a summer saturday in Greenpoint, Brooklyn

A day in Greenpoint, Brooklyn

I started my day with a walk over the Pulaski Bridge, connecting Queens to Brooklyn.  The bridge looms over the Newtown Creek, a little (and extremely polluted waterway) that feeds into the East River.  The walk from my apartment in LIC to Greenpoint is only about half an hour, so a perfect way to start off a Summer Saturday.

The tree-lined streets are full of row houses, duplexes, and the occasional new condo building, thrown in for good measure.  Start your day cruising down Manhattan Ave., one of the main drags in the neighborhood.  Admire World of Flowers | Milk & Roses | Lobster Joint | Jungle Cafe | the John Smolenski clock tower | Archestratus Books & Food | Odd Fox Coffee, and the gorgeous old Polish churches.  There are tons quintessential NYC shops and restaurants but make your first stop, Peter Pan Donuts & Coffee.  The shop has been there for years and the donuts are divine.  

Hang a right on Norman Ave and check out the best plant and gift shop, Feng Sway.  The shop is an Instagram darling, but also filled to the rafters with hundreds of plants that you'll want to take home.  Across from the shop, is the art mecca, A/D/O.  Pose in front of the brightly colored walls.

Hang another right on Banker St. to check out the walls at the hip restaurant, Rule of Thirds.  It's too early in the day to view inside, but make a mental note to come back another day! 

Follow Banker St. until it connects with Franklin St., another major roadway through the heart of Greenpoint.  Photograph the perfect store fronts and stop in the Mom & Pop shops along the way.  Take a pit stop down Oak St., where it curves and connects to Guernsey Street.  This area is one of the oldest in the neighborhood and the historic houses are painted beautiful cotton candy colors.

Some of my favorite businesses include:  La Gamin | Duke's Liquor Box | Littleneck Outpost | Homecoming | Alter | Word | Home of the Brave | Ramona

Turn left once you hit Kent Street and grab a coffee and sandwich at Maman.  The cafe and coffee shop has various locations in NYC but the decor and design in this location is one of my favorites.  Hop into a tableside swing while  you wait for your lunch and then wander over to WNYC Transmitter Park.  Enjoy your delicious pastries while you appreciate the art, green spaces and perfects views of the Manhattan skyline.

Once you have rested your tired legs and filled your belly, continue along West Street, past Paulie Gee's | Ovenly | Bellocq | the Naked Dog | Achilles Heel. 

Hang a right on Eagle St. to visit Eagle Street Rooftop Farm, Eagle Trading Company, and then to Freeman St. to see Bakeri.  Connect back onto Manhattan Ave., coming full circle on your day in Greenpoint.  Head towards the canal down Manhattan Ave.  Turn right on Commercial Ave, stopping at Glasserie for lunch and then Greenpoint Beer and Ale Co. for a drink on the rooftop.  The last leg of your Greenpoint itinerary includes a stop at The Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory and then a walk down to Manhattan Park. 

As you're cruising around Greenpoint, keep your eyes open and your head up.  There is art everywhere in the neighborhood and you don't want to miss any of it!

If you want to spend more time in Greenpoint, the Box House Hotel is a lovely boutique hotel nestled deep in the residential area of the city.  Enjoy views of the bridge, NYC skyline, and the entire surrounding Brooklyn area.  

Eat, drink, and shop your way through the old-school yet trendy neighborhood of Greenpoint, Brooklyn!  See more of our favorite Brooklyn neighborhoods, including Dumbo, Williamsburg, and Red Hook.