This time last year, I was at the airport hardly able to contain my excitement as I waited for a flight to NYC, fulfilling a long time wish to feel Central Park’s green grass between my toes, traverse new neighbourhoods, eat my way through hidden basement restaurants, experience the uplifting joy of gospel in Harlem, shop like no tomorrow and explore the city I felt I already knew. She didnt disappoint. The summer pulse of NYC is infectious.
After spending a few days on the upper east side in Manhattan, we wanted to retreat for a while and spend some time living like a local rather than a hard core tourist. We found Williamsburg across the river, and strangely enough, it felt like coming home despite never being there before.
We found a beautiful 1800’s townhouse just off Bedford Avenue, via Airbnb to call home for a week and made our discoveries from there. While only 10 minutes on the underground from midtown Manhattan, stepping out of the subway into Williamsburg felt like an entirely different universe. Chilled, laid back. Shards of setting sunlight streaming through green leafy trees, quiet hum of cars and eclectic young hip things hanging out on apartment steps waiting for the world to go by. Super cool bars, street art, retro boutiques, cafes and plethora of diners to choose from – it reminded me of Smith or Brunswick St’s in Melbourne but on a much smaller scale. If I ever had the good fortune of living in the big apple for a while this would be it.
We had such a brilliant time in Williamsburg, it was hard to leave, but in case you find yourself there sooner rather than later, I’ve compiled a list of some of my favourites. More NYC tips to come soon. Enjoy xo
The Williamsburg Flea – (Brooklyn) open Sundays in Summer from 10-5pm. Many treasures & trinkets for your hearts desire. Definitely visit Dan’s Parents House especially if youre a child of the 70’s or 80’s. I picked up some amazing wooden letterpress cutouts here.
Smorgusburg open Saturdays in Summer 10-5pm (same place as Williamsburg Flea). Stuff your face with Japanese inspired Mexican Street food at Takumi Taco, join the Bolivian Llama Party for tasty homemade treats and finish off with sweet icy pops from People’s Pop’s. We back for 3rd’s and 4th’s ..really!
This cute little diner, Pies N Thighs was recommended by the some friends. At pies you’ll find classic American dishes with influences from the south including biscuits (scones) and waffles, cheese grits, fried catch fish and chicken, big fluffy pancake stacks with maple syrup and bacon. If you’ve still got room, get stuck into their killer homemade cream pies and donuts.
Bedford Avenue street art
Welcome to The Meatball Shop – we ate here A LOT! Get your balls on brioche, smashed or with salad and spaghetti for around $10.00, accompany thirt-quenching cocktail and
finish off with one of these bad boys – mix and match ice cream sandwiches. More please…..
If you still have room for dinner, head to DuMont Burger. The DuMont beef burger was so huge I couldnt finish it so leave some room before you get there. I highly recommend their chocolate shakes. Insanely good.
Follow
Leave a Reply