You’ve just walked across the Brooklyn Bridge: congrats! But now you’re hungry. It’s time to make a beeline through DUMBO to Grimaldi’s, one of the most famous of Brooklyn pizzerias.
The first pedestrian exit on the Brooklyn side takes you down a flight of stairs to Washington Street/Cadman Plaza East. Take a left at the bottom of stairs and then an immediate left onto Prospect Street. Take your next right onto Old Fulton Street. You’ll find Grimaldi’s on the corner of Old Fulton and Front Streets. Hopefully there’s not too much of a wait before you get to tuck into a delicious coal-fired pizza.
Once you stumble back onto Front Street, dazed and pleasantly stuffed, what will you do for the rest of the afternoon?
P.S. Bookshop via Facebook
First you might try a little book-browsing. Continue on Front Street and you’ll come to P.S. Bookshop, which is packed with used books of every description. It’s the perfect place to browse away a post-lunch drowse. Once you’ve woken up a little (and picked up a few treasures), try another great DUMBO bookstore, powerHouse Arena, down on Main Street. It’s a roomy space with an expansive selection of art books, as well as a smaller pick of fiction and a nice children’s section. They also host a ton of exhibitions and author events.
Jane’s Carousel | Leah K. via Foursquare
Now that you’ve perked up, you should work off that lunch with a walk down to Brooklyn Bridge Park. There are amazing views, all sorts of recreation (soccer, handball, basketball, playgrounds), grilling areas (hungry again?), and a general atmosphere of summer fun. The park hosts lots of events as well, including Smorgasburg on Sundays. If there are children in your party (or even if there aren’t), do make sure that Jane’s Carousel is on your checklist.
Bargemusic via Yelp
For those who would rather take in a little culture, there is a unique concert venue, Bargemusic, featuring classical music played on a converted coffee barge moored at Fulton Ferry Landing. If you are up for serious shopping, you should definitely try a stroll around DUMBO. You’ll find quirky, modern home goods at Stewart/Stand Design Store, clothes for your Brooklyn baby at Half Pint Citizens, unique antiques at Journey, and Japanese design books and rare toys at Zakka, for a start.
Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory via Facebook
It’s time to wrap up your day, but not before a sweet treat to see you on your way. Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory will satisfy that craving for a traditional chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry cone, as the line out the door proves. Or, if there’s a chill in the air, you might want to stop at One Girl Cookies for a coffee and a small but decadent whoopie pie.