36 Hours on the Brooklyn Waterfront
Located in arguably the most famous borough in New York City, this stretch of coastline and its surrounding areas boast some of the best food, art, and history in the world. Combine that with the influx of new residents and some classic Brooklyn eateries, it is an ideal location to visit
photo credit: therealdeal.com
The Brooklyn Water Front has been an historically important area for Brooklyn since it was first settled by the Dutch. As the borough grew in size and incorporated more and more neighborhoods the span of the waterfront increased as well. Now It spans from Greenpoint in the north-western part of Brooklyn, all the way to Spring Creek which borders Queens. Along this long stretch of land that runs along Brooklyn’s coast, you can find locations that will bring you back to Brooklyn time and time again
Friday
1. Sights by the Brooklyn Bridge, 3 P.M.
One of your first destinations will be Brooklyn Bridge Park. For most of its history, the area had been an industrial center with warehouses, docks, and factories. It has seen a revitalization into a waterside park that gives you ample views of the Brooklyn Bridge, Lower Manhattan, and the Statue of Liberty. This area is perfect for multiple interests. There are the piers that have been converted into basketball courts and soccer fields for the more athletically inclined, as well as ample seating for those who wish to just take in the sights and sounds of being down by the water.
2. Lunch at a famous “New,but old,” pizzeria, 5 P.M.
Not even a 10 min walk up from the park and you will find yourself at Juliana’s. This pizzeria is where you can find the pizza that made Grimaldi’s such a household name. Taking residence in the original site of Grimaldi’s, owners Patsy and Carol Grimaldi have made there return to the food scene after a decade long retirement, to bring their version of the Brooklyn style pizza back. Here you can find classic pizza pie choices for $17 or $20 as well as expensive specialty pies, one of them including white truffles. For desert they serve ice cream from the nearby Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory.
3. Dinner at Peter Luger Steakhouse, 8 P.M.
Further north in Brooklyn lies a historic steakhouse that has called Williasmburg its home since 1887. It has been a must try for people who wish to try some of the finest steaks in all of Brooklyn for years. It is easily accessible by public transportation, as the J and M trains stop a few blocks away, as well as there being a major bus hub in the area as well.
Photo credit: houseofhaos.com
Saturday
4.Spend some time admiring the Botanical Gardens, 11 A.M.
If you love seeing a host of different flowers in bloom set in a quiet area, this is your destination. The Brooklyn Botanical gardens are located in between Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. Here you can find Flowers from across the world on display, as well as separate areas for specific displays. With multiple entrances and relatively low admission fees ( $12 for adults), this is an ideal location to visit during your trip.
5. A trip to Coney Island, 3 P.M.
Located along the southern tip of Brooklyn is Coney Island. It is home to famous rides such as the Wonder Wheel and the Cyclone, as well as one of the most famous eateries in the world, Nathan’s Hot dogs. You can take your family for a walk along the boardwalk, or go thrill seeking in Luna Park which has its share of roller coasters. For lunch you can stop by Nathan’s and pick up a classic hotdog, or you can try their new seafood menu which appears to be a hit with beach goers. The ample game stands and rides, as well as the beach can keep you entertained while visiting.
6. Try some authentic NY Cheesecake at Junior’s, 7 P.M.
Head on down to the corner of Flatbush and DeKalb avenues to have the best cheesecake in NYC at Junior’s. Established in 1950, Junior’s has been serving classic deli and dinner favorites for over 60 years. But the main draw of the restaurant is its cheesecake, which has transformed the restaurant into somewhat of a legend. Aside form the original cheesecake they serve flavors such as strawberry, raspberry, and chocolate cheesecakes which all come out around the $30-$40 dollar range. Visiting this restaurant is definitely a good way to end a Saturday night.
Photo credit: amny.com
Sunday
7. If you like trains, the Transit Museum is your destination, 12 P.M
The Transit Museum was built out of the old Court Street train station that was shut down during the 1940’s. It will feel like walking into periods of NYC’s past as you look at retired train, and trolley cars from past years, as well as maps and the history of how the subway system was systematically built. Admissions fees are low, with adult tickets at $7 and children’s tickets at $5. Head over to the museum if you want to learn about a part of what makes Brooklyn and NYC so great.
Photo credit: web.mta.info/mta/museum
8. Want to go shopping, or see a show? Head on up to Atlantic Terminal, 4 P.M.
Thia area is a newer development in Brooklyn. Here you can find Atlantic Mall where you can get some shopping done if that’s what you are interested in. Or you can walk across the street to the Barclay’s center which is home the Brooklyn Nets basketball team and New York islanders hockey team. The Barclay’s center also hosts events and performances so there is never a dull moment while you are there.
Lodgings
New York Marriott at Brooklyn Bridge, 333 Adams Street Brooklyn, New York 11201 tel. 1-718-246-7000
Due to its proximity to almost every major train line in Brooklyn, the Marriott at Brooklyn Bridge is perfectly placed for you to explore Brooklyn. With high speed Wi-Fi, a pool, and even an exercise area, you will find yourself pleasantly surprised with the accommodations every night you stay. The starting rates for bedrooms are at $339 per night, which is an affordable option.
References
- http://Julianaspizza.com. (n.d.). Retrieved May 15, 2016, from http://www.julianaspizza.com/about
- http://New York Transit Museum. (n.d.). Retrieved May 15, 2016, from http://web.mta.info/mta/museum/
- http://Our Story. (n.d.). Retrieved May 15, 2016, from http://peterluger.com/about-peter-lugers/
- http://Welcome to Junior’s. (n.d.). Retrieved May 15, 2016, from https://www.juniorscheesecake.com/our-story/
- http://Http://www.marriott.com/reservation/rateListMenu.mi. (n.d.). Retrieved May 23, 2016, from http://www.marriott.com/reservation/rateListMenu.mi