Hi, I'm going to be in Manhattan for 3 days at the end of March.....I want to do a lot of walking, but am wondering if it's worth a trip over the Brooklyn Bridge to Court Street....a friend told me it's a great area, and had mentioned that I should eat at Le Petit Cafe. Anyone familiar with this area? How long would it take me to get there? I haven't been to the City for about 20 yrs, and I have lots that I'd like to do....but am wondering if this is worth the time? Just curious! thx, Colette

Hi Colette,

It is a great area. I don't know exactly how long it takes to walk from the bridge but I can't see it being more than about 20 or 30 minutes. Head toward Carroll Gardens and wander into any of the side streets throughout Brooklyn Hts and CG - beautiful brownstones and cute little shops and cafes all along Smith and Court Street.

My thought is to play on the weather - obviously if the weather's not good, it won't really be a fun walk but on a beautiful spring day I would surely do it.

I tend not to favor it. Court Street may be great, but when you get back to Boise (or wherever), you will realize that it was not a "must see."

With only 3 days, stay in Manhattan. There are so many varied and unique areas and sights that should be walked and seen if you want to know what makes NYC so great.

Of course, you will get different opinions here.

And of course, we would all like to know how your trip turned out.

Unless you have already spent a lot of time in New York I wouldn;t reco it. Agree that with only 3 days in NYC there are so many things to see/do that are more important, memorable and world class - rather than just another pleasant residential area - of which there are dozens throughout the city.

Yeah, I knew I'd get differing opinions than mine. To their point Colette, it really depends on what exactly you're lookin to do over the course of your time here. If you're trying to pack it all in, then you may want to leave it for another time. But if you find yourself down near the bridge, do take a walk on up so you can get a few pictures.

The specific area in Brooklyn you mention is just a happy little area to me that I greatly enjoy visiting.

With the 3-day time frame, I agree that the effort might be greater than the reward. I am only newly familiar, but having been to NYC several times now, I cannot imagine that you wouldn't find enough walking areas in the city itself - being that you have not visited in a while.

On that note, however, as long as Fodorites are responding with info regarding Court and Smith Streets, does anyone have any good tips on thrift shops in the area or beyond (will have car) that might have some used furniture (desk, end tables, fun pieces, etc.) to help furnish an apt in the area?

Thanks in advance for any shopping tips.

Thank you!! I think you've decided for me, that since I haven't been in NYC for over 20 yrs, I'll forego the Court Street Excperience. But thx for your input AntinNY (love the name), 'cus I'll remember that "happy little place" for another trip. and since Chiara was hijacking my post, (not being judgemental Chiara....I do it all the time too!), do any of you have any favorite "funky" clothing areas you could recommend? I'm from the midwest, and I'm looking for something other than the mall chains......I guess I tend to stray towards the casual/bohemian look......not big and flowy-----not a lot of accessories....altho I LOVE shoes & boots! thx for all the help....and yes, a trip report will be posted.....eventually!!!

You're welcome Colette And as far as the shops are concerned, I'd go straight to SoHo/Greenwich Village for what you're looking for. Have brunch down there on what's hopefully a nice day and just wander the streets.

Chiara, sorry I'm no help with the furniture but I believe if you try citysearch.com you may find some shopping guides. Good luck!

Thanks much AntinNY!!!! Shopping isn't my priority (this time).....but Greenwich Village is where my heart is...last time I was there I was a 14-yr-old flower child with no money....now I'm an older flower child, again without money, but I do own a Visa. Again, thanks for the help!

My pleasure..hope the sun follows you around the city

My favorite shopping sites by the way are Citysearch, Shecky's and Daily Candy. Also, all are useful for bars and restaurants. Rock that Visa!