Discovering Brooklyn

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Katherine Andrianas
Editor, ET Week

Looking for somewhere to explore? Why not uncover the beauty of Brooklyn. New York City’s largest and fastest growing borough, Brooklyn offers attractions for people of all age goups. With its wide variety of restaurants, parks, shops, historical sights and scenic views, there’s always something to do. Whether it be a visit to Prospect Park, Dumbo or Coney Island, each neighborhood has something unique to offer.

PROSPECT PARK
Spread across 526-acres, Prospect Park is the second largest public park in Brooklyn. A popular go to destination, there is no shortage of activities. Baseball, soccer, kayaking and bicycling are just a few of the fun things to do. There is also the Prospect Park Zoo, home to over twenty-five different animal species, including a number of must-see exhibits, educational programs and weekend events.  If you are visiting Prospect Park on  Sunday, April through October, you’ve come just in time to experience one of the largest, open-air food markets in the world-SMORGASBURG. Be among the 15,000 people to come every Sunday for some of the best NYC food vendors! To find out more information or to see a map of Prospect Park, visit prospectpark.org

DUMBO (Down Under The Manhattan Bridge Overpass)
This beautiful once-industrialized neighborhood is the ultimate hot spot. Covering approximately fifty acres, it’s cobblestone streets and constant flow of people make it one of a kind. Filled with boutiques, art galleries and museums, it’s certainly fun for the entire family. In the mood for good ice cream? Head on over to the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory which was once a 1920’s Boat House. Sit outside and enjoy the breathtaking views of Manhattan’s skyline. Once filled up on ice cream, take a spin around Jane’s Carrousel for a, joy ride through DUMBO’s rich history. For additional information on things to do in Dumbo go to dumbo.is 

CONEY ISLAND
Just forty-five minutes from downtown Manhattan and accessible by the D, Q, N or F train, is the beloved landmark, Coney Island. Home to action-packed rides, restaurants and shops, Coney Island has it all. Roller Coasters, live entertainment, boardwalk games and carnival style food are big attractions year-round. Famous for their, Luna Park and New York Aquarium, Coney Island offers non-stop entertainment for you and the kids. Whether you go to enjoy the street performers or the ocean beaches, the fun never ends. For more
information on amusement park passes or upcoming Coney Island events, visit coneyislandfunguide.com 

BROOKLYN BREWERY
The Brooklyn Brewery has been serving beer world-wide to bars and restaurants since the late 1980’s. Located in the heart of Williamsburg, this charming brewery is filled with some of the greatest selections of beer in the city. With their Perennial Artisan Ales and seasonal editions, every beer is bold,  delicious and brimming with flavor. Known for their tastings and tours, visitors are in for an enjoyable and memorable experience. Not only are the tours free, but they are informative and interactive. Visitors are given the chance to meet award-winning brewmasters and discover the secrets of good brewing. For an added bonus, The Brooklyn Brewery also arranges weekly events and posts frequently on their, “Brooklyn Bloggery.”  To schedule a tour or to view their blog, visit brooklynbrewery.com

BROOKLYN BRIDGE/BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK
Linking Manhattan and Brooklyn is the well-known, Brooklyn Bridge. Known to be one of the oldest roadway bridges in the United States, this historical landmark is frequently featured on TV shows and movies. The bridge offers a scenic route for tourists, commuters and bicyclists.
Although it serves as the main attraction of the Brooklyn Bridge Park, the recreational facilities, gardens, playgrounds, greenways and grassy areas are worth the trip. Visiting with kids? Check out the different piers which have
kid-friendly play areas, swings, slides, sandboxes and more!  For more information go to nycgo.com/attractions/brooklyn-bridge-park