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Windy Acres Farm

Calveton, NY (North Fork Long Island)

Optimum Seasons:  Spring, Summer Fall

Facebook Page

Price:  $8 per bag, everyone needs one to enter.  Upick begins at 10.  

Hours of Operation:  8am-6pm (always ask on facebook page before you go as it is different on weekdays)

631-727-4554

Gallery

This is a family run farm (there is a lot of child labor here...you will see when you get there) that offers a variety of u-pic fruits and vegetables. Check the facebook page above for what's in season.  They are very responsive to your questions.  

Although I haven't been to many pick your own farms (this adventure makes my total a whopping two), I can say with certainty that if you live in Nassau County, Brooklyn or Queens, this should be the closest U-Pic farm to you that also has other amenities (playground, corn maze, hay ride, animals, etc.)  On top of this, not many farms have apples and vegetables and other fruits.  I came here the first week of September when: 1) the weather is still warm and crisp and 2) you can get apples, peaches, nectarines, peppers, eggplants, tomatoes, string beans, zucchini which you can't get every weekend because they are no longer in season.

In addition, they sell roasted corn on weekends (not all that).  And hot dogs, churros, pretzels, apple cider, donuts (all that), affordable pies (all that), cookies, french fries, and more.  

People have claimed that this is one of the more affordable farms, and I trust their judgement.

For a list of other farms to try out, click here.

Things to know before you go:  If it is raining, message them on their facebook page before you go.  If there is a little sprinkle, they stay open.  They also have port a potties.  They also offer free wagons but they are limited.

Kill a few birds with one stone:  Go to the Tanger Outlet in Riverhead for some shopping, even though the prices aren't so discounted.  If you go here during the summer for berry picking, an hour should be enough and then you can either head to Splish Splash next door or drive a few minutes north (follow your navigation) and you'll be sure to hit the Long Island Sound. There is a local private beach here worth just going and taking a few shots of the kids afterwards (or if you have the guts, trespass and enjoy your day!.  

Check the gallery above and videos below and add your feedback in the comments section. Follow me on instagram and facebook for my latest adventures.  And share this page with your friends if you appreciate!   

 

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Lewin Farms

Calverton, NY (North Fork Long Island)

Optimum Seasons:  Summer, Fall

www.lewinfarm.com

631-929-4327 (call each day for picking availability)

Price:  Call and ask before you go.

Hours of Operation:  9am-4:30pm (except when limited quantities or weather conditions)

They have a corn maze.

No pets allowed.

They have a farmstand with fresh sweet roasted corn (on weekends).  Open from 9am-5pm every day.  In November the stand closes at 4pm.  Also farmstand offers a full line of fresh fruits and vegetables and honey from nearby farms.  They also sell baked potatoes one in season.

They have strawberries, rasberries, blueberries, blackberries, peaches, tomatoes, pepers, eggplant, apples, and pumpkins offered throughout the Summer and Fall.  Check the website for what's in season.  They have U-Cut Christmas Trees as well.  Definitely call before you go as they run out fast.  

Kill a few birds with one stone:  Go to the Tanger Outlet in Riverhead for some shopping, even though the prices aren't so discounted.  

Follow me on instagram and facebook for my latest adventures.  And share this page with your friends if you appreciate!

 

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Hank's Pumpkintown

Watermill, NY (South Fork Long Island)

Optimum Seasons:  Fall

www.hankspumpkintown.com

631-726-4667

Price:  $25 for 1 peck bag for parties of 4 (approximately 10 pounds of apples); $5 per additional person; $14 per person for maze park admission; 

Hours of Operation:  9:30am-6pm  September 9th - October 29th

Has a great selection of apples. Check the website to see what's in season.

They have 3 interactive corn mazes.

They have a market that sells coffee, tea, hot chocolate, fresh baked pies, donuts, roasted corn, kettle corn, soft served ice cream, chicken tenders, cupcakes, turnovers, apple cider, apple cider slushies  & more (best to have cash as those lines go faster).

Grab an abandoned wheelbarrow as they are difficult to come by for pumpkin picking.

They have a hayride and tractors.

No strollers or wagons in the apple orchard.

No pets allowed.

They have a wooden playground with slides.

They have face painting.

They have gem mining for kids.

From the feedback I gathered from the my followers on Long Island, this was the overwhelming favorite of all farms.

"Best to arrive early.  Busiest time is between 1-3"  

"Five minutes away from Seven Ponds Orchard (apple picking) and close to the Milk Pail (apple picking...people allege it is expensive)."

Follow me on instagram and facebook for my latest adventures.  And share this page with your friends if you appreciate!

 

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Harbes Family & Vineyard

Mattituck and Riverdale, NY (North Fork Long Island)

Optimum Seasons:  Fall

www.harbesfamilyfarm.com

631-298-0800

harbesfamilyfarm@gmail.com

Price:  $9.95 Admission on weekdays; kids under 2 free; $14.95 Weekend & Holiday Bundle includes Singing Hayride, Pig Races, Fun with Farmer Fred, Jumbo Jumpers and all other Barnyard Activities; kids under 2 free

Hours of Operation:  9am-6pm every weekend in September and October

Riverdale Location:

Only the Harbes Farm in Riverhead offers apple picking (offers 27 different varieties).  See their website for what's in season.  

Mattituck Location:

They have a corn maze (practice archery and sword fighting skills along the way).  

Have pumpkin picking right off the vine (complimentary wagons to bring Pumpkins to the car).

They sell wine from their vineyards (only available in their tasting room).  

They have jumbo jumpers.  

They have a barnyard.

Kill a few birds with one stone:  Go to the Tanger Outlet in Riverhead for some shopping, even though the prices aren't so discounted.  

From the feedback I gathered from the my followers on Long Island, this was the overwhelming favorite of all farms.

"Lots to do with kids. Could spend the day there."  

"They have a whole 'barnyard experience' with pig races, small goats, chickens, a large sandbox, things to climb and play on, a trike track, jumping pillows, sing-along hay ride, plus a farm stand."  

"Across the street is Patty's Berries and Bunches which a u-pick.  I like to pick here first and then play at Harbes."

"There are hay rides, mazes, animal petting zones, and to boot-there are great activities for adults too.  Live Music, beautiful barn for wine tasting and a nice selection of fresh vegetables and fruit."

"You can't feed the pets, which is better for the health of the people and the animals."

Follow me on instagram and facebook for my latest adventures.  And share this page with your friends if you appreciate!

 

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Zoos

 

Still on My Bucket List

Prospect Park Zoo, Brooklyn, NYwww.prospectparkzoo.com

Queens Zoo, Flushing, NY  www.queenszoo.com

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Oculus

New York, NY

Free admission

www.wtc.com

Optimum Seasons:  Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

If you are visiting NYC for a short time, squeeze this in your itinerary.  If you live here and haven't seen this recently opened World Trade Center Transportation Hub, put it on the list of things you must see once in your lifetime.  This is truly one of the most unique structures I've ever seen (the inside is as breathtaking if not more than the outside).  Think Grand Central Terminal meets the 21st century.  Not only will you marvel at the architecture, you are also able to shop at boutique and specialty stores here, visit the Freedom Tower, and enjoy the rest of the beauty Downtown Manhattan has to offer.  

Click on the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), the videos below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page!

Nearby:

Battery Park

Staten Island Ferry

Brooklyn Bridge

South Street Seaport and The Circle Line

 

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Cupsogue Beach

Westhampton Dunes, NY

$17 dollar parking

Optimum Seasons:  Summer

There are two beaches in the Westhamptons that are public.  One is Tiana Beach on the complete east end of Dunes Road (where the houses are more grand and have bigger lots....much more scenic drive if you ask me) and the other is Cupsogue Beach on the complete west end of Dunes Road (the videos below will give you an idea of the houses you will see along the way). Both beaches are about a ten to fifteen minute local drive down Dunes road from Rogers Beach, a private beach for residents of Westhampton.  

Rogers is the best of the three in terms of their showers, and proximity to the town..but too bad if you are not a resident.  Scratch this off your bucket list unless you have a rich friend! 

Tiana is the best in terms of the scenic drive and the short distance between the parking lot and beach....however the bathrooms close at 5pm.  

Cupsogue is awesome because it is only $17 parking ($9 if you have a green pass and are a suffolk resident) as opposed to $25 at Tiana, however, it is a long walk to the beach and the parking lot allegedly fills up by 10am on weekends (even though we got there at 1 and got lucky as some cars were leaving...try your luck if you want to save $8...but if you are driving a long distance, play it safe with Tiana as their parking attendant alleged it never fills up...including on weekends).  Also, I preferred their showers to Tiana's and I believe their bathrooms are open later than 5pm.

The big draw here is the live band (the gallery above shows an image of what days and times they play).  I was once told they only play on Saturdays at 5pm so I was surprised to find a couple of bands here on a Sunday as well (they have a bar stand serving beer here as well).  It makes the beach experience extra amazing during sundown.  Except, who wants to stay here for dinner when the main town of Westhampton is so charming and offers so many cute shops and great restaurants?  Unless you stay here till sundown and go to Main Street after.  Make sure you click on the Tiana Beach link gallery to see pictures of Westhampton Beach town which is as close to Cupsogue Beach as it is to Tiana (equadistant).

They also have a great restaurant here (menu and pictures in the gallery above) called The Beach Hut.  I've noticed many beaches on the south shore don't have the greatest selection of food but here seemed to have a lot to offer (even though we didn't dine here).

The water was also clear and the waves this 83 degree and sunny day were the biggest I have ever seen in New York (they were about 15 feet height). Perhaps it was just the day or it happens to be always???  The regulars would know better.  

For a list of more beaches, click here.

Check the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), videos below, and add your comments.  And follow me on facebook and instagram to see my live adventures!  And share this page with your friends if you appreciate.

 

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Fun in Westchester

Still On My Bucket List

Rockefeller Mansion, Kykuit  Sleepy Hollow NY http://www.hudsonvalley.org

Rockefeller Preserve,  Pleasantville, NY  https://parks.ny.gov/parks 

Barton  Orchards www.bartonorchards.com

Fishkill Farms

Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard  

Lawrence Farms Orchards www.lawrencefarmsorchards.com

Masker Orchard

LegoLand, Westchester NY www.lilaserbounce.com

Rye Playland, Rye  NY http://playlandpark.org

FunFuzion, New Rochelle NY www.funfuziononline.com

iFLY Westchester Indoor Skydiving, Yonkers NY www.iflyworld.com

 

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Brooklyn Museum

See Brooklyn Botanical Gardens for more information.

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Chelsea Market

Chelsea, NY
 

Optimum Season:  Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

See The High Line for more information.

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Rockaway Beach

Rockaway Beach, NY

Optimum Seasons:  Summer

A few things to know about Rockaway Beach:

1) After Hurricane Sandy, they rebuilt the boardwalk which stretches from Beach 9th Street to Beach 126th.  On this particular day, we visited the beach at 86th Street (which is close to the popular Rockaway Beach and Surf Club a couple of blocks north)

2)  It is the only beach in all of NYC that you are allowed to legally surf in.  At B86, one side of the rocks was strictly for surfing and the other was for us regular folk who just wanted to swim in the ocean.  (You'll see the rocks I mention in the video below)

3)  It is a myth that the water gets cleaner further east on the Island.  I found the beach here as clean as any in the Hamptons or on Long Island.  I guess it just depends on the day.  Or perhaps this is actually cleaner?  No seaweed the day we went.  Great waves.  Shallow water.  Maybe it was just our luck?

4)  Free street parking.  And no admittance fee.  At least on the weekday.  Or the day we went.  No one charged us anything.  I highly suggest going on a weekday as the weekends will surely be crowded with locals!  

5)  There are playgrounds all along the boardwalk for the children.  

6) They have pads to walk on to get to the beach comfortably if you have a stroller.

7)  The concession stands here beat those on any I've experienced on Long Island.  It's just a cute pretty place to eat.   

8)  The area is not so sexy once you walk about a block away.  For those who don't know, The Rockaways were like the Hamptons of New York in the early 1900s.  Once they built the subway and railroad system in the 50s, the area lost it's appeal to the wealthy and became accessible to all.  They moved out east, and government built low and middle income housing to accommodate the new population.  The Rockaways even had a famous amusement park that rivaled Coney Island's but was demolished to build these building.  As of late, developers have recognized the Rockaways as a potential goldmine.  It is along the ocean and close to the city.  You'll notice in my pictures that there are new apartment complexes on the beach.  I project in 20 years the Rockaways will be all cleaned up and a popular destination for all!!!!  

9)  Rockaway Beach and Surf Club is an adorable taco shack a couple blocks away from the beach on 86th street.  It is kind of easy to miss as your drive past it.  The signage is small.  It is right under the elevated subway line and kind of has a Wynwood Miami feel to it.  There is outdoor seating and well priced food and juices.  It is just way adorable.  You can't come to the Rockaway and not make a stop here!

10)  Even the bathrooms were better than those at other beaches I've been to.  There were lots of clean stalls.  Like, you don't have to worry about holding anything in here!

11)  If you are super adventurous, bring a bike so you can ride down the entire boardwalk.  In the evening.  During sunset.  Next on my bucket list!

12)  If you are visited from afar, it's worth driving down the entire peninsula (probably a 20 minute local drive at most from one end to the other).  Check the entire culture of the Rockaways.  Some points are more affluent than others.  Towards the west end there are some beautiful homes.  

For a list of other beaches, click here.

Check the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), videos below, and add your comments.  And follow me on facebook and instagram to see my live adventures!  And share this page with your friends if you appreciate.

 

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Fun in the Bronx

Still On My Bucket List

City Island

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Fun on Long Island

Still On My Bucket List

 

Farms for All Ages:

Fort Salonga Farm

Hank's Pumpkintown

Harbes Farm & Vineyard

Lewin Farms

Whitepost Farms Melville, NY  http://www.whitepostfarms.com/

 

Preschool Age:

Fun 4 All Indoor Playground, Port Jefferson NY www.fun4allpark.com

Kiddie Playland, Williston Park NY  www.kiddieplayland.com

Liddle Bites Cafe, Long Beach www.liddlebites.com

Lolli Bop Cafe and Play, Lawrence NY www.lollibopkids.com

The Sandbox Playspace, Huntington, www.facebook.com/sandboxplayspace

 

Elementary School Age:  

Boomers!, Medford NY www.boomerslongisland.com

Island Rock Gym, Plainview NY

Laser Bounce, Levittown NY

Long Island Aquarium, Riverhead NY www.longislandaquarium.com

Oheka Castle

Pole Position Raceway, Farmingdale NY www.polepositionraceway.com

Q-Zar, Carle Place, NY  www.qzarny.com  

Sky Zone Trampoline Park, Deer Park NY  www.skyzone.com

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Fun in Queens

Still on My Bucket List

Museum of the Moving Image, Astoria www.movingimage.us

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Governor's Island

Governor's Island, NY

Ferry from Pier 6 in Brooklyn ($2 per adult, free for children under 12, $1 per senior citizen)

Ferry from Downtown Manhattan for free

Optimum Season:  Summer

www.govisland.com

There is so much to see on this island sandwiched between Brooklyn Heights and Downtown Manhattan in New York Harbor.  Be prepared that the map in the guide book isn't really drawn to scale. Like you kind of gather the general direction to head to but it is probably best to follow the signs and your instinct.  Anyway, here is a list of things I did on the Island (four hours is more than enough!)  There are far more events and activities than I've noted below so it is best to go on the website and plan your day based on what you like as well.  I skipped on the bike rental, free kayaking and zip lining but this would be amazing with older kids or just with friends!

1) Slide Hill:  One of the slides is the tallest in all of NYC and is three stories high.  Make sure you bring a towel to put under your tush as the slide is metal and scorching hot in the summer.  

2)  Play Fountains:  I went here on an 80 degree sunny day.  I thought it was too cold for the beach or pool so I figured this would be perfect with the breeze of the Island.  I would have been more satisfied if it was a couple degrees cooler.  But for kids, this is warm enough to pack the bathing suits and towels so they can run around in the Play Fountains and cool off.  

3)  Hammock Grove Play Area:  I left my husband and sister in law here with my children for an hour as I explored the south and more historic side of the island.  The kids had a blast!  This is right across the Play Fountain area.  Don't be deceived by the map.  It is right there.  

4)  Castle Williams:  This is on the south side of the island.  Walk along the boardwalk and you'll pass by here.  You'll catch beautiful views of downtown Manhattan.  And lots of history!  The Manhtattan Ferry is on this side of the island so be sure not to go on the line headed home if you came from Brooklyn.  There are two different ferries people!  

5)  The Hills:  You can climb up the rocks or go up the ramp (via bike or stroller)....once you get to the top, you will have panoramic views of downtown Brooklyn, downtown Manhttan, Jersey City, Statues of Liberty, and the Verazzano Bridge.  Pretty neat view!!!  

Now for those catching the Brooklyn Ferry from Pier 6, note that the time on the website doesn't match the actual hours of operation (or at least on the day we went).  We were on line for exactly an hour before we got on.  It says half an hour on the site. Even those selling the ticket told us to go on the website and complain because it is misleading. And once we got on the ferry, no one checked the tickets we purchased (I don't know if this always happens. Try your luck if you have balls!)  You can go on the ferry with bikes and strollers as well.  But beware that the last ferry leaves Governor's Island at 7pm.  So if you want to catch the sunset on the island, you will have to find a water taxi back home.  

Also the food here is expensive and not so good.  Get your food from Brooklyn or Manhattan before you get on your ferry and bring a picnic blanket as well!!

Nearby:

Carroll Gardens

Brooklyn Heights Promenade

Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6

DUMBO

Battery Park

Staten Island Ferry

This is an excerpt from The Best Things to do in New York about Governor's Island:  "More than two centuries after we gave Governors Island to the government to use as a military training ground, it was finally returned to us in 2003.  Since then, the city and the park service have been in the process of converting its grounds, historic structures (including two massive nineteenth-century fortifications), and waterfront promenade for public access.  Despite a flurry of amenities including outdoor art, mini-golf, bike rental, and water taxi beach, much of Governors Island feels exotically unexplored. The island is currently open for visitors during the warmer months and visiting hours are limited, but when you can get there (by ferry, a free ten minute ride from lower Manhattan), you'll be treated to striking views of the city all around you. The ferry departs from the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street in Manhattan.  For current visiting hours, call 212-825-3045 or visit www.nps.gov or www.govisland.com."

Check the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), videos below for a better idea, and add your feedback!  Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!  And share this page with your friends if you appreciate.

 

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Dyker Heights

Dyker Heights, Brooklyn

Optimum Season:  Winter

Click Christmas in NYC for more info.

 

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Park Slope

Park Slope, NY

street parking (start praying for a spot)

Optimum Seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall

The heart and pulse of Brooklyn is Park Slope!  No neighborhood is as cute.  No neighborhood as centrally located.  With prime real estate right next to the Brooklyn Museum and Prospect Park and Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, nothing else compares (except homes next to Central Park)!  A small neighborhood that can be walked through in the span of two hours.  You should definitely dine here to catch the vibe of the locals. This is a very family oriented place and it is always fun to people watch.  I came here with my then newborn son back in 2010 and I fell in love.  I can't wait to go back (perhaps visit the Prospect Park Zoo this time and then go to Park Slope again.  Big problem is that it is a two mile local (but extremely scenic) route once you get off the BQE.  Drive through Cobble Hill and Clinton Hill to see other beautiful homes and neighborhoods.  Or drive around the park and catch Prospect Park Height (I haven't done this yet) on the south eastern tip.  There is just beauty every where you turn!  Highly recommend going here once in your life if you are a New Yorker!

Check the gallery above and add your comments below.  And follow me on facebook and instagram to see my live adventures!  And share this page with your friends if you appreciate.

 

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Carroll Gardens

Carroll Gardens, NY

street parking

Optimum Seasons:  Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

This is one of the most secluded neighborhoods in Brooklyn. It is eerily quiet here.  The majority of the population is Italian...and by the looks of the many lavish front lawns decorated with Jesus statues, it appears as though most are devout Catholics or Christians. Even the Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins chain has an outdoor garden with an illuminated Jesus! (Google Maps the Dunkin Donuts...definitely worth seeing this in person!)

The big draw here for residents is the front large (by Brooklyn standards) lawns in front of the brownstones.  This is a rarity in Brooklyn.  Owners of homes take pride in their gardens.  Each is as lush and beautiful as the next. And the homes are all as exquisite.  The trees form a canopy over all the streets so the neighborhood is rather shady even on a sunny day.  There's just so much character and charm here.  All should visit at least once!!  (I'd actually visit once during the spring and once in the winter as the Christmas decorations here are rumored to be out of this world).

There are pizza stores and Italian restaurants along almost every street (the neighborhood is pretty small, you can walk it all probably in less than 2 hours).  I will now take the opportunity to teach everyone a lesson in common courtesy, politeness, and manners:

So one of these "Everything You Must Do In New York" books that I own listed Frankies Spuntino 257 in Carroll Gardens as an amazing Italian restaurant with a beautiful outdoor garden.  I will not grace this establishment with a hyperlink (google it yourself if you are interested).  My family and I had just finished a day trip in nearby Governor's Island and I round up the troops and told them we must go here for dinner...because my book said so!!!!!  

So I called to make a reservation and I was surprised at how fast the lady said "yes, you can come right now" to my request of a table of 8.  So we google mapsed it and walked down a few blocks.  We walk in and notice there is no outdoor garden.  So I ask the wonderful host "where is the garden?" and she said "oh, you are looking for the our sister restaurant...it's a few stores down. This is Austrian and German cuisine." No wonder it was a fast reservation.

So we walked over a couple stores, go inside the real Frankies Spuntino 257 and were met by a very unfriendly, obnoxious, and rude manager type sort.   He looked at me and my family as though we were the Grizwalds and told us there was no seating (at least three tables were vacant).  I felt like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman when she was rejected service in the boutique clothing store.  I then tried to resolve the situation and asked "well, where else is good Italian around here?  If you are not honoring our reservation, at least recommend a good place to eat."  He looked at me dumbfounded and said "um, I don't know." Well, fuck you mister menstrual cycle.   (Blonde guy, around 6 foot 2, you can't miss him...he may have been the owner even)  I'm sure this man was just having a bad day, and I apologize in advance if he is not a complete a-hole every minute of his life.  But his attitude sealed our fate which was to quickly follow...

So my cousin googled the next closest Italian restaurant and boy oh boy did we strike gold.  FRAGOLE!!!!  The owner/manager/waiter here was ever so gracious.  Super service.  Super sweet. Super down to earth. Super accepting of my human rights. His name was Victor.  And his brother, who I will marry in my next life, was the chef.  This was the frieken best Italian food I've ever had in my life.  All I needed was to walk back into Frankies Spuntino 25motherfuckin7 with our receipt and say "Big mistake. HUGE!"

The food here was divine.  Every pasta dish (the pesto rigatoni was the stand-out), every salad, the salmon, the complimentary bread with G-d sauce, the dessert.  The entire menu.  I took a picture with Victor (go through the gallery above), told him he is a very good man, left the restaurant satisfied and delighted, and then walked across the street to the Dunkin Donuts to take a picture with the Jesus statue.  The night couldn't have ended on a better note. I thank you Victor for giving us a wonderful dinner and hope to see you many times again.  

Click on the gallery above for a better idea of the neighborhood (best viewed on a desktop for captions) and please add your feedback below!  Follow me on facebook and instagram to see my live adventures!  And share this page with your friends if you appreciate.

 

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Brooklyn Bridge Park

Brooklyn Heights, NY

street parking and parking lot ($40 for oversized vehicles...gets full by early afternoon on a nice Sunday...street parking will take at least 20 minutes to find unless you're lucky)

Optimum Seasons:  Spring, Summer, Fall

Gallery

I had been to Pier 6 in the summer of 2011.  I had gone with my then first born toddler, my husband, and my Williamsburg-residing sister who gave us a tour of the area. I don't recall Brooklyn Bridge Park at this pier having playgrounds and activities, but I wasn't really there for long and I was just too focused on the view to notice anything else.  We just drove by the downtown Manhattan skyline, double parked the car, got a shot with my son in his overalls, and that was that.  

Fast-forward to summer of 2017, I decided to go to Pier 6 once again to catch the ferry going to Governor's Island.  It was here that I noticed all the playgrounds arranged like a maze intertwined with trees.  Not only is this a great park for families with children, it is a great place to date.  There are all these hidden paths leading to new playgrounds.  The videos and pictures should describe what I can't in words.  It's just something to see with your eyes in your lifetime (even the footage doesn't do enough justice).  There are sprinklers here, so on a 78 degree plus and sunny day, be sure to bring bathing suits and towels for your children so they can have some fun!  

There was also beach volleyball overlooking the skyline.  And Fornino restaurant (which has brick oven pizza but I didn't really check the menu to see what else they offered) with a rooftop that offers views of the skyline as well.  So if you just want to go Pier 6, there is enough to do for several hours. And I'd suggest catching the sunset on the roof of the restaurant and seeing the skyline at night!  It's truly magical!

Of course, when I went in 2017, I decided to give the extended family a tour of both Governor's Island (my first time), Carroll Gardens and Brooklyn Heights. Talk about killing several birds with one stone.  But you can totally squeeze these all in one day...with or without the kids!

Or, you could skip all the above and just do what www.mommypoppins.com sites as the 30 best things to do in Brooklyn Bridge Park (none that I knew existed before I went there.  Missed opportunity.  Must go back!)  There are many other piers, roller skating, a pop up pool, free kayaking and so much more!  The whole park is a mile stretch from one side to the other.  Just spend an entire day here!

Check out the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), videos below, and please add your feedback! Follow me on facebook and instagram to see my live adventures!  And share this page with your friends if you appreciate.

Nearby:

DUMBO

Park Slope

Governor's Island

Brooklyn Heights Promenade

Carroll Gardens

 

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Brooklyn Heights Promenade

Brooklyn, NY

street parking (difficult...start praying)

Optimum Seasons:  Spring, Summer, Fall

I remember coming here for Mother's Day back in 2012 with my husband, first born, and mother in law.  We had meant to go to DUMBO but accidentally found a random beautiful playground with a direct pathway to the Promenade. We had no idea what this was and we caved into our curiosity. We were amazed by the breathtaking view of downtown Manhattan here. This is the narrowest strip of the East River between Brooklyn and the city.  It feels like you are two butterfly strokes away from South Street Seaport.  And the Promenade lies on top of the BQE (you'll understand when you are there) and behind a bunch of affluent town houses with back-gardens facing the East River.  

I came again in the summer of 2017 when we did a day trip to Governor's Island.  But this time, we came at night.  Without my children and husband. And with a bunch of girls.  The night was utterly magical.  It was a perfect 80 degree fresh summer night.  The moon was reflecting off the river.  One World Trade Center was finally up.  If you live in New York and haven't been here....start planning your next weekend!!!

I suggest wearing sneakers this day and walking every street of the neighborhood.  If not walk, then at least drive!  Definitely stop by Montague Street to dine or shop.  You will be charmed by the stores, the neighborhood, the parks, the playgrounds, the homes and every detail imaginable in Brooklyn Heights.  I promise you!

Nearby

Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6

DUMBO

Park Slope

Governor's Island

Carroll Gardens

Check the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), videos below for a better idea and add your comments. Follow me on facebook and instagram to see my live adventures! And share this page with your friends if you appreciate.

 

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