Kim and I have been visiting DUMBO in Brooklyn, NY for quite some time. However, our visits used to be pretty much, just for culinary reasons. Think Jacques Torres Chocolate and the famous Grimaldi’s Pizzeria (although I wouldn’t consider them worthy of the lines they get during the busy summer months & holidays.)
A few years back Patsy Grimaldi returned to the pizza business with his new shop Juliana’s. It took over the original Grimaldi’s location and I’d definitely recommend giving it a try. (FYI- You’ll see very long lines there too.)
When Lucas was born we started going to DUMBO for the impressive Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Brooklyn Bridge Park has beautiful lawns to relax on, awesome play areas for the kids, Jane’s Carousel and oh, those incredible views!
Last weekend, Kim, Lucas and I made a special trip to the park for Family Fun Fest, an event to celebrate the new John Street and Main Street sections of the park.
The festival was nice but there wasn’t much there for Lucas. He wasn’t interested in face painting and arts & crafts since he knew there was a playgroud nearby.
What he was interested in was exploring the new section of the park, which is basically a well manicured path with absolutely killer views. I’d go so far to call them possibly the best views in the area.
There are also benches along the way so you can relax and enjoy those views. It then continues under the Manhattan Bridge and connects to the Main Street playground which is a fun place for kids to play in the nautical themed playground!
Here are a few more photos from the new John & Jay Streets section of the park:
Have you visited Brooklyn Bridge Park? If so, what did you think of the area?
If you happen to be at the park on a Sunday, I’d recommend checking out Smorgasburg on Pier 5. 100 food vendors sell their goods from 11am until 6pm. Find out more details here.
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Dan- Nice- That area has changed a lot over the years.
Went to Di Fara’s tonight and Dom wasn’t making the pizza nor was his son. It was quite disappointing.
Dan- Of course- we love Smorgasburg! They’re also running Smorgasburg daily in Coney Island out of shipping containers. Whenever we go, there is nobody around. Kinda sad. They also started it in LIC recently on Saturdays. The people behind it also have a beer/ food hall called Berg’n which has been open for around a year. Too bad the best food vendors, Pizza Moto and Ramen Burger have been replaced.
DiFara is very good but we don’t go frequently- too busy as well as pricey. If you could do a tour on a Monday (and I think Tuesday), you can get the place to yourself for a couple of hours.
Are you from Canarsie? I’m in Sheepshead Bay.
Michael,
I grew up in Flatlands (East Flatbush to most people). Avenue I and East 52 st, near Kings Plaza.
FYI, I’ve rented out Di Fara’s at night for private parties.
Michael,
You had me at Smorgasburg. Did you know they do this on Saturday at 50 Kent Ave in Williamsburg. Take the L train (aka the Canarsie line) (sorry) from 14th street in Manhattan to the first stop (Bedford Ave) in Brooklyn. It’s a 5 minute walk from there. Teriffic views of midtown Manhattan.
The granddaddy of all pizza places is Di Fara’s. The Brooklyn Reality Tour can’t stop for lunch because they can’t handle such a big group. 😉
Dan
Brian- Very cool! I’ve heard of the tour but never really looked into or considered it.
Hey, fellow Brooklynite —
Many of the experiences and suggestions in this article can be experienced by the annual Brooklyn Reality Tour led by Dan Hammer.
I have been on one and would certainly recommend it — especially if to meet fellow frequent fliers from around the world who descend on our beloved borough…