THE FULLEST Guide to Brooklyn
From Greenpoint to Bushwick, Brooklyn has undergone a significant gentrification process over the past few decades. However, it still manages to retain its offbeat charm and effortlessly cool demeanor. In its bustling neighborhoods, you’ll find creative types, bearded types, wellness types, and foodie types from all walks of life. It’s also home to college kids, young families, and older generations that remember a time before microbreweries. To help us mine the hidden gems and the Brooklyn classics, we enlisted artist and designer, Caroline Z Hurley. Her studio and storefront are located in Greenpoint, where Caroline creates each new collection, meaning she’s definitely got her finger on the pulse of all things artsy, homey, and enduring. We guarantee you’ll find some new discoveries to add to your Brooklyn must-do list. Personally, we’re loving the neighborhood of Red Hook. Check it out below.
Stay
The Alderman: Airbnb
I am always a fan of finding a sweet Airbnb. There are some really sweet places in Red Hook and you may even get a view of the Statue of Liberty or the seaside.
Wythe Hotel
Based in Williamsburg, this hotel is super cozy and offers some rooms with floor to ceiling windows, which is always a treat. It also has a great restaurant!
Greenwich Hotel
I know this hotel technically isn’t in Brooklyn but I had to mention it as it’s such a gem — especially for Brooklyners looking for a staycation. It’s truly lovely and has one of the best spas in NYC.
Eat
Court Street Grocers
You will find me here almost every day around lunch time. I don’t think there is a better sandwich out there than the “clean turkey” made at Court Street Grocers. They also have some really nice veggie options like the Broccoli Rubin! Yummy!
Brooklyn Crab
I love seafood but what I love even more is eating seafood with a view. And that’s exactly what you get at Brooklyn Crab. It’s a Red Hook favorite and it’s got the best view of the Statue of Liberty and the East River. Also if you are young and like to party — they have a fun bar!
Fort Defiance
This local spot has just reopened, not only as an amazing restaurant but now they have a grocery store in the front with stellar produce and really interesting provisions.
Shop
Erie Basin
A really beautifully curated shop with lovely jewelry and fun antiques. I often window shop here on my way to get a cookie from Baked which is right across the street.
Thank You Have A Good Day
This whimsical shop in Red Hook really takes the cake for CUTE finds! There is always something so different and original in this shop from handmade coats to vintage quilts.
Piscina
This little find is off the beaten path and so cool. It’s a furniture design studio with a little shop attached that has beautiful sculptural furniture and homewares.
Visit
Pioneer Works
A gallery event space and just a beautiful institution in Red Hook. They have amazing gallery shows and events open to the public and programming that is really cool.
Governor’s Island
A wonderland just off the coast of Brooklyn near Staten Island. You can get there by ferry and it’s really spectacular, filled with trails and fun activities for children and adults.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
I think this park is one of the coolest places in Brooklyn. The city has transformed these piers into green oases. It’s not too far of a jaunt from Red Hook and so very worth the walk.
