Manhattan tends to be pretty crowd over the summer because it is such a popular tourist destination. If you are looking for some less crowded spots in NYC to enjoy during the summer, you might want to think about taking a trip to Brooklyn. If you can make it out to Brooklyn, I would highly suggest it because it is not as crowded as Manhattan and there are some pretty neat things you can do. I think part of the problem is that people don’t know how much Brooklyn has to offer, but as a local, I am going to give you the inside scoop of some of the places you should definitely check out.
Prospect Park
Prospect Park is probably one of my favorite places to go in Brooklyn. It is so spacious and filled with gorgeous greenery and architecture. Prospect Park has playgrounds and baseball diamonds for children where the whole family can have fun and spend quality time together. If you are looking for more of an intellectual adventure, I would suggest visiting the Prospect Park Zoo, the Audubon Center, and Lefferts Historic House. There is also the Lefrak Center which is relatively new to Prospect Park and has sprinklers, food, sports venues and boating areas. Prospect Park is very big and you can’t possibly do everything in one day, so I would recommend making multiple trips so you can take advantage of everything Prospect Park has to offer.
Smorgasburg
If you are like me, then you are always on Instagram looking through all of the latest food trends. Who doesn’t like food?! Smorgasburg is the largest weekly open-air food market in America. I have been to Smorgasburg several times and I always leave wanting to come back because there is so much delicious food to try. Smorgasburg is held at different locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn during the week giving everyone the opportunity to get their hands on some tasty food. Smorgasburg takes on Brooklyn on the weekends in Williamsburg on Saturday’s and at Prospect Park on Sunday’s. My favorite dish to get at Smorgasburg has to be the pizza cupcake and it not only tastes great, but it calls for the perfect Instagram pictures. Smorgasburg tends to get crowded very quickly so I recommend going as soon as it opens so you can get your hands on as much food as possible!
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park is pretty crowded on the weekends, but if you visit during the week it tends to be pretty empty. Brooklyn Bridge Park is located alongside the East River and has a spectacular view the NYC skyline. You can walk alongside the river, relax on the sand, take a ride on a ferry and so much more. I usually go to Brooklyn Bridge Park to watch the fireworks on the 4th of July because you have a spectacular view and it is not as crowded as trying to maneuver into Manhattan.
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Xo,
Faviana Team
