louise1928

I just read a wonderful "off the beaten track" report (from 2002) on NYC which included a trip to Brooklyn, and in addition to that report, I am looking for tips and suggestions when visiting Brooklyn. My girlfriend and I will be in NYC the Saturday after Thanksgiving, (one night), and Brooklyn sounds like the ideal place to visit. I would love to visit the neighborhoods where the beautiful brownstones are, and shops, cafes, boutiques, etc. Since we only have one night, we will probably spend a good part of our day in Brooklyn. My girlfriend said she wanted to visit the Wax Museum, so we will probably end our day in Times Square.

I can't believe I am returning to NYC so soon, after just spending the weekend there with my hubby two weeks ago, but when I checked the rates at the Crowne Plaza for Thanksgiving weekend, using my Entertainment card, I got a rate of $55.00 for a Saturday night stay!! Here I go again!!!!!

Thanks

nytraveler

Not to be discouraging - but are you sure that hotel rate is correct - has the hotel confirmed it in writing? That is one of the busiest weekends of the year - and info from another travel board had reports of others trying to reserve rooms are finding little availability - and that at very high rates - someone mentioned over $250 even at the most budget type places (I think Super 8 but am not positive).

I hope I;'m wrong but would do a quick double check.

QC

Here are some easy Brooklyn tips. As always, I strongly suggest buying an all-Borough street map and walking down particular streets to get the 'flavor'. Hagstroms is the best map, in my opinion.

If you would like to see traditional brownstones, walk down SEVENTH AVENUE, CARROLL ST, and GARFIELD PL in Park Slope. There are also nice restaurants on 7th roughly between Flatbush Ave and 9th Street. This is a family-friendly and gay-friendly neighborhood- shopping is plentiful and caters to these groups.

Subway: (N), (R) to Union St, then walk UP the hill to 7th Ave. Or, you can take take the (F) to 4th Av and get a skyline view.

For hot restaurants and the latest shopping trends, go to SMITH STREET in Carroll Gardens.

Subway: (F) to Bergen Street

For a unforgettable skyline view, visit Brooklyn Heights. The main drag is MONTAGUE ST, walk it west to the end to reach the Brooklyn Heights Promenade.

Subway: (N), (R) to Court St

Interesting shopping for food (mostly Middle Eastern-this is the city's oldest and largest Arab-American neighborhood) and housewares can be found on ATLANTIC AVENUE from COLUMBIA ST to SMITH ST.

Subway: (2), (3), (4), (5) to Borough Hall

One of the finest museums in the country is the Brooklyn Museum, with particular strengths in Egyptian and American art. It is recently renovated and an interesting destination. It's a short walk down Eastern Parkway to either the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens (eastbound) or Grand Army Plaza and Prospect Park (westbound). There is a weekend farmer's market at Grand Army Plaza.

Subway: (2), (3) to Eastern Pkwy/Brooklyn Museum

Williamsburg has made the transition from industry to art and converted living spaces. There are lots of cheap places to eat and bookstores on BEDFORD AV between NORTH 3RD and MCCARREN PARK.

Subway: (L) to Bedford Av

If you like steak, visit the finest steak house in the world- Peter Luger's. They are CASH ONLY and are at 178 Broadway.

Subway: (J), (M), (Z), to Marcy Av. Then, walk west on Broadway.

Have fun in Brooklyn!

AllanNYC

QC stole my thunder.

Just a note re: Peter Lugers - if you want a reservation after 5:00pm or before 10:00pm, call at least a month in advance.

louise1928

Thanks QC for the great tips and suggestions for Brooklyn.

nytraveler: Fortunately our hotel rate is correct (I received a confirmation via email from Crowne Plaza), and I forgot to mention that we are staying in Secaucus...I got the Entertainment card rate!!!!!!!!!