My girlfriend Meghan Donovan, who writes Wit & Whimsy–in which she shares her love for fashion, beauty and travel–and I go back to our college days together at Santa Clara University. She was a true OG blogger, blogging back when we were in school (we graduated in ’07) and the very first blog I ever read. She’s been one of those girlfriends over the years who continually inspires me in so many ways, like moving to New York on her own (it was fun to be in the city at the same time for a few overlapping years!) and more recently, starting her own consulting business. Even though we don’t get to see each other as often anymore (living on separate coasts now) we still pick up right where we left off. A date with her is always refreshing and fills me up in so many ways! On my last visit to New York we caught up over pasta and I had a million questions about her new hood: Brooklyn Heights. I wish I had time to head over to her neck of the woods… next trip for sure! But for anyone not as familiar with that part of Brooklyn, here are Meghan’s favorite spots. I can’t wait to visit myself soon.
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1. You recently moved after years of living in the East Village to Brooklyn Heights! What do you love most about your new hood?
My part of Brooklyn is so zen! I love how calm and quaint it is after busy days spent in Manhattan. Brooklyn Heights truly feels like a neighborhood and I love its easy access to so many beautiful walks along the East River.
2. Describe an ideal free day in your neighborhood–(ie: where can we find you on your day off?)
I love walking the Brooklyn Heights Promenade down into Dumbo to get a croissant and coffee at Almondine. I’ll take it over towards Jane’s Carousel and eat in the sun while watching the boats go by under the Brooklyn Bridge.
3. If we only have a quick afternoon in the area to explore what should we be sure to do?
Don’t miss the Brooklyn Heights Promenade! It’s the jewel of the neighborhood and has such beautiful views of Lower Manhattan.
4. Best coffee?
My favorite neighborhood spot is Joe Coffee.
5. Where to eat?
Colonie! They have a great brunch and a cozy dinner. I also love the burger at Long Island Bar which is an institution in the neighborhood.
6. Where to grab a drink?
Elsa on Atlantic makes great cocktails (watermelon frose, anyone!?) and has a beautiful backyard for warm nights.
7. Where to shop?
While there’s not a ton of shops in my neighborhood, I do love Collyer’s Mansion on Atlantic Avenue which is an eclectic home store full of fun finds. Don’t miss their collection of Kindred Home candles which are a favorite of mine!
8. Best way to get to the neighborhood?
There are so many trains that run to Brooklyn Heights so subway is preferable but if you’re feeling adventurous, walk the Brooklyn Bridge!
9. Where to stay?
The 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge Park is a beautiful and relatively new hotel with a great restaurant and a rooftap bar with spectacular views.
10. Anything else we should know about your hood?
Brooklyn Heights is considered one of America’s first suburbs and is full of fun history. Don’t miss walking around to spot one of the many remaining carriage houses on streets like College Place, Grace Court Alley and in “The Fruit Bowl” which is made up of Cranberry, Orange and Pineapple streets. You can also find Truman Capote’s former home and marvel at some of the most breathtaking brownstones along Columbia Heights.
Photography | Meghan Donovan
