The underground guide to NY tourism

[jumptheshadow]

For those of you who plan to come to our beloved city, here is a thread where New Yorkers can share some of our favorite places in our hometown. I'll start with a Brooklyn-centric post. Hopefully some of my neighbors will add their preferences. Tell our guests about great little restaurants, your favorite music place, the little known NY landmarks you like the most, and our most colorful ethnic neighborhoods:

FOR AWESOME VIEWS: Take any of the trains that go to Court or Jay Street in Brooklyn. Walk down to the foot of Montague Street to the Promenade, where you can take in the majestic New York skyline. Sit on a park bench or stroll along the promenade. Look back at some of the historic apartment buildings that once housed historical figures such as Walt Whitman. The best time for viewing is late twilight when, slowly, the lights in Manhattan start coming on. It just might be the most breathtaking manmade view in the world.

Another prime viewing spot is the Fulton Ferry landing located right on the Brooklyn coast. Your best strategy is to take any of the trains to Brooklyn Heights, then ask one of the residents how to get there. It's a bit of a walk but it's worth it and there is a refreshment stand and outdoor tables waiting for you when you get there.

FOR A GOOD TIME IN ONE OF THE UNIVERSE’S GREAT LIBERAL NEIGHBORHOODS: Go to Park Slope, a pretty brownstone neighborhood that hugs Prospect Park (by some accounts, one of the favorite creations of Olmsted and Vaux). Take the F or Q train to Seventh Avenue or the 2 or 3 to Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn. You can get a decent brunch at many places in the Slope. Just stroll down Seventh Avenue, the neighborhood hub, and find one. Or go to Fifth Avenue, home of a diverse galaxy of ethnic cuisine, some of it a little pricey, and host to many neighborhood bars (including two comfortably mixed gay bars). A few of the bars have bands on weekends.

Despite encroaching Starbucksism, Seventh Avenue also hosts dozens of interesting mom-and-pop boutiques and gift stores. Also within walking distance of the Slope is the Brooklyn Museum, which is offering two for one admission for those who present the “peaceful activist” coupon downloaded from www.nycvisit.com. The museum houses a truly interesting Egyptian collection. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden, one of New York’s lushest and most serene landmarks, is next to the Brooklyn Museum.

Decent restaurants abound in the Slope. My favorites include MeKong for good Vietnamese. Bonnie’s Grill serves spicy down-home fare -- and the owner is a liberal Democrat.

IF YOU LIKE MOVIES: You’ll probably love the BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music) Rose Cinema, which shows art films in a meticulously maintained acoustic environment. The website is http://www.bam.org

FOR A BASEBALL EXPERIENCE YOU'LL NEVER FORGET: The Brooklyn Cyclones single A baseball team is located right on the beach in Coney Island. Its neon festooned stadium echoes the primary colors of the nearby (very run down) amusement park. Tickets are sold out but you can find decently priced ones through Stubhub and, for an added bonus, the Batavia Muckdogs are coming into town. After the game is finished, visit Coney Island USA to see a freak show run by artists/activists, but not if you are faint of heart. One of the lead acts is Insectavora, and, yes, she eats bugs. Their website is at http://www.coneyislandusa.com.

This is just a sliver. But I hope it helps.

[Lavender Brown]

1. Woohoo! I love Brooklyn

As a Brooklyn DUer, I wholeheartedly agree that Brooklyn is great for out-of-towners who might want to take the road less traveled. For great Italian food, it can be much better than overpriced, touristy Little Italy (not that Manhattan doesn't have excellent Italian food, I'm just saying).

The Botanic Garden is a huge bargain and a beautiful place if you have the time to go. Maybe go to Prospect Park and see the "Dog Beach" - a swimming pool just for the dogs to play in - it is so cute. The Heights promenade is great too - very peaceful and the amazing view. Take the 5 to Borough Hall to get there, and get an ice cream cone on Montague St. first.

Have fun in New York! :bounce:

[fudge stripe cookays]

2. this is so great, JTS!

Now I REALLY wish I was going! But I'll make a copy of your recommendations for the day I finally get to see NYC.

Thanks!
And KICK!

FSC

[leftynyc]

3. Best bargain in NYC

Staten Island Ferry - it's free and a lovely 1 hour boat ride (1/2 hour each way) - close up views of Lady Liberty and Ellis Island. After walking (or protesting) all day, it's a great way to unwind.