If you spend just a few hours with me you will quickly notice my adoration for Brooklyn.

I swoon for the musical influence, the welcoming thrift stores, and the plethora of amazing food tents, vendors and restaurants. Rain or shine, Brooklyn is the perfect spot for a city escape just outside of the other (bigger) city. It's like the humiliated version of Manhattan - it's hip and pulsating, but it's quainter, shorter and a lot more real.


One of Brooklyn's more charming areas is DUMBO. Right along the Brooklyn coast line and just under the Brooklyn Bridge, Dumbo is what I think best encompasses Betty Smith's A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, right next to Williamsburg.

If you step just inside the coastline and one step beyond the luxury hotels with rooftop pools, you'll be walking along cobblestone streets, alternating taquerias and coffee shops. One of my favorite, authentic stores I've been to is the Front General Store. The comfortably crowded space wraps you in smells of incense intertwined with the smell of well-worn leather and suede. Both new and vintage goods are stacked high on the shelves, anything from cowboy boots to denim jackets, silver spoons, ceramic saucers and carefully crafted turquoise rings.

A walk along the water will lead you to the most darling and inviting piece of history - Jane's Carousel. The beautifully carved carousel, constructed in 1922, has 48 seats for children and adults alike. It sits on a dock above the East River. The carousel was originally built for and stayed in Ohio but moved to Brooklyn in the 1980's where it has been cautiously encased in glass. Personally, I think it's just as fun to ride as it is to watch.

Real estate along the East River is competitive, making the restaurant prices just as so. I recommend Cecconi's on Water Street. If you request a table near a window, you will have a delicious pasta dish with a side of the Manhattan skyline. Better yet, service is outstanding.

Speaking of Water Street, you could spend a few hours here. It is pet friendly and has many offshoots with playgrounds, docks and water access.

If you are in need of a sweet treat, or just a slice of New York - Junior's Cheesecakes is just outside of Dumbo (it is technically considered Downtown Brooklyn). A true New York treat, and I approve - it's absolutely delicious.



Also, a short walk outside of Dumbo is Cafe Luluc. This sweet brunch spot is no larger than my 300-square-foot apartment but is outfitted with a full bar nonetheless. I highly recommend the classic stack of pancakes. Honestly, traveling to Brooklyn for brunch and a better bang for your buck is worth it.



And of course - what is a trip to Brooklyn without a stroll on the Brooklyn Bridge. Personally, on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, I am only good for ten minutes on the bridge before I start wanting to push people off of it. Consider your timing as the bridge gets overpacked quickly.



Dumbo whispers charm and ease, but keeps that city feel as you can still hear the traffic from across the water.