I'm a little confused planning our day in Brooklyn. Mostly I haven't been able to get a handle on distances. I thought if I gave you our grocery list of things we wanted to do, you could help me put it in an order that makes sense? My disclaimers are 1) we are walkers 2) interested in art and architecture 3) we tend to start with an itinerary that may be too ambitious that we adjust as the day goes on 4) food is not a huge issue as long as there is good coffee, but we might need a lunch suggestion (something light) 5) spending 2 days in Brooklyn is also an option

Ok, here is what we would like to do (in no particular order, that's what we need help with):
* Take the water taxi to Fulton Ferry Landing (might have to forget that as it doesn't seem to run very early)
* See the warehouse and manufacturing districts of DUMBO (Water Street?)
* Go to Jacques Torres Chocolate Shop
* Look at the brownstones (do I want Carrol St, 7th Ave and Garfield?)
* Shop around 7th between Flatbush Ave and 9th Street (we could scrap this if need be)
* Go to the Brooklyn Museum (bus?) to see the exhibit "Monet's London" and explore the 4th & 5th floors.
* Brooklyn Heights Promenade?
* Walk back across the Brooklyn Bridge
* Dinner may be that Fondue at Artisanal we discussed on another thread!

Thoughts: Looks like we may be doing this next Saturday or Sunday as the museum is closed on Monday & Tuesday. Are many of the shops close on Sunday? Any detailed directions for our Brooklyn trek is appreciated.

Sorry this is so long, but I wanted to give enough info so that someone could make helpful suggestions. Thanks in advance!

That is a lot of walking. Forget the ferry and start the day with the Brooklyn Museum and work your way back to Dumbo and the Brooklyn Bridge.

Can't help all that much with the itin. but can add a couple of things to the list. While visiting Jacques Torres, don't miss his bakery across the street, Almondine. Absolutely amazing and the closest thing you'll find without flying to Paris. Also, if interested, ABC Home and Carpet has an outlet in DUMBO. Maybe one corner down from Main and Fulton? But only if you're into a little shopping/bargain hunting.

Grimaldi's is worth the wait for pizza. Honestly, it is the best. Right near DUMBO.

Margie-
Your itinerary can easily be grouped into two parts:
1. Brooklyn Bridge Area: Dumbo, Bklyn Heights
2. Prospect Park area: Brooklyn Museum, 7th Ave/Carrol Street (Park Slope)

You can walk between these two areas though it is a LONG walk (just did it last weekend) that goes through a couple of seedy areas (fine with me, but may not feel OK for a visitor). There are also a few subway lines that connect the two areas - the F train connects Dumbo to southern Park Slope, and the 2/3 connects Brooklyn Heights to the Brooklyn Museum.

Yes, you can do all that in a day, especially if you use the subway between areas. Where do you have to get back to at night (& when)? And what time are you starting out in the AM? I can probably help you with an itinerary.

I live in DUMBO and can also answer any specific questions you may have about that area.

kehsutton, can you tell us a little more about what types of bargain shopping is in the area?

Margie...this is perfect timing! My dh and I want to do many of the same things on your list!

One more thing, can anyone tell me what DUMBO stands for? Thanks

As a visitor to Brooklyn for many years (Mother came from the boro) to visit family, I'm not familiar with DUMBO. Seems to be a section?? ove to know what it is an acronym for!

Seetheworld DUMBO = Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass. I'm glad my post was timely - feel free to ask your questions here too, maybe between both of us we can get this figured out with the help of our fellow Fodorites!

Kehsutton, thanks for the shopping tips!

Suzanne, I was hoping you would see my query, as I remembered you lived in the area. Thanks for grouping my activities together, I am very familiar with Manhattan, but clueless about Brooklyn so I'm having problem with areas/distances/transportation etc. To answer your questions, we don't HAVE to be back to eat dinner but were thinking of going to Artisanal after our day in Brooklyn (not that Brooklyn doesn't have any place to eat, but we're trying to plan our nights and this is where that might fit.) Just wanted to try the Fondue in the bar area so I don't have a reservation (oh great - do I need one? I didn't think the bar part would be an issue . . .) I plan to be out of the hotel and have had breakfast by 8:30 or 9, which is why I was disappointed to see how late the water taxi started on the weekend!

Could we bus instead of subway between DUMBO and Park slope? Nothing against the subway, but I hate missing things while below ground. I don't mind walking in a somewhat seedy area but maybe since it is such a long distance our time would be better spent if we used the subway or bus.

Thanks for offering to help, I appreciate it!

Thanks Margie for clearing that up for me!

Margie:

Thanks for posting this question.

Please do post back as to how this all works out. What you liked and didn't etc. I think I'd like to do something similar next time we come to NYC.

Sandy

Margie, I think Suzanne can better answer your question regarding more shopping in DUMBO. My brother lives in DUMBO, so I'm just a frequent visitor and don't know of all the really cool spots. Just have my faves. Have an awesome time. I'm sure you'll find how terrific Brooklyn really is.

Hello! There is a bus that goes between Park Slope and Brooklyn Heights- the B69 (blue). We took it from Park Slope to the Heights, on a recent trek to Grimaldi's and the Ice Cream Factory. After leaving the museum, you can wander around Park Slope a bit and see the beautiful brownstones- go south on Prospect Park West, and weave up and down the streets...you can also walk through the park a bit, as there are lots of entrances. Bonus- if you're visiting on Saturday morning, there is a huge Farmer's Market at Grand Army Plaza, right near the library. Fabulous tomatoes, and there are a few stands that have very good one-person pizzas. A great lunch!

You can then pick up the bus going back towards Brooklyn Heights pretty much anywhere along 8th Avenue, which runs parallel to PPW (north). The bus takes about 30 minutes, and you will take it to the last stop, Sands/Jay Street. It can be a bit confusing once you get off, but you will see signs towards the bridge. You're looking for Fulton Street, a few blocks away.

I would also spend a bit of time walking around Brooklyn Heights and the beautiful promenade. It's a really lovely, serene area with lovely views.

If you're planning to eat dinner in Manhattan, I would plan your day in this order, only because then you're closer to Manhattan at the end of your day of exploring. I also find that I need all of my energy to tackle museums! But, of course, it's up to you!

Hi - not about Brooklyn, but about Jacques Torres Chocolate. If you can't get to his store in Brooklyn, he's got an AMAZING store downtown Manhattan. It's called Haven and it's at 350 Hudson St. & King St. (one block south of W. Houston). It's got the most amazing chocolate bar -- best hot chocolate I've ever had. Happily, my office is across the street and our department is over there at least once a week.

Great responses - thank you so much! I love hearing your ideas and comments, keep them coming! TarheelsInNj, thanks for the specific recommendations/directions and bus routes, it is EXTREMELY helpful!