The coolest neighborhood in ultra-cool Brooklyn
In the 18th and 19th centuries it was a waterfront area filled with big warehouses for the goods being brought into the city. Over these tough bones, a new hip sensibility has taken over. Now one of the coolest neighborhoods in ultra cool Brooklyn, DUMBO (an acronym for "Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass") is filled with incredible views of lower Manhattan, bridges and waterways. It’s abounding in great restaurants, cobblestone streets and cavernous spaces . Tucked between the Manhattan Bridge and the Brooklyn Bridge, this neighborhood is begging to be sketched.
The Old Lighthouse |
Jane's Carousel |
Our first sketch site will be the Old Lighthouse (now the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory) at Water and Furman Streets (see map). This spot has sweeping views of the river and the bridges. Across the street is a small park where the River
Lunch: We'll break at 11:30 to purchase lunch. There are many stores in the area that can provide take-out. One suggestion is: Bridge Fresh for take-out food - 68 Jay St - Located at Water St & Front St. We'll meet at noon for a picnic lunch at a shady spot in the vicinity of Jane's Carousel
Second Sketch: 1:00 PM
The View at Water and Washington Sts. |
Third Sketches: 2:30 PM
Zakka - 155 Plymouth St (bet. Jay and Pearl Sts.) The domain of the design nerd. The Japanese word "Zakka" refers to the design phenomenon of seeing the beauty in something mundane.
Remember the kid who always had the coolest toys? Imagine if he opened a Japan-centric boutique packed with Godzilla dolls, foldable cardboard sculptures and vending machines selling Yujin miniature characters. The shop also offers T-shirts from local artists as well as books and magazines on art, design and culture, with a particular focus on the ever-changing world of Japanese subcultures
Jacques Torres Chocolate - 350 Hudson St.
Foodies and chocoholic heaven. You can see chocolate chefs at work through a glass window, stop for a treat, and buy wonderful small packets of interesting chocolates for gifts for the kids and family. Across the street, there's a fine French bakery, too
Throw Down: 3:30 - 4:00 PM. We'll share sketches and compare notes from at a site to be determined
Throw Down: 3:30 - 4:00 PM. We'll share sketches and compare notes from at a site to be determined
For a Complete Map of DUMBO and our Sketch Sites: Click on this Link
GETTING THERE:
The three ways to travel are by car, subway of ferry. For many reasons the ferry is the most attractive solution.
By Car: Get there early, or the parking will be impossible.
By Subway: Be prepared to hike. DUMBO is at sea level and the subways are all up hill and a long walk
- A/C train to High Street, exit onto Cadman Plaza West. Walk left, toward the overhead highway; the street changes name to Old Fulton Street. Walk down the hill and bear left as you approach the East River. Continue on Fulton to DUMBO's Front Street to get a sense of the neighborhood.
- 2/3 train to Clark Street, take the Henry Street exit. Walk left on Henry Street. Go left on Cadman Plaza West/Old Fulton Street and walk downhill to the entrance to Brooklyn Bridge Park, located at the bottom of the hill, at the waterfront.
- F train to York Street, walk one block down Jay Street toward Manhattan, turning left at Front Street. Take Front Street until Old Fulton Street, turn right. The Turn left on Front Street. Proceed straight until Old Fulton Street. Turn right. The entrance to Brooklyn Bridge Park is located at the bottom of the hill, at the waterfront.
By Ferry: