36 Hours in Brooklyn.

By Tabitha James May 16, 2016

Restaurants, sights, things to do, people to see galore.  There is no “Fugghetaboutit” about this famous NYC borough.

Photo credit: Wickimedia Commons

FRIDAY

1. Eat at a famous Brooklyn Landmark, 5pm.

Junior’s Restaurant has the finest Strawberry Cheesecake in New York. Located at DeKalb Avenue, the original location been around since 1950. A New York landmark, Junior’s has maintained its authenticity. Traveling to Junior’s for their famous cheesecake is literally a rite of passage for any New Yorker. What some may not realize is you can still order some of their quirky old fashioned drinks such as the Orange Fizz. Very unique & refreshing. The egg creams are top notch too. There’s a large selection of items but don’t even think about it. Just get the strawberry cheesecake. A slice of Junior’s famous cheesecake – $6.50.  The restaurant is open for breakfast lunch and dinner.

Photo credit: juniors cheesecake

2. Concerts, Basketball, Hockey or just say hello. 8pm

Want to see R&B Maxwell croon his heart out? Yes.  Want to see the latest NY Islander game? Yes.  Want to see the latest Brooklyn Nets game? Yes.  Want to have a drink at rapper Jay-Z’s 40/40 offshoot club with all glass doors and walls and a secret gold walled room? Of course!

Smack dab in the middle of Brooklyn with various shopping, pubs, and everything in between on all sides of the place, BARCLAY’S CENTER is adjacent to just about every subway line. There are plenty of food and refreshment stands everywhere, huge amount of walk space through the concourse and stadium seating that is comfortable.

Photo credit: The Real Deal New York

SATURDAY

3. See and eat BROOKLYN fare, 11am.

EAT DRINK BROOKLYN TOUR is a food tour company created by and for foodies. The tour starts in the heavily gentrified neighborhood of Williamsburg and runs through the Bushwick neighborhood as well with stops at BARK HOT DOGS, THE PICKLE SHACK and BROOKLYN BRINE.  The mission of the tour is to introduce everyone to the local groundbreaking cuisine and local culture of what is the “New Brooklyn.” Don’t forget to have the cocktail of the tour: “Runner and Stone”.

Photo credit: Luna park at Coney Island

4. Magic amongst the Rides, 2pm.

On the border between the ocean and the beach, there is no more a magical place that LUNA PARK in Coney Island. Although Coney Island known to New Yorkers has been in existence for more than a century, what is now known as Luna Park has been in existence from 2010.

Luna Park has over 30 attractions, including 8 thrill rides, 6 roller coasters, various games and go-karts. Its thriving nightlife mixes with a calm, beach scene. Make sure to ride the famous Cyclone Roller Coaster.

Minutes from local transit and an easy drive from Manhattan, Coney Island is a mix of colorful, local history and today’s cutting-edge technology. Its edgy charm provides a unique experience that is a must-have for every true New Yorker.

5. Party and Lounge while enjoying the most talented Brooklynites, 6pm.

Dance and Drink in style.  In Borough Park, Brooklyn there is a former warehouse turned into a multi-room staging area and bar called THE BELL HOUSE. See local bands and participate in one-of-a-kind dance parties here since 2008.

SUNDAY

6. Shopping Urban Fashionistas, 11am.

Smack dab in the middle of “hipster” village in Williamsburg, the BROOKLYN FLEA boats a multitude of shops and vendors which carry everything from magnets to vintage clothing to furniture. If you are after the greatest finds, you can easily lose yourself in here for a few hours.  In the colder months, it’s called the Winter Flea and “Smorgasburg” to keep out of the cold. There are an eclectic mixture of stalls from vintage clothing to toys and designer furniture. There are also interesting food stalls offered from here as well.  Located at the East River State Park at Kent Avenue and North 7^th Street.

Photo credit: Brooklyn flea

7. Enjoy a water view within the concrete jungle, 1pm.

BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK located in North Brooklyn has new ‘destination’ playgrounds which include a Water Lab to cool off in summer, Slide Mountain, Swing Valley and the baby friendly Sandbox Village. The ever-popular Jane’s Carousel, in a glass-enclosed pavilion, has restored horses from 1922.

For tourists or people looking for the best view of Manhattan this park is your place. For families with kids the park provides a wide array of great playgrounds for kids that are surrounded by tall bushes for privacy. For those looking for a unique and fun dining experience, there is a Moterino’s pizza and an Ample Hill’s ice cream shack during the warm months.

In addition, why not give back to this beautiful park and choose from a variety of volunteer work at the park. There is the Coastal Cleanup, Volunteers give back to the community by helping remove waste from the salt marshes and beaches. Spring Spruce Up and Cutbacks, The Green Team, Zone Volunteers, even volunteer Photographers are just a few from the list you can choose from. Be sure to call or visit site to fill out an application before arriving.

Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn Bridge and the East River from Brooklyn Bridge Park, New York City, New York, United States of America, North America

8. Video fun, classic style, 3pm.

The original arcade bar, BARCADE, focuses on classic video games and American craft beer opened in Brooklyn in 2007.  Enjoy games like “Space Invaders”, “Pac Man” and “Centipede” while enjoying continental fare such as Burgers and Fries with a large collection of beers.

9. To Feed or not to feed the city animals, 5pm.

Operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society, the PROSPECT PARK ZOO exhibits more than 400 animals including sea lions, baboons, pandas, otters and other animals. For an $8 admission fee, there is a small cafe and gift shop. You can also visit the barnyard with sheep, goats, and cows.  Be sure to visit the petting / feeding area with farm animals.

The Prospect Park Zoo also offers two ways to volunteer. As a teen Discovery Guide, you’ll answer questions about animals, direct visitors around the zoo, help out at special events and run children’s activities. As an adult Education Docent you’ll interpret animal exhibits, lead tours, interact with families in the Discovery Center, assist with educational programs, and have the opportunity to train as a narrator for daily Sea Lion feedings.

10. Vineyard Soirees in Brooklyn, 9pm.

BED VYNE & SPIRITS, the latest bar in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn hosts bartenders that will give you history of various liquors and mixed-drinks while making them for you.  Bed-Vyne Wine is a lounge bar that is simultaneously fun while having a super chill and easy going environment.  Catch the local jazz and R&B entertainment from Friday to Sunday night.

LODGING

Stay in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn, close to the Barclay’s Center at the new Brooklyn Marriott New York. This modern boutique style hotel provides a calm getaway and also will keep you close to all the city action. ($273 for King Bed Room plus tax.)

This hotel boast great views of the World Trade Center and is within walking distance of the trendy DUMBO neighborhood.  Make sure you ask the locals what “DUMBO” stands for while you are there.

List of Website sources

www.timeout.com/newyork/music/the-bell-house

http://prospectparkzoo.com/volunteering

http://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/activities/volunteer