In Brooklyn, the beginning of spring means many things: birds are chirping, kids are out playing, and we can see little green sprouts brightening our sidewalks. In this borough, we embrace each of the seasons wholeheartedly and we encourage you to do so, too!
Here are some ways to welcome the spring season like a true Brooklynite.
First-time visitors to Brooklyn, expecting a gritty, urban experience, are often shocked to come across a block lined with trees, bushes, and fresh flowers.
Urban Gardening
If you’re a resident, now is the perfect time to plant those tulip bulbs you picked up on your last trip to your local farmers market. The stunning colors and scents make the entrance to your apartment feel more inviting and create a great atmosphere for sitting on your stoop with your neighbors and friends.
Gardening is also a fun way to celebrate Earth Day, which is just around the corner. Grab some mason jars and box crates, fill ‘em with dirt, and get to planting! Once you’ve filled your windowsills, continue to put that green thumb to use at one of these Brooklyn community gardens. Or, if you’re more of an observer than a doer, don’t miss the Cherry Blossom Festival at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
Outpost Cafe garden photo courtesy of Flickr.
Biking in Red Hook | Jenene Chesbrough via Flickr
Bike Riding
Get out of the gym and onto the pavement for your upcoming workouts. With over six miles of greenway along the Brooklyn waterfront and the trails in Prospect Park, you can get your fair share of sightseeing in while you burn off those calories from your winter hibernation. Some of the best routes include Shore Road Park in Southern Brooklyn, for views of the Verrazano Bridge and 69th street pier, or along Brooklyn Bridge Park in DUMBO.
For more on biking in Brooklyn, check out Four of Brooklyn’s best bike paths, tours, and rentals.
Outdoor meetings | Caffe Buon Gusto via Yelp
Outdoor Meetings
You’ve been locked in the office for what feels like a lifetime! Get out of your cubicle and invite your clients and colleagues out to brainstorm at some of the best outdoor spots in NYC. Sit curbside at Caffe Buon Gusto on Montague Street, or convene in the yard of Omonia in Bay Ridge over frozen cappuccinos. Sometimes our most brilliant ideas come from the inspiration of a new setting — or maybe it’s just the coffee!
The Water Table | via Facebook
Book a Party
Whether you’ve been procrastinating on wedding planning, or just want to throw a party because you’re loving life, spring is the best time of year to search for a venue. Find the perfect spot to tie the knot or host your next gathering in Brooklyn. From incredibly cool raw spaces, to decked out catering halls, party boats, and golf courses you can find out where to get the party started at Open Venues BK.
Sheepshead Bay
Explore
Brooklyn is a big, ever-changing city, and there are always corners left to explore. Wherever you look, you’ll find stoop sales, building facades with trendy artwork, chic outdoor restaurants, food vendors parked and churning out delicious treats, and, of course, some of the best people-watching in the world.
If you can’t decide what neighborhoods to check out first, try Bushwick or Williamsburg on your first day-out, and Dyker Heights or Bay Ridge on your second! For suggestions on what to do in each neighborhood, visit our neighborhood guides.