i’m always down for a quick road trip from dc to explore nearby cities. i can feed my wanderlust at an affordable price and still have a dope experience.
READ: 5 Reasons Why You Need a Weekend Getaway
if you follow me on instagram, then you know i went to nyc recently with my friend kimberly for her birthday. of course we partied, but also ate good food and visited some pretty special places.
brooklyn never disappoints, and this trip was certainly one of my most memorable. from being chased by a pitbull (so random) to the best senagalese food imaginable, our visit was epic.
check out this short list of what to see, eat and do in brooklyn if you like culture, art and a good sundry.
what to see, eat and do in brooklyn:
TO SHOP:
- marche rue dix (1453 bedford ave): this place is fantastic. vintage clothes, candles, shoes, body products — it has everything you need under one roof without doing too much. when you walk in, the energy is magnetic. it just feels like someplace you want to explore.
- sincerely tommy (343 tompkins ave): bless the person who created a shop that has coffee, clothes and accessories. picture the laid back vibe of a pinterest worthy coffee shop with handcrafted pieces that will make you drool. it’s definitely the kind of place where the cool kinds hangout.
TO EAT:
- peaches (393 lewis ave): this place’s brunch is stupid good. the wait can be ridiculous, and they’re isn’t exactly a place to sit when you’re waiting, but hey, that’s nyc. just trust me it’s worth the line.
- cafe rue dix (1451 bedford ave): next door to marche rue dix, it’s a senegalese restaurant with fantastic food. thinking about the peanut stew is making my mouth water. even if you’re not hungry, stop in for a drink or a light appetizer. you’ll love the vibe.
TO DO:
- dance africa: with a million and one things to do in brooklyn, dance africa is always a guaranteed good time. ashamedly, i’ve never been to the actual dance performance, but the street festival spans almost three blogs. there’s food, vendors and music all weekend.
- eye spy, no wi-fi: we walked into this dance party and a wave of heat hit us in the face. the dj was cranking and people were glued to the dance floor. it was my kind of party, and i even got snapped by one of my favorite photographers, kwesi abbensetts.
- casablanca cocktail lounge (300 malcolm x blvd): we could barely get into the door at casablanca on friday night. packed from wall to wall, it was litty. i’ve heard it’s hit or miss though so be ready to bar hop in the worst case scenario.
- brooklyn museum of art (200 eastern pkwy): i didn’t visit the museum this time around, but it’s always a beautiful exploration of black art and culture. i can’t wait to hit up the “we wanted a revolution: black radical women, 1965-85” exhibit.
TO STAY:
- akwaaba mansion (347 macdonough street): my heart! i’m in love with pictures of this bed and breakfast and have to take a special trip just to sleep in one of the luxurious rooms. its black-owned and a brooklyn landmark.
- airbnb: you’ll find excellent airbnb options in brooklyn with the historic brownstones throughout the city.
i’m planning another trip to nyc this fall to explore to stock up on my cold weather wardrobe. i’ll stay in brooklyn and take the subway to stores like reformation, cos and opening ceremony, all within a few blocks of each other in tribeca. have you ever visited brooklyn? what are your favorite spots to shop, eat and stay?
