MY FAVORITE PLACES IN BROOKLYN

Sometimes it's hard to believe that I live in New York. It hits me most often when I'm walking down the street, to or from work, and look around at the buildings, at the fashionable, busy people around me. More frequently, it hits me as I narrowly avoid colliding with another pedestrian or elbow my way into a subway car.

While the hustle-and-bustle of Manhattan makes me feel like I'm in a movie, I enjoy time spent in Brooklyn more. Which is probably why 3 out of the 4 New York City apartments I've lived in have been in Brooklyn.

I purposefully resisted from including restaurants on this list, because that would have made it three times as long. I'll share my favorite Brooklyn restaurants in another post :)

So here are some of my favorite spots in Brooklyn. What are yours?

Brooklyn Botanical Garden 

The Botanical Garden was such a wonderful surprise to me when I first moved here. The space it occupies is astounding--it goes on much longer than you would expect. The expanses contain a rose garden, a perfect picnicking lawn that rivals Paris, and enclosed greenhouses with everything from bonsai to desert flora. 

The Shake Shack in DUMBO

Okay, I know that this is a restaurant and I preluded that there would be no restaurants. But this feels like more of an experience. It combines two of my favorite things: Shake Shake and the Brooklyn Bridge. I had my first Shack Burger 3 years ago and haven't looked back since. This particular location is situated perfectly so you can munch on a delicious burger while enjoying a unique view of the Brooklyn Bridge: from underneath. 

(This is another bridge in DUMBO, but I feel it captures the feeling)

Brooklyn Heights Promenade

Brooklyn Heights is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Brooklyn, with historic buildings and quiet, tree-lined streets. The Promenade is a huge bonus. Stretching along the water, the entire length of this promenade offers a spectacular close-up view of downtown Manhattan. At night, it's even more breathtaking. 

Fort Greene Famer's Market 

Is there a more picturesque way to shop for local fare? This park is also a prime location for dog-spotting. Best experienced with a hibiscus ice tea from neighboring coffee shop on Dekalb Avenue in hand.  

Bookstores  

Greenlight Bookstore and Books Are Magic are some favorites (also have to mention the late Book Court. RIP. Thanks for offering me a job years ago. Wish I could have taken it)

Dekalb Market Hall 

Full of neon signs, winding paths, and every type of food you could imagine, this basement spot in Downtown Brooklyn feels like a secret, underground market. Find Ample Hills Creamery, Kat's Deli, a delicious cheese shop, hand roll sushi bar, and more down here. 

Cobble Hill

Walking down these streets and peeking in the beautiful brownstones makes me reconsider my vow to never settle down in New York