should fill every corner of your suitcase. Roll your clothes for maximum storage and pack your socks into your shoes. All toiletries should be placed on top of everything in a clear plastic bag to avoid any spills. Be sure not to over pack to have space for any souvenirs.
You’re all set! It was all a dream, and now you’re making your way to Brooklyn. We’re gonna have a blast exploring, so come prepared to eat, party, and shop…oh yeah, I guess, sleep.
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