Up until this past weekend I had completed only 10 of 28 items on my New York Bucket List. Then on Saturday, fiancé-la-vie-Matt and I were able to cross off one more feat, walking the Brooklyn Bridge, bringing me to a solid 11. Whooop whoop! But seriously, though, I've got a ways to go on this B-list, so I best get to crackin'.
Anyway, this was not my first time walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, but it was Matt's so it made it all the more special. The last time I made my way across this 1.13 mile-long structure stretching across the East River was late August/early September 2010. Jill and I had been in Brooklyn for the day with friends, and we decided to meander our way back to Manhattan on foot. I remember savoring the City skyline against a pink sunset, Jill and I having great conversation, singing songs, and walking all the way back up to Hell's Kitchen in Midtown. It was quite the trek, but it was worth it: we even saw Jay-Z along the way :)
This weekend I created a new memory with Matt. We didn't see any celebs, but it was still divine.
THE ROUTE
We decided to head to Brooklyn first so that we could walk across the Bridge toward Manhattan to get the best vistas of the New York skyline (Matt's idea... pure genius, love!). To begin, we walked from my apartment down 43rd Street to the Times Square subway station on 42nd and 7th Avenue. We then hopped on the downtown 2 (red) train which brought us to Clark Street in Brooklyn within about 20 minutes, for a mere $2.25 per person.
Matt had used the Trip Planner tool on the MTA website, so we knew to head toward Cranberry Street once we emerged from the subway. Immediately we noted how pretty Brooklyn was. Charming shops, bakeries and restaurants lined the streets, which were much quieter and calmer than the streets of Manhattan from which we came. After a few blocks and following the Trip Planner's guidance we came upon a handy directory which pointed us in the right direction.
At this point we (and by "we" I mean Matt) got a tidbit flustered because the directory seemed to conflict with the Trip Planner's directions. The sign indicated we should cross a busy road, which seemed to disconcert Matt. I reassured him that we would surely find our way, so we carried on, crossing the street and making our way through a pretty park. Matt was getting a little more nervous as he told me that he had heard there wouldn't be many signs indicating how to actually get onto the Bridge's pedestrian walkway. Therefore, I couldn't help but chuckle when we immediately found sign...
...after sign. :)
Therefore, have no fear have if it is your first time venturing to Brooklyn or to the Bridge itself. There is plenty of signage to go around so you will get there without a doubt, quite painlessly in fact.
THE SCENE
There were A LOT of pedestrians and bikers on Bridge. The walkway is split into 2 lanes most of the way, except at two large platforms which are perfect for stepping aside and taking photos. Pedestrians are expected to stick to the southern lane (the left lane if you're going from B-lynn to Manhattan), while the bikers take the other. People selling water, snacks and t-shirts (I wanted one, but I'm saving for a wedding now... whoop!) are scattered throughout the path as well, so if you need some refreshment you should be able to find something. Unfortunately there was a lot of construction going on while we were there, so some of the views closer to the Manhattan side were a bit obstructed by scaffolding and tarps. No worries though -- we got our fair share of beautiful shots.
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| Gorgeous view. Empire towards the left. |
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| Oh look. Another gorgeous view. :) |
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| Yours truly. |
On the way home (coming off the Bridge, on the Manhattan side) we saw these guys.
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| SWAT team. Not interested in a photo opp. |
And this super cool building that looked like its sides were sliding off.
NEXT UP
Apparently (I'm just learning about this now) the Brooklyn Bridge Park, which we were near but did not venture into, is another attraction in and of itself. It contains marshes, gardens, a WINE BAR (hallelujah!) and a hot dog joint. So since the Park and Grimaldi's Pizza are next on my Brooklyn list, it looks like we'll be making our way across this Bridge again soon.
To wrap it all up in a nice tidy package, have fun and enjoy should you decide to venture across the Bridge. Whether you are visiting NYC for the first time, or you have lived here for years, walking the B-Bridge is definitely a worthy New York activity.
Xoxo!
THE LAST WORD (or picture)
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| Taking it all in. |
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