KC On The Go

There aren’t many things better than being in Brooklyn Bridge Park on a warm, sunny afternoon. Honestly, calling it a park doesn’t do it justice, it’s so much more than that. Any visit will uncover families camped out at the umbrellaed picnic tables, the smell of charcoal barbecue filling the air, bocce and ping pong games under the covered promenade of Pier 2, people sitting at little tables along the river happily licking ice cream cones while enjoying the spectacular bridge and skyline views. The possibilities are endless.

This year, I’ve made a little summer bucket list hoping it will keep me accountable. One of the items at the top of the list is to spend more time in Brooklyn Bridge Park. My first summer in Brooklyn, I became so enamored by this new find of mine that I made regular visits. I haven’t been as diligent with it since but there’s no time like the present to change that.

This past weekend, the weather was absolutely delightful so I made my way down for the second time this season – see, that list is already working it’s magic. I feel so fortunate to have this amazing gem of a park close to me, so making my way over there is certainly no hardship. I’ve also heard a rumor that Dan Stevens can occasionally be seen in the park with his family. This is yet to be confirmed with an actual sighting by me but, hey, the season is still young.

If you plan to visit New York City this summer or even if you live here and just haven’t made the trip out yet, what are you waiting for? In addition to all the activities, the park offers a host of free classes and events throughout the summer months, including my favorite, the Movies with a View series. Without further ado, here’s my walking tour with some highlights of Brooklyn Bridge Park starting at the south end and heading north to Dumbo.

PIER 6

If you enter the park from Atlantic Ave, you’ll find yourself in Pier 6 where you can get lost in a sea of twists and turns along the paths. The southern tip of the park, this pier has a little bit of everything, both for adults and kids. Activities include, sandy beach volleyball courts, multiple playgrounds for children including a little water park and a dog run. The large expanse of Liberty Lawn and the beautifully curated Flower Field provide just what’s needed for a little relaxation. Liberty Lawn, facing the water, is also the site for various “Waterfront Workouts” throughout the summer. Pier 6 is also where the Greenway bike trail starts, you can follow it all the way up to Pier 1.

All the activities work up an appetite? For some cocktails and snacks, including an impressive selection of wood-fired pizzas, head over to Fornino. If you snag a seat on the top deck you can relax and enjoy the view. For a slightly different dining experience, as in dining on a decommissioned sailboat docked on the pier, Pilot is a fun little spot. And, it’s the answer to your seafood cravings – Lobster Mac and Cheese, need I say more? If you’ve always wanted to hop a ferry to Governors Island, you’re in the right place. Governors Island has a full schedule of activities every summer, including the ever popular Annual Jazz Age Lawn Party and it’s a quick ride from Pier 6.      

PIER 5

As you walk north, you’ll hit Pier 5, the hub of activity in the park. Soccer, lacrosse, rugby, ultimate frisbee – pick your passion. You’ll also find a bike path, fishing station and playgrounds all packed in for optimal enjoyment. If you’re more of a spectator than an active person, there are plenty of benches to cheer on your loved ones. To celebrate a great victory or console a tough defeat, Ample Hills Creamery has set up a little stand featuring 10 of their famous ice cream flavors. Nothing better on a hot summer day.

My favorite part of Pier 5 is probably the Picnic Peninsula. Growing up, my parents had several barbecues in our backyard each summer. They were always a great time with lots of food and lots of laughs. So, I have many happy memories attached to barbecues. I actually get such joy walking by and watching the groups of family and friends huddled under the umbrellas having a grand ole time while a designated member of the group watches the corn and burgers on the hibachi-style grills. It’s an equally great spot for a special occasion, like a birthday. And like I said earlier, the smell wafting through the air coming from all the food on the grills really is heavenly.   

PIER 4

Pier 4 is kind of one-note but that note is a good one. Go feel the sand between your toes because Pier 4 is home to Brooklyn Bridge Park’s beach. Whether you’re sunbathing, building sandcastles with your kids, playing fetch with your dog or taking a kayak out on the water, this is the place to do it. You’ll find native species of plant life to admire and structures designed to mimic natural tidal pools. What haven’t they thought of? A summer activity to sign up for on the beach is Seining which is fishing with a Seine net. Watch as experts catch and release the little critters below the water’s surface.    

PIER 3 GREENWAY TERRACE

Pier 3 is what’s known as the peaceful pier with spectacular views for miles. This label is partially due to the lush lawns to relax on but mainly the hill that runs along Pier 3 that serves to shelter the area from the noise of the city, particularly the nearby Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. Enjoy the tranquility at a table on the Granite Terrace – made from salvaged granite from the Roosevelt Island and Willis Avenue bridges. The most charming part of this pier is the Brooklyn Bridge Park Book Cart with its library of books. So feel free to grab a book and lose yourself for a few hours.

PIER 2

Sitting on over 5 acres, you come to Pier 2 for the views and stay for the fun. I’m going to go out on a limb here and say, if they don’t have it on Pier 2 then it can’t possibly be considered fun! There are courts for bocce, handball, shuffleboard, ping pong and basketball. To harken back to your school days there’s hopscotch and foursquare. Fitness equipment is available for use as well as water bottle refilling stations. Perhaps the best of all though is the roller rink. Can you picture yourself spinning around with the New York City skyline as your backdrop?

PIER 1

As we near the end of our stroll through the park, we reach the largest of the piers – Pier 1. This pier pretty much has the mark on stunning views and with three lawns, it’s the perfect spot to curl up with a good book. These open spaces often host public art installations, music performances and even stargazing. If the heat gets to you, you can pop over to Lizzmonade for a freshly squeezed lemonade made to order. So refreshing on a hot day.  

One of the lawns in question is Harbor View Lawn, home to Movies with a View. Let me tell you, it is not a misnomer. I’ve gone to outdoor movies in several locations – from rooftops to the lawns of Central Park and I can assure you, this location beats them all. Setting down your blanket and watching a movie with the New York City skyline all lit up behind the screen is truly an experience. A little bonus to this series is that Smorgasburg sets up food and drink stands along the water adjacent to the lawn. Of course you’re welcome to bring your own snacks but it’s definitely a nice touch.  

FULTON FERRY LANDING

If you manage to make your way down to Fulton Ferry Landing, you’ll be rewarded for your “trouble”. One of the most historic sites in all of Brooklyn, it’s the location of the very first ferry service between Brooklyn and Manhattan and dates back to 1642. Being amongst the more popular spots in the park, it’s always alive with activity. Oh, and there are always, ALWAYS multiple wedding parties having their photos taken in front of the picturesque scenery.

Attributing to this popularity is a trifecta of summer fun – music, ice cream and lobster rolls. Complete with gangplank, Bargemusic is a renovated coffee barge that’s been transformed into one of the most unique music venues. Climb aboard for year ‘round classical concerts. Then grab some ice cream from an old fireboat house or try the award-winning lobster roll from Luke’s Lobster and watch the ferries go by. Sounds enchanting to me.

EMPIRE FULTON FERRY

Our final spot, located near the northernmost end of the park, is cosily nestled between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. What more could you want? Well, Empire Fulton Ferry offers so much more. Take a break from snapping shots of the breathtaking views to go for a spin on the beautiful, antique Jane’s Carousel. Or stroll through the Empire Stores and check out the latest pop up shops. Catch a live performance in a Civil War-era building at St. Ann’s Warehouse. Then fuel up at an outdoor table and people watch at nearby Cecconi or Sugarcane. Whatever you decide, you can’t really go wrong.   

Well, that concludes our walking tour, I hope you’ve enjoyed my little highlight list. Brooklyn Bridge Park has even more to offer than I’ve touched upon, so you’ll just have to stop by and see for yourself. What are your neighborhood gems? Do share! 

Until next time – cheers!