Category Archives: 36 Hours… Submission

36 Hours in Brooklyn – Ecotourism

Generally when travelers visit NYC, it’s for reasons other than ecotourism, because of the environment. Being that it’s a city, many may over look certain activities that are eco friendly and fun, particularly in Brooklyn. Although Manhattan is usually the number one destination of NYC, in recent years Brooklyn has flourished into a desired location for visitors, due to transformations in the neighborhoods. Since tourism continues to exist in Brooklyn, Brooklynites have the opportunity to improve on their communities with technology and artistry. Overall, Brooklyn has become more diversified between the tourist and the locals, benefiting both parties. 

 

By: Sarah Fernandez 

Dec 10th, 2018 

Friday 

  1. 12 p.m. Olmsted (Brunch) 

Start your weekend by enjoying brunch at one of Brooklyn’s best new restaurant, Olmsted. Here you’ll find that their large selection of quality tea is what steals the show, along with their beautifully decorated backyard garden area. Located on 659 Vandebilt Ave, one may find on the menu, honey nut squash bread (Harbison clotted cream and jam) for $12, egg rolls for $15, and a potato latke (preserved lemon crème fraiche and smoked trout roe) for $13. Selections like these, can be accompanied by quality tea such as, herbal, tisane, white, green, oolong, black and matcha. 

2. 2:00 p.m. The Little Brooklyn Market 

After your morning tea, take a quick MTA train ride to Williamsburg and your first stop there, the Mini Mall on Bedford Ave. Inside one can find small boutiques owned by Brooklyn based designers, selling vintage and handmade clothes and accessories. Designers Justine and Eric Lavazzon use recycled leather to create their handmade handbags, for their collection. For some organic style jewelry you can pass by Reinerland, a small shop owned by Cristina Taranu and Reiner Mengesdorf who use beautiful stones from around the world to create their jewelry.  

3. 4:00 p.m. Domino Park (North Brooklyn Farms) 

If you’re not interested in shopping, the next best thing is visiting Domino Park. Located on a former Domino Sugar refinery, the newly constructed park is a great spot to walk around and enjoy the Manhattan skyline. Inside you can find the North Brooklyn Farm, notorious for reservations for events such as, weddings and other celebrations. The farm also host dinners, live shows and volunteer days on days when they’re scheduled on their website. Visitors are welcome to walk around and observe the plants and vegetables, while enjoying the scenery of the city.

4. 6:00 p.m. Hamilton’s  

Enjoy a delicious affordable meal accompanied with a drink or two in a local tavern with friends and family. There you can order an appetizer starting at $6, then move on to the main courses like the grilled salmon (with mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach) priced at $24. Or one could choose from their selection of gluten free and vegan courses such as, the house made veggie burger for $13. With the indoor scene and the outdoor patio available for guest, the restaurant gives a great atmosphere to grab a glass with some company for the rest of the night.

Saturday 

5. 10:00 a.m. Cycling in Prospect Park 

One new way New York has become ecofriendly is through new ways of transportation. One of the most popular is cycling, using Citi Bikes. Simply by using a card to pay for a desired amount of time, (at any bike station) anyone can ride to where they need to go. A great rout to take is through Prospect Park. Even though it may not be as large as Cental Park, that may be a good thing. One can bike through the designated bike lanes with ease since there isn’t such a cluster of people and enjoy the view of the greenery and even the lake deep inside the park. 

6. 11:00 a.m. Hungry Ghost 

After your morning stroll through the park, bike your way over to the Hungry Ghost. This small coffee shop, brews deliciously made coffee with unique designs on the surface. You can take a seat in the café and enjoy your coffee with customary breakfast food options.  

7. 1:00 p.m. Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket 

On your way back from the botanic garden, step into the greenmarket just a couple blocks away on Flatbush avenue. Founded in 1976, Greenmarket has established itself in serving to the local community, supporting farmers, educating youth and donating to community gardens. As a customer you can help support local farmers and business by purchasing fresh fruits, vegetables and other miscellaneous items. The space may become crowded at times since it’s very popular with the locals, however it’s a great opportunity to meet and interact with people and purchase some organic and fresh snacks. 

8. 3:30 p.m. Brooklyn Botanic Garden 

A perfect way to escape all the busyness and chaos of the city is to visit the Botanic Garden. Prices start at $15 for adults and vary for seniors, children and students. With the calming atmosphere and beautiful scenery, anyone can come simply to relax and admire the greenery.  Stunning gardens like the cherry escapade, cranford rose garden and the lily pool terrace are currently available for guest. Although it gets colder and difficult to visit during the winter season there are plenty of exhibitions and gardens indoors. 

9. 6:00 p.m. Berrel and Fare  

Enjoy the rest of your night with some late-night comfort food and some drinks. You can order dishes like the buttermilk fried chicken or the kale and the grilled romaine Caesar salad (with prices varying.) Both can be accompanied with any selection from their red, white and sparkling wines or other cocktails. With seasonal seating options, great service and a casual atmosphere you’re set to have a good time. 

Sunday

10. 7:15 a.m. Green Wood Cemetery 

Book in advance the “Birding in Peace” tour to this historical landmark. Make sure to wear layers because it might get chilly during the winter months, as you walk around exploring the cemetery.  You’re welcome to look for and admire the wildlife present. 

11. 9:00 a.m. Baked in Brooklyn 

Just across the street from the main entrance of the Green Wood Cemetery, stop by to pick up a cup of coffee and a fresh roll from multiple selections of bread and sweets. Their bread and other desserts although on display for customers, are fresh out of the oven, so no need to worry about staleness. Grab a window seat at the café and enjoy you’re warm breakfast as you watch people walk pass. 

Lodging 

Experience a luxurious lifestyle, at The One Hotel. Located in Brooklyn (DUMBO) opened in February 2017, It’s a small hotel that operates as apart of a brand with other locations in Miami and Central Park. This location specifically was designed to represent the history and overall theme of the neighborhood, which is industrial life and nature. Inside there’s greenery on the walls and tables, and the lobby is dressed with a “cabin the woods” type of style. Although it’s a small brand there are some new locations in the works, so they’re expecting for the brand to grow in the near future. 

Room pricing rages from $700 – $1000 a night based on the location of the hotel and the amenities they provide. Since the hotel is located in the Brooklyn Bridge Park, one may enjoy the astonishing view of the city from your hotel room. And enjoy the fancy amenities such as a spa, fitness center, restaurant and rooftop lounge/pool. 

References 

Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.grownyc.org/greenmarket/brooklyn-grand-army-plaza 

Food and Drink. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.olmstednyc.com/food-and-drink 

Gardens & Conservatories. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.bbg.org/collections/gardens#map 

North Brooklyn Farms. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.northbrooklynfarms.com/ 

Upcoming EventsGreen-Wood. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.green-wood.com/calendar/ 

 

36 Hours in Brooklyn

Stephanie Udeji

 

36 Hours in Brooklyn

 

The most populous borough In New York City, will offers you diverse experiences, food options and amazing views of the iconic New York City sights.

 

Society as a whole has been making the conscience effort to enrich and detoxify ourselves. We make pledges to eat healthier foods, live more active lifestyles by incorporating sports activities and foods that give our bodies the energy they need. “New York City, with 99 percent of residents enjoying easy access to a park, playground, trail or other open area…” (Brody, 2018). The borough of Brooklyn has experienced a high amount of gentrification, which has contributed to the increase of tourism, specifically sports tourism. Rehabilitating parks and maintaining sports arenas helps Brooklyn residents and visitors enjoy indoor and outdoor sport activities all year round.

 

 

Thursday  

 

  • 9 a.m. Morning Drink

 

To start the day off right a cup of coffee or some water will do the trick.  What you drink all depends on whether you’re preparing to run or walk across the bridge. Depending on the weather, grabbing cup of coffee from a Starbucks nearby will give you that boost you need. Or grabbing a green smoothie, bottle of water or Gatorade will help you during your run. Take a seat, and meditate, right before you take off.

 

  • 10:30 a.m. Run the Bridge

 

The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most iconic sites in New York City because it’s often featured in movies and television shows. Construction was completed in 1883, “which connected Brooklyn and Manhattan for the first time” (Brooklyn Bridge, History). Over 100,000 people use the bridge daily, either for their daily commutes for work or for a run. Starting your day with a run or walk across the bridge will surely wake you up and give you the boost of energy you need with an amazing view of the bridge itself and Manhattan across the river. If you’re not up for a run, walking is a great way to take in the sights and stop for pictures as you feel fit.

 

 

Brooklyn Bridge Pedestrian Walkway Photo by; Stephanie Udeji


 

 

 

 

  • 12:30 p.m. Dumbo

 

Fun Fact: DUMBO is an acronym for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass

Two and a half hours later, a short walk brings you to DUMBO. Its cobblestone streets, red brick buildings and front row view of the Manhattan Bridge all make this street unique. Many of the streets still have the original train tracks that were once used during the early 20thcentury. These tracks were used to transport coffee that was imported from far regions. Being that the Manhattan Bridge was completed in 1909 and many of the building surrounding it had already existed, it takes you back into time by the detail all over. The cobblestones being perfectly lined on the streets, the uniform brick buildings and the ornate design and color of the bridge itself. This neighborhood is littered with shops and restaurants that fit the aesthetic of their environment.

 

 

This image requires alt text, but the alt text is currently blank. Either add alt text or mark the image as decorative.

This image requires alt text, but the alt text is currently blank. Either add alt text or mark the image as decorative. Dumbo
Photo by: Stepanie Udeji

 

 

 

 

  • 2 p.m. Shake Shack

 

After trying to get the perfect Instagram worthy shot in front of Dumbo, you’ve worked up an appetite and could really use a hamburger. When Shake Shack was first introduced to New York City in 2004 by Danny Meyer, it was an instant hit and changed the way New Yorkers eat hamburgers and fries. What all started as a hot dog cart in Madison Square Park in 2001, the chain has grown to have over 130 locations nationwide. The natural Angus beef used for their hamburgers sets them apart from all the other hamburger joints. A shack burger ($6), which is topped with lettuce, tomato and ShackSauce, cheese fries ($4), and a strawberry custard ($6) is an indulgent way to treat yourself after some exercise.

 

 

This image requires alt text, but the alt text is currently blank. Either add alt text or mark the image as decorative. Entrance of Shake Shack
Photo by: Stephanie Udeji

 

 

  • 3:30 pm Brooklyn Bridge Park

 

This park looking over the Brooklyn Bridge and the east river has a lot to offer for people who are looking for a bike trail to ride or a lawn for their kids and dogs to run around on. The park has many piers, that are all designed to host certain kinds of sports. Pier 1 has lawns and granite steps that overlook the Statue of Liberty in the far distance. Pier 2 is home to the courts such as basketball, handball, shuffleboard, outdoor fitness equipment and a roller rink. This is great for a family or a group of people who all different interest, everyone has something that grabs their attention. Pier 3 is a central lawn that has picnic tables, and moveable furniture that is great for a picnic for small outdoor get together with some friends.

Friday

 

6) 10 a.m. First Meal of the Day

 

This quaint bistro, La defense Bistro, located near the entrance of the Brooklyn Bridge is the perfect spot for breakfast. The French themed bistro has some French classics and some Brooklyn themed dishes that will appeal to those who are health conscience but want a filling meal. The Brooklyn Breakfast which contains puffed quinoa with mushrooms, tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, scrambled eggs served with greens, French fries and whole wheat or white toast ($12.50). Due to how delicious the food is, it’s advised to make reservations before going to the bistro. This meal reminds me of a full English breakfast, even though its only missing sausages and baked beans.

 

 

7) 12 p.m. Trip down memory track 

 

New York City is known for its transit system. Its fleet of buses, trains and even ferries help New Yorkers and their visitors get from place to place with a fare of $2.75 per ride. The Transit Museum displays old trains and buses used in New York City, is the largest museum in the United States that is dedicated to urban public transportation. Tickets for adults are $10, children and seniors are $5. All MTA employees, and active duty military personnel all receive free admission. This kid-friendly museum allows for you to see how the transit system in New York City has evolved over the years. From the colors, styles and shapes of the trains.

*The museum is closed on Mondays and major holidays. *    

                   

This image requires alt text, but the alt text is currently blank. Either add alt text or mark the image as decorative. Entrance of the Tenement Museum
Photo by: Stephanie Udeji

 

8) 3:30pm A pick me Up

 

Upon leaving the museum you want to grab a sweet treat before you continue your day. Uncle Louie G was known around Brooklyn for providing Italian ices during the summertime. These flavored treats are great all year round. Flavors such as lemon, strawberry, cherry, watermelon and chocolate ice are amongst the many to choose from. For a couple dollars, you can have a treat that fills you up a bit and quenched your thirst simultaneously.

        *Some Uncle Louie G locations are seasonal*

 

9) 6 p.m. Take me to the Game

 

After a quick refresh, hop in an Uber and head to the Barclays Center located on Atlantic Avenue. The multi- purpose indoor space is home to the Brooklyn Nets and The New York Islanders. If there isn’t a sports game going on then there is an artist performing to a crowd of 17,000 people. The arena which was completed in 2012 has hosted many WWE wrestling events, mixed martial arts fights and even the MTV Video Music Awards. You can purchase your tickets to attend an event ahead of time or at the windows at the arena. While you’re there eat some of the great food the arena has to offer.

 

 

This image requires alt text, but the alt text is currently blank. Either add alt text or mark the image as decorative. Barclays Center Entrance located on Atlantic Avenue.
Photo By: Stephanie Udeji

 

 

 

Saturday

 

10) 7 a.m. Columbus Park

 

An early morning in the park with breakfast and a book can help start your day off on the right foot. Sitting in the park watching the farmers market vendors set up their tables awaiting to see what goods they have for sale. Getting fresh food is often challenging for New York City residents. Being able to purchase fresh goods such as meats, vegetables, fruits and many more is quite special.

 

 

 

Lodging

 

Budget hotels are scarce in Downtown Brooklyn, so staying at a more budget friendly hotel is the way to go. The New York Marriot at the Brooklyn Bridge offers plenty of amenities that will help make your stay very comfortable. Located on 333 Adams St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, this hotel is located walking distance from Borough Hall and Jay St. train stations. Starting at $198 a night this four-star hotel will give you the comfort you need.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

 

 

Brody, J. E. (2018, December 03). The Secret to Good Health May Be a Walk in the Park. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/03/well/move/the-secret-to-good-health-may-be-a-walk-in-the-park.html

 

Brooklyn Bridge Park. (2018). Pier 2. [online] Available at: https://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/park/pier-2.

 

Unclelouiegee.com. (2018). Brooklyn: 741 Union Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215 | Uncle Louie G. [online] Available at: http://unclelouiegee.com/locations/1511/brooklyn-741-union-street-brooklyn-ny-11215/.

36 Hours in Brooklyn

36 Hours in Brooklyn – Jeffrey Cheng

36 Hours in Brooklyn

One of New York City’s five boroughs, Brooklyn has many hidden spots despite its large size.

When visiting New York City, the first place that would probably come to mind is Manhattan. That small island is the heart of the city and has much to offer for a tourist, but Manhattan is only one fifth of the Big Apple. If you leave the hustle and bustle there and cross the Brooklyn Bridge, there are many hidden gems in Brooklyn that are just as equal as places in Manhattan. You may think that there is no difference, but here in Brooklyn, there are attractions that are possibly more convenient, entertaining, and even cheaper than what its neighbor across the East River offers.

Friday

  1. 3:30 p.m. Sharpshooting

Test out your sharpshooting skills at Gotham Archery at 480 Baltic Street where you can master the bow and arrow. You can take an archery intro class ($35) to learn all the ropes before officially start shooting bullseyes (or misses) at the targets and book online to skip the wait time. Gotham Archery also gives classes in axe and knife throwing, but we have another place coming up that offers throwing the same deadly weapon.

  1. 5:30 p.m. Burger joint

New York City is the birthplace of the fast-growing burger chain, Shake Shack, but it is also the birthplace of another. Black Iron Burger at 234 Flatbush Avenue also started in New York City with its first location in East Village, Manhattan, in 2008. In order to stand out, they use high quality, fresh ingredients that are all house made to create their burgers and other menu items. Price range (of burgers): $10 – $16

  1. 7 p.m. Game time

While Manhattan has Madison Square Garden for the New York Rangers and the New York Knicks, Brooklyn has Barclays Center for the New York Islanders and the Brooklyn Nets. Get your tickets ahead of time to see these hockey and basketball teams play at their home field and snack on the concessions if you get hungry again. Aside from team sports, the sports arena also hosts boxing and MMA matches if that is up your alley.

Saturday

  1. 11 a.m. Food festival

We recommend to skip breakfast for today because you will need all the room you have at the Winter Smorgasburg on Atlantic Avenue, right across from Barclays Center. Admission is free but still have your wallet ready to indulge in the food vendors. And if you need a break from the deliciousness, the Atlantic Terminal Mall is also right where you are, so feel free to look around and shop a bit.

  1. 2:30 p.m. Chop, chop, chop

Remember the axe throwing that was mentioned a few stops back? Well, Kick Axe Throwing at 622 Degraw Street also lets you throw hatchets at walls and for a cheaper price ($35). Again, book online to skip the wait, or wait in their spacious lounge with various table games and a bar. But please stay sober here though; those axes are dangerous. Would not want one lodged in your chest; not even a snap will save you.

  1. 5 p.m. Rock climbing

With your body warmed up, head right down the block to Brooklyn Boulders at 575 Degraw Street and try your hands on an indoor rock-climbing wall. Sign-ups are available at the facility but even they tell you to book online for a discounted price ($25 for members, $49 non-members). You have already experienced being Hawkeye and Thor, and now Spiderman, as you learn the basics of rock climbing and receive tips on how to improve for the next time you visit.

  1. 7:30 p.m. Sports bar

By now, you definitely will need something to eat and drink after all that axe throwing and rock climbing. The Montrose at 47 5th Avenue offers game time happy hour from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. with their TV screens showing sports games. Their simple menu of sandwiches, chicken, beer, and alcohol is just like watching a game at home, so just eat, drink, and be merry. Price range: food ($10 – $13), drinks ($3 – $8)

Sunday

  1. 10 a.m. Walk in a park

The last two days were fun, maybe too much fun, so start Sunday off with a walk in Prospect Park. Exercise a bit as you jog along the paths, breathe the fresh air, and enjoy the nature around you. But do not leave just yet because there are still many other things you can do at Prospect Park.

  1. Noon. Café by the lakeside

For lunch, head over to the Bluestone CafĂ© at the LeFrak Center in Prospect Park. Located right by the lakeside along with two ice rinks, Bluestone offers a variety of sandwiches, drinks, and desserts ($2 – $12). You can also enjoy ice skating at the LeFrak Center too (weekdays $7.25, weekends/holidays $10, skate rentals $7) and if you stay later, you can even try out a curling class at around 8 p.m. if you choose to ($65).

  1. 6 p.m. Cajun dinner

End your weekend with a nice New Orleans-inpsired dinner at CATFISH on 1433 Bedford Avenue. Try the Louisiana classics like the jambalaya ($17), duck gumbo ($21), shrimp and grits ($14) or the catfish po’boy ($15). Unfortunately, no crawfish though since it is not in season until the spring and summer.

Lodging

There are many affordable lodging options around Downtown Brooklyn and Barclays Center. The NU Hotel is a boutique hotel on 85 Smith Street and a single room for two costs $107 per night. Other well known hotel brand names nearby are the Holiday Inn Brooklyn Downtown ($113) and the Hilton Brooklyn New York ($139).

36 Hours in Brooklyn; Sports Tourism

36 Hours in Brooklyn

Besides Manhattan, New York has five boroughs and sometimes many people don’t branch out enough. Brooklyn is one of the most popular borough and has more to offer than you think.

By Angela Li

December 1, 2018

An amazing clear sky on the Brooklyn Bridge. Photo by Angela Li.

When people come visit New York, they tend to only stay in Manhattan. There’s a lot more to explore out of the city. Tourists can stay in the city but after walking the Brooklyn bridge, it’s a whole new experience. Brooklyn is a huge borough with diversity and amazing food and people. The trains all connect together making it a fairly easy to navigate around. Brooklyn has many neighborhoods that not many people know about. It’s kind of finding gem in these little parts of Brooklyn. Let’s put on comfortable sneakers like these Adidas Ultraboosts because we’re about to go exploring all over Brooklyn.

Saturday

  1. 10 a.m. Morning Fuel

The route to Brooklyn Bridge Park during the morning is ideal. The walk on the Brooklyn Bridge is not as long as you think it is. You can also rent a Citi bike if biking is easier for you. This is the best time because you’ll be dodging that rush of tourists that come out in the afternoon or night time. After walking roughly 1.1 miles, welcome to the Brooklyn. After getting off the bridge, its time to walk or bike more to Brooklyn Bridge Park. In about ½ a mile, you will be in DUMBO. You’ll be under the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridge in about the same area.

Soon, you’ll find one of the most iconic coffee shops, Brooklyn Roasting Company on Jay Street. This is the first Brooklyn Roasting Company in Brooklyn and they have their own roaster in-house. The company roasts their own beans so you can get the freshest coffee beans and amazing hot coffee. There are many blends of coffee available like Mocha Java, Ethiopian, Peru, Nicaragua and so much more.

 

  1. 12 p.m. Brooklyn Bridge Park

After grabbing a coffee and a pastry for a quick breakfast, if you walk little more, you’ll see Brooklyn Bridge Park. There are many activities that you can do at the Brooklyn Bridge Park. Some free activities would be running, jogging, walking or biking. There’s many trails for all these activities. There are steps by Jane’s carousel if you’re looking for more cardio, HIIT exercises or even set up a yoga mat. Also, a little towards the left past the docks, there is the sports center (Pier 2). This includes basketball courts, handball courts, volleyball courts, ping pong and more. In the summer, there is also a pool that is free. There are usually many basketball players on the courts so feel free to play a game or two. After a hard workout, its time for lunch.

  1. 3 p.m. Shopping

Luckily, the Brooklyn Bridge Park is not far form downtown Brooklyn. There’s a special place downtown Fulton to shop for the most recent sneakers. There are many stores located in a small area to buy shoes and sporting essentials. Foot Locker, Footaction, Flight 23 and more. These stores have different kinds of sneakers for different sports. For example, Kobe’s are great for a basketball game and Adidas Ultraboost for running.

Katz’s Delicatessen in DeKalb Market Hall. Photo by Angela Li.

  1. 5 p.m. Hidden Gem

DeKalb Market Hall has a ton of food vendors to check out all under one roof! Robert Sietsema states that its comparable to Chelsea Market in the city (Sietsema, 2017). There are over 40 vendors to choose from. Different vendors sell different foods like the famous Katz’s Delicatessen for a huge pastrami sandwich without going to Manhattan. Another option can be seafood, barbeque food, pierogies, desserts, coffee, beer and so much more. This is a great spot to pre game and be full or doing some grocery shopping at Trader Joe’s.

Barclay’s Center at night. Photo by Angela Li.

  1. 7 p.m. Barclay’s Center

At the Barclay’s Center, many events are held there. It can be hockey game, basketball game or even a concert. This calendar shows what dates and games or concerts are going to be taken place there. DeKalb Market Hall should have filled up your stomachs so you can skip the over priced food but maybe grab a beer.

  1. 10 p.m. Irish pub

After a night of cheering for your favorite sports team its finally over. From the Barclay’s Center, its going to be about 2 minutes of a walk to the bar. You can celebrate after at McMahon’s Public House which is an Irish pub bar. This bar is opened till 4 a.m. so you can extend your celebration for that win.

McMahon’s Public House Irish Pub on a Monday night. Busy at the bar. Photo by Angela Li.

Sunday

  1. 11 a.m. Prospect Park

Brooklyn has a special park that is well known. Down at the Prospect Park, there are many things that happen. On Sunday’s, Smorgasburg takes place there. A bunch of vendors come and open up their stands to feed our hungry New Yorkers. Pro tip, Smorgasburg is mostly cash only. But, during the fall and winter, the ice skating rink is opened for everyone. Tickets are affordable starting at $7 and $10 on weekends and rentals are only $7! Bluestone Café offers hot drinks like coffee or hot chocolate to stay warm if there is a wait.

  1. 2 p.m Coney Island and Nathan’s Famous

Last stop on the Q train is Coney Island. Once getting out of the train station, Nathan’s Famous Hotdog is at Surf Avenue and Stillwell Avenue’s corner. This is the first Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog restaurant to open in 1916 and it is still standing strong! Their famous beef hot dogs ($4.75) are delicious all year round. You can sit inside or take it to go and walk on the board walk. It’s a little too cold for people to be there now but it is also great because it is less crowded. If you have a chance, visit the Brooklyn aquarium. The aquarium is a few minutes down the board walk and closes early.

Original Nathan’s Famous store since 1916. Photo by Angela Li

  1. 5 p.m. Sunset and a Caribbean Night

The sun sets earlier in the fall and winter time. You can be on the sand or on the board walk and watch the sunset. It is relaxing to watch but don’t stand still for too long; it’ll get too cold. Walk out of Coney Island and onto the streets. End your night at Footprint’s Cafe with delicious Caribbean food, amazing drinks (and their names) and good music. A must have is rasta pasta with jerk chicken ($14); you will not regret it.

  1. 10:30 a.m.

The last few hours of Brooklyn and Sweet Chick is the a great way to end it with a full belly. Sweet Chick owner, John Seymour, is currently on his 5th restaurant in the U.S. He sets a cool vibe in his restaurants (Cooper, 2018). Fried chicken and waffles with three different types of butter; lemon, herb and berries ($18). Sweet Chick has hip hop, r&b, 90’s music playing in the background. There might be a long wait coming after 12 p.m. The best thing to do is come before 10:30 a.m. to beat the crowd.

Lodging

There are a few hotels in Downtown Brooklyn that are affordable, but sometimes when you visit near the holidays, prices can shoot up. However, these hotels are very accessible to all train stations and is close by amazing food, drinks and people.

The NU Hotel is a boutique hotel with urban style rooms starting at $162. This hotel is near the Brooklyn Bridge.

A little more expensive hotel is the Fairfield Inn & Suites New York Brooklyn ($290) on 3rd avenue. This is near the Barclay’s Center where the train station is very close by.

The Tillary Hotel is close enough to walk to the Brooklyn Bridge Park ($280). While the prices vary throughout the holiday times, it is worth the trip to visit Brooklyn.

 

 

Citations:

Cooper, L. F. (2018, April 10). WE TALKED WAFFLES & INSTAGRAM WITH NAS & JOHN SEYMOUR AT THE NEW SWEET CHICK. Retrieved 2018, from Coveteur: http://coveteur.com/2018/04/10/nas-john-seymour-sweet-chick-queens/

 

Sietsema, R. (2017, June 20). What to Eat — and Skip — at Newly Opened DeKalb Market Hall. from Eater New York: https://ny.eater.com/2017/6/20/15841008/dekalb-market-hall-brooklyn-first-look

 

Â