Red Hook-ers
I just renewed the lease for my teeny-tiny studio in Brooklyn for another year. So to remind me why I'm sticking around the nabe, I'm dedicating this whole week on M-Dashing to my favorite NYC borough, starting with this post on my weekend in Red Hook.
Red Hook is a neighborhood that's only accessible by bus, car, ferry, or, if you're the adventurous type, foot. There's no nearby subway stop, and I think this fact (among others) makes Red Hook a sort of magical, out-of-the-way destination in the minds of a lot of New Yorkers (even to those like me, who live just a 10-minute bus ride away).
Most people also know the area as the location of New York's only IKEA, our largest Fairway supermarket, and a few cruise line terminals. But that's just scratching the surface. Situated on a peninsula on the southern edge of Downtown Brooklyn, Red Hook has this old-timey-maritime-village-meets-dangerous-industrial-zone-meets-artsy-bad-ass vibe. There are great local shops with tons of personality. Restaurants and bakeries full of charming coolness. A few pubs. And also a key-lime pie store and a couple of garden centers. It's random and slightly quirky and doesn't feel like you're in New York City at all. I totally dig it.
My girlfriend Leah and I spent our sunny Saturday there, starting off with pear pancakes and breakfast martinis at Fort Defiance, then wandering through several delicious shops. Here are a few pics of our lovely day.
Photos 1 - 4: Foxy & Winston, 392 Van Brunt Street. Screenprinted totes, bags, cards, and general adorableness. Stop by and say hello to lovely Jane.
Photo 5: Erie Basin, 388 Van Brunt Street. Antique + contemporary jewelry, objects, furniture, and sophistication.
Photo 6 - 8: Metal and Thread, 398 Van Brunt Street. Art, antiques, jewelry, and gorgeousness.
Photo 9: Red Lipstick, 390 Van Brunt Street. Clothing, accessories, jewelry, and cuteness. Chat with super-friendly Amy (she's got the inside scoop on what it's really like to live in the 'Hook).
Brooklyn, Home Decor, Photos | tagged red hook Brooklyn | Email Article | Share Article | Permalink | 8 Comments
Reader Comments (8)
dear amy....thanks for the sweet pics of our shop, Metal and Thread, in Red Hook...looks like you had a fun day....!
Amy, it's sad I've not been to Red Hook, isn't it!? I believe in giving all places a shot, trying desperately not to stick to my comfort zone as much as I can emotionally and physically. The Upper West Side can consume; I have all the more reason to push harder. Pear pancakes can stir my desire, too. Never had that combination, nor with a breakfast martini.
Ok now I want to go there.
It's great! Totally fun and worth the trip...
Lady, we just need to make a date for you to come on out. I'll give you a fancy tour, breakfast martini and all.
Denise, thanks for stopping by! Your shop is so inspiring...we definitely had a great day in the Hook. (:
What a great post! It made me think of one of my favorite NY shows - 'Sex and the City' when Miranda was thinking about moving to Brooklyn and the other girls treated it like she may as well have been moving to Seattle!! since it was sooooo far from the city! NY is the best!
Okay, okay! I totally want to go to Red Hook now.
:)
I love discovering places like this.
Today, I was waiting for the 1,9 train at 50th street, and I busted out my camera. Something I rarely do in NYC. Minutes later, I had these lovely photos, and it made me see the subway in a whole new light. Crazy what looking through a camera can do.