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

Bakeries we love

For the past few years, it's a understatement to say that Williamsburg has been blossoming into a swarming neighborhood of new restaurants, shops and venues that all compete with the finest of quality living. You can measure it by the the explosion of bakeries opening within a mile radius. From modern & conceptual to old-school & traditional, this tells us we are in the right city spot! 

Here are some of our favorite bakeries

1. Bakeshop. 

On Driggs ave between N7th and N8th

2. Margo.  

On Driggs ave between Metropolitan Ave. and Fillmore Pl.

3. Caprices by Sophie. 

On N6th St Between Bedford and Berry Street. 

4. Bakeri. 

On Wythe Ave between N7th and N8th.

The winner of the best croissant in our opinion was Bakeshop. 

We hope you will check them all out!

Summer days

Yesterday was the first day of Summer in the calendar and New Yorkers are surely enjoying long-lasting daylight and warm temperatures. The streets are swarming with locals and tourists, enjoying every bench, cafés, parks and sun rays the season has to offer. 

It's a lively time in New York!

We hope you are enjoying this glorious time of the year as well!

Plant a Tree in NYC!

It's planting season and New York needs you for this great project:

Have you heard of Million Trees NYC? It's an ambitious program that aims to have New York City's residents plant one million new trees within the five boroughs over the next ten years.  

We all wish we lived in a lush tree-lined street right?  Well, it is now possible to help transform the urban scape and green your neighborhood!

  Trees can be planted on private properties such as front and backyards, commercial properties and community gardens.  

You can get training to learn how to do it or just join a team of well-trained gardeners and be part of this sustainable project.

So if you are an enthusiastic, energetic, and environmentally–minded New Yorker, get dirty this spring and plant a tree for your city! 

And get your kids involved. It's such a fun thing to do as a family.

Care, donate, educate, all details are here.

 

 

 

 

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.