Dumbo showered in Light

The first ever New York Festival of Light began shortly after sundown Thursday Nov 6th and is set to run through Saturday Nov 8th, so it is not too late if you want to go today!

The festival which originated in London and Berlin features a collection of installations created by local and international lighting designers, performance artists and technologists.  It is so cool and festive, a great way to kick-start the holiday season.

The spectacle takes place after dark in DUMBO, Brooklyn in the Archway under the Manhattan Bridge - Pearl Street Triangle (Pearl & Water St). 

It is free and appropriate for all ages, 

So don't miss it! 

~ Happy winter season ~

 

Rendez-vous with the Sun

This is not really a seasons-specific post, because you can enjoy the beauty of a sunset every evening of the year but lately (especially during season changes) we have had quite spectacular sunsets here on the right bank of the East River. For those of us who can make it outside on time for sunset we have made this modest "Brooklyn at sunset" strolling guide . Enjoy the last few weeks of warmth in the city New Yorkers and witness sunsets at these great locations. 

Sun sets around 6.56pm these days  

Brooklyn Heights Promenade: The promenade leads you from DUMBO to Brooklyn Heights, ending at the Brooklyn Bridge Park.  It is situated high above water and gives a spectacular view of the South- East tip of Manhattan.

Grand Street River Park (this one is on our Street!): located at the very end of Grand Street in South Williamsburg, it is a great spot to take pictures of the Williamsburg Bridge at sunset with the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges at a distance. Iconic little spot at the tip of out fingers ;-)

Williamsburg waterfront: located at North 5th Street. Gentrification of the neighborhood came with a great deal of urban planning and lovely walkable piers. This one offers a beautiful global view of the city, overlooking Midtown Manhattan and the Empire State building.

Greenpoint Waterfront: Nice little community Park located at the end of Manhattan Avenue.

Please note: Some of these parks close at dusk so first make sure to check for open hours here www.nycgovparks.org

Smorgasburg

Last weekend finally felt like a breath of Spring here in New York and lots of folks were out and about. This month is the last month that the Williamsburg Brooklyn Flea is held indoors before heading to the lovely waterfront for Spring and Summer weekends (can't wait!). 

The Smorgasburg indoor food market is such a fantastic place for gathering with friends,  filled with rich flavors, it has become a weekend destination for comfort food and tastes from all around the world.  You can feel the passion behind every food stand. It is a great Brooklyn experience if you are just visiting and always a great place to go back and mingle for us locals.

Such a great sense of community.

 

The Year of the Horse

We have just entered a new year in the Chinese calendar.  

As always, the festivities are fascinating and grand here in New York City and around the world.  

Such a beautiful burst of energy and light with colorful Dragon dances and a festival of lanterns in the darkest night of the month.  

This year, we are welcoming the wooden horse.
Years of the wooden horse are associated with warfare. Astrologers are predicting tumult and conflicts.  So be prepared, hang on to your harness and be ready for the ride!

Happy Chinese new year dear readers!

(Do you know your Chinese sign? find out in the chart below)

Heart beat

We are exactly one month away form Valentine's day. 

We obviously love this holiday here at Commune and always celebrate it with the cutest window displays.  If you are feeling crafty this year and wanted to express your love to someone special, here are some cool ideas on how to Do It Yourself!

Otherwise, don't worry.  There will be plenty of items and gifts here at the store for you to choose from and make this year one to remember!

♡ Have fun and keep on Loving! ♡

 

 

Party time

✶   It's happening again, save the date!    

                                       ✶
We'll be looking forward to gather again for our 8th year anniversary on October 21st at our usual space on Grand street.
Food, refreshments music & performance.
                     It will be a lovely night.         
✶

                              ✶       We hope to see you all there!

                ✶ 

Movie in the park

We are so privileged.  Each summer the city of New York offers most of their parks to host outdoors concerts, theater, shows and all kind of fun activities.  One of the best one is the HBO Classic film festival in Bryant Park.

Every Monday at dusk, locals and visitors bring their picnic blankets & enthusiasm to enjoy collectively classic american movies on a giant outdoor screen. 

It's quite a magical experience to be surrounded by skyscrapers and share an movie night with thousands of other people.

* The wait can be long if you want to secure a spot on the lawn, you should be there at 5pm on the dot when they open it!  it fills up quickly... but it is all worthwhile. 

Did we mentioned it's free?

We just said goodbye to the first heatwave of the summer. 

The interesting thing about heatwaves in New York is that you will find open spraying fire hydrants widely throughout the city, making it the perfect effect for photographers over the years to capture street life.   So pretty, and cooling if you dare jumping right in them !

WE  ♥ NY