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This April, visitors to New York City — from as nearby as Delaware or far away as Dubai — can take advantage of Macy’s 10% Off Visitor Saving Pass for fabulous shopping in the afternoon before walking a few blocks to catch the Royal Shakespeare Company performing King Lear at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) that night.
It’s all part of the wonder that is New York City’s fastest developing neighborhood, Downtown Brooklyn. Macy’s has had a store at Hoyt and Livingston Street since 1995, when it merged with former occupant Abraham & Strauss, which opened the location in 1930. Meanwhile, the rest of the downtown neighborhood has been experiencing a building boom of late, making the area one of the most popular destinations in the five boroughs.
Brooklyn Academy of Music via Facebook
For instance, BAM is not only hosting the RSC this spring. In May, Sir Richard Eyre directs Jeremy Irons and Lesley Manville in Eugene O’Neill’s Long Day’s Journey Into Night. And in June, Russia’s Maly Drama Theatre stages German playwright Friedrich Schiller’s Love and Intrigue. For those who like less talking and more movement, this April the Nimbus Dance Workshop presents the world premiere of Samuel Pott’s Esther, based on the first testament heroine. From May 25 – 28, Dance Africa 2018 takes the stage. Add to that music, opera, film and kids programming and you can probably find something for everyone in the family (just like Macy’s).
Courtesy of the Barclays Center via Facebook
Walk a few more blocks and you can check out the action at Brooklyn’s newest arena, the Barclay’s Center. Opened in true Brooklyn style with a concert by Jay-Z in September 2012, the facility hosts the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets, the NHL’s New York Islanders, and a host of sports, musical and cultural events. For example, Lorde pays a visit April 4, the UFC brings mayhem to the stadium on April 7, and on June 9 hosts the 34th New York Salsa Festival.
The view of the Barclay Center, courtesy of Shake Shack
Hungry yet? The variety of food options in the downtown area has grown exponentially in the last few years. For an excellent example of America’s favorite contribution to world cuisine, cross Flatbush Avenue from Barclays and take a table at Shake Shack. There you’ll find delicious burgers, hot dogs, french fries and, of course, amazing milk shakes. Venture to the other end of downtown and you’ll encounter another Shake Shack; both locations are within walking distance of Macy’s.
Courtesy of Daniel Krieger Photography via Facebook
For those who prefer more international cuisine, French Louie presents French and American cuisine in a chic bistro setting (with patio seating for warmer months just three blocks away from Macy’s on Atlantic Avenue. Enjoy everything from cassoulet to oysters in this popular cafe.
BMT Q-Type elevated car photo courtesy of Alan T. via Yelp.
Do you (and/or your kids) dig history, trains and public transportation? Walk three blocks up and one over from Macy’s and walk downstairs to the subterranean world of the New York Transit Museum. It’s a fascinating look at the evolution of the city’s main mode of transport (and still the busiest commuter train system in the world). The museum is staged in a 1936 subway station and features examples of subway carriages from every era since the system first opened in 1904.
Courtesy of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema via Yelp
Ready to wind up your day with dinner and a movie? There’s no need to head back to the hotel. The newly opened Alamo Drafthouse serves dinner with movies. No matter what movie you choose, one thing is for sure: you’ll be surrounded by other film lovers. The cinema chain has a strict “no texting, no talking” policy for its guests. The theater is near the new City Point Center, which features a 40-vendor food court and a new Trader Joe’s, the popular US grocery chain.
All of these attractions are within walking distance of Macy’s Downtown Brooklyn store. There, you’ll find five floors of shopping in departments ranging from designer fashions to home goods, without having to navigate through the swarms of people who flock to the Herald Square flagship. Out-of-towner? You can get a Visitor Savings Pass that will net you 10 percent off thousands of items for a three-day span. It’s a great deal. You may as well take full advantage while enjoying one of New York City’s most dynamic neighborhoods.