Author Archives: Eirini (Irene)

36 hours on the Brooklyn Water Front.

(36 Hours By: EIRINI PAPANIKOLA)

Brooklyn is known as one of the most Unique, go-green parts of New York. However, a significant part of Brooklyn that deserves a visit, is the Brooklyn Water Front which is along the East River in New York City , is filled with beauty, and adventures ready to be done. It is a place that will definitely grab your interest and a destination that should be added in your buckets list especially during the Fall season.

FRIDAY

1. The warmest welcome | 5 p.m.

Whats better than staying at a Hotel in Brooklyn with the view of Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge? Well, staying at Hotel Le Bleu will give you not only one of the best services, but also a great understanding just in case of an emergency. It is located on 370 4th Avenue, in Brooklyn. The prices are fair. During October, two nights will come out near to 250 dollars including taxes and fees, breakfast is free, and so is parking, unless you prefer walking which is fine too because Hotel Le Bleu is close to the subway! There have been hundreds of positive reviews on this hotel, which is why it is highly recommended to you for your stay in Brooklyn.

36hrs1Photography Credit: TripAdvisor, Hotel Le Bleu

2. Dinner is served at al di la Trattoria! | 7:30 p.m.

This popular Italian restaurant is known as a Venetian eatery with a rustic setting that takes no reservations, except for large groups. It is located on 248 5th Avenue, in Brooklyn. The price value is fair, the most expensive meal is 27 dollars. The wait is short and the staff is super friendly. The food itself is definitely worth it. It is highly recommended for a classic, mellow environment for dinner.

we2Photography Credit: al di la Trattoria New York website

3. Perfect night out | 9:30 p.m.

This bowling alley and live music venue fully embraces the new mania for local nostalgia. The space takes its design cues from Coney Island with old freak-show posters and carnival-game relics, and all of the beer sold inside. Sometimes, when you have kids with you going out to clubs or bars isn’t the best idea, or when when you’re too exhausted to go out somewhere due to a trip, or jet lagging. The place that is highly recommended for you is Brooklyn Bowl in Williamsburg. It is an affordable way for you to enjoy some quality time, and have fun while you’re at it. It is located on 61 Wythe Ave Williamsburg, Brooklyn 11211.

brooklunPhotography Credit: Time Out New York; Brooklyn Bowl website

 SATURDAY

4. Brooklyn Greenway participation | 10 a.m.

The Greenway, is a 14 mile route connecting Brooklyn’s waterfront. When that route is finished, This 14 mile route for pedestrians, cyclists, and runners will connect neighborhood parks and open spaces from Greenpoint to Bay Ridge. So far they have 5 miles down. There’s still work to do. You can help ensure the Greenway becomes a reality by volunteering. You can also help with the Brooklyn Navy Yard Bike Tours, held in partnership with Turnstile Tours. Join the ride for free by being a volunteer ride marshal.

22Photography Credit: Brooklyn Greenway Website

5. A lovely walk to Smorgasburg | 2 p.m.

Smorgasburg is known to be a food truck festival which takes place in Williamsburg and in Brooklyn bridge park at Pier 5. If visiting in October, it will take place in either locations, and you will get to experience a variety of different food from different cultures. Although it is a bit pricey, it will definitely be worth your time and money. One of their famous food is the Ramen Burger which costs 10 dollars but has to be tried. It is a perfect way to enjoy different varieties of food while sitting and enjoying the amazing view.

smPhotography Credit: Eirini Papanikola

6. Join the Green team! 4 p.m.

Join this dedicated corps of volunteers who keep Brooklyn Bridge Park beautiful with their hard work and dedication to our community! The Green Team is known as a weekly volunteer group that provides essential horticultural care to the park including planting, mulching, and removing invasive plants. Children are welcome to volunteer as well with a parent or guardian.

volPhotography Credit: Unknown

7. Take a break at Brooklyn Bridge Garden Bar | 6 p.m.

Brooklyn Bride Garden is a cafe and bar nestled within the trees at Pier 1. It is the perfect place to sit, enjoy your wine or other signature drink, while watching the beautiful sunset.

CapturePhotography Credit: Etienne Frossard

8. Hit up the waterfront shows… for free! | 8 p.m.

Burned Green, which is a site listing Brooklyn volunteering opportunities, and Open Space Alliance for North Brooklyn are asking individuals to spare one hour of their time cleaning up the streets of the Burg in exchange for free admission to the Williamsburg Waterfront Concert Series. Select volunteers will be split into groups of about four people and provided with gloves, trash bags and trash grabbers to clean up North 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th streets between Kent and Bedford Avenue. You will get to watch a show or concert of your choice, and clean up after it is done for an hour, approximately at 9:45.

saturdaywebPhotography Credit: The Red Hook Fest.

SUNDAY

9. Brunch at Le Barricou | 11 p.m.

Le Barricou which is located on 533 Grand St in Brooklyn, between Union Ave & Lorimer St in Williamsburg, is the perfect place for your last meal in Brooklyn. It is not a long wait to be served, and the money is definitely worth the variety of food this restaurant consists of. The price range is between 11 and 13 dollars.

l                                Photography Credit: Andrea T.

10. Lodging; Come back soon! | 2 p.m. 

Returning to the Hotel you have been staying at for the past two nights, Hotel Le Bleu, you realize that your 5 p.m. flight has been cancelled. Le Bleu’s amazing staff gives you another night to stay with them, gives you a discount and free dinner. Now that’s what we call great hospitality.

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mapPhotography Credit: Eirini Papanikola, Google maps

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THE DETAILS

1. Smorgasburg | A Brooklyn Flea Food Market. (n.d.). Retrieved December 14, 2014, from http://www.smorgasburg.com/

2. Wright, C. (2014, September 6). 36 Hours in Nashville. Retrieved December 17, 2014, from http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/07/travel/things-to-do-in-36-hours-in-nashville.html?_r=0

3. Use It Now. (2011, December 29). Retrieved December 17, 2014, from http://www.brooklyngreenway.org/the-greenway/map/

4. Brooklyn Hotels. (n.d.). Retrieved December 17, 2014, from http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g60827-Brooklyn_New_York-Hotels.html

5. Brooklyn Bowl. (n.d.). Retrieved December 17, 2014, from http://www.timeout.com/newyork/attractions/brooklyn-bowl

6. Eats & Drinks – Brooklyn Bridge Park. (n.d.). Retrieved December 17, 2014, from http://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/places/eats-drinks

7. Le Barricou. (n.d.). Retrieved December 17, 2014, from http://www.yelp.com/biz/le-barricou-brooklyn

Eirini Papanikola

I am a freshman at NYCCT, and I major in Hospitality management. I was born and raised in Greece, and moved to New York when I was 12 years young. I attended Benjamin N. Cardozo High School in Bayside, Queens. Just a few years ago I started working at a Greek Orthodox private school in Queens, called Holy Cross. I worked as an after school teacher, a job which made me realize that teaching, is not really my passion and is something that I do not want to do for the rest of my life.

As I began looking into college and career options, I was excited learning about hospitality management, an industry my step-father has been in for the past 25 years. He, who works at the Strand Hotel in NYC as the GM, decided to take me to his job one day and showed me around. I later on started working as an intern in the hotel for a few weeks. I worked in the front desk, and as the hostess of their restaurant. The hotel industry is something I would love to look more into, it is a field that i would definitely do well in. I was able to understand the power of service and how it impacts great guest experiences. My step-father was able to give me a true understanding of his daily work at the hotel, which has inspired me to pursue studying hospitality management. I enjoy traveling as well, and I would definitely enjoy having a job that consists of traveling around the world. As of now, my career goal is to be a successful hotel manager in NYC and other places around the world. I want to follow my step-father’s footsteps and be successful, because one of my main strengths is that if I truly want something, I do whatever I can to make it happen. My academic goal is to get really good marks and a high GPA, which will help me get my bachelors degree in hospitality.