As I mentioned in yesterday's post, I spent my birthday in New York City with Chris. Saturday was probably my favorite day because we enjoyed a sunny day exploring Brooklyn, walking over the Brooklyn bridge (a major highlight) and then finally visited Ground Zero to see the memorial and Freedom Tower.
Brooklyn
I've met so many wonderful, interesting and (dare I say it) hip people from Brooklyn that I was inclined to spend a little time wandering through this borough that is beloved by so many. Plus, I had never crossed the Brooklyn Bridge on foot and I had to check that off my bucket list! Brooklyn is bustling with a mix of cafes, restaurants, quirky shops, charming row houses, artsy lofts, friendly dogs and a ton of construction. While we only got a taste of Brooklyn, my favorite part was the spectacular view of Manhattan.
Brooklyn
I've met so many wonderful, interesting and (dare I say it) hip people from Brooklyn that I was inclined to spend a little time wandering through this borough that is beloved by so many. Plus, I had never crossed the Brooklyn Bridge on foot and I had to check that off my bucket list! Brooklyn is bustling with a mix of cafes, restaurants, quirky shops, charming row houses, artsy lofts, friendly dogs and a ton of construction. While we only got a taste of Brooklyn, my favorite part was the spectacular view of Manhattan.
One of the many reasons to visit Brooklyn: THAT VIEW!
We strolled through the upscale neighborhood of Brooklyn Heights, stopping in shops along Montague Street, full of holiday shoppers. Everyone here had either a dog, a kid or combination of the two in tow. And they all seemed to know each other, greeting one another by name on the street like they lived in a small town. It's quite different on this side of the bridge!
My favorite part of this area were the blocks of brick and stone row houses. The streets were lined with tall trees, which was charming to see in person, but made for bad pictures since the home facades were distorted by branch shadows (and not in a good way). I did mange to snap a shot of window that was so big, it accommodated six garden planters on its sill.
My favorite part of this area were the blocks of brick and stone row houses. The streets were lined with tall trees, which was charming to see in person, but made for bad pictures since the home facades were distorted by branch shadows (and not in a good way). I did mange to snap a shot of window that was so big, it accommodated six garden planters on its sill.
Brooklyn Heights . So Fancy!
Next we walked to DUMBO which stands for "Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass". Jerry Seinfeild once joked that Manhattaners added the "Overpass" an the end just so they didn't have a neighborhood called "Dumb". This area is much more industrial and urban compared to Brooklyn Heights. It's home to many of New York's tech companies and creative start-ups, as well as quirky shops, galleries and restaurants. We stopped by a corner cafe to pick up a sandwich and it was here that I discovered my new favorite lunch: spinach wrap with kale, lettuce, tomato, avocado, sprouts and raspberry vinaigrette. I've been making this for myself at least once a day since my visit.
Lone tree blooming with berries and gold ornaments.
View of the Manhattan Bridge. You may recognize DUMBO as the setting for the movie Vanilla Sky.
Found a psychedelic, Chagall-inspired owl in DUMBO.
After our late lunch, it was time to cross one of the most iconic bridges in the world. A few fun facts about the Brooklyn Bridge:
- It is dubbed the "8th Wonder of the World".
- It took 14 years to complete and cost $15 million. It opened to the public on May 24, 1883.
- It was the longest suspension bridge until 1903, when the Williamsburg bridge overtook it by 4.5 feet.
- There used to be a toll to cross the bridge: 1 penny on foot, 5 cents for a horse and rider and 10 cents for a horse and wagon. The tolls were removed in 1911 and it has been free to cross ever since.
- The bridge is home to peregrine falcons - the fastest animals on record, capable of reaching 200 miles per hour. There are 16 recorded pairs of falcons in NYC and the bridge is a regular nesting spot.
- In 1884 P.T. Barnum led 21 elephants over the bridge to prove its stability. Now that would have been an incredible photo op!
- Con man William McCloundy was sentenced to 2.5 years at Sing Sing prison for "selling" the Brooklyn Bridge to a tourist in 1901. This one might be my favorite.
We turned a corner and this familiar image greeted us!
Ready to walk the bridge, hot tea in hand! Despite the sun, It was freezing and I was wearing a ton of layers, including my fleece lined leggings under my jeans - my new favorite winter travel item!
First thing that pops into my head when I see this picture is Spiderman. Such. A. Nerd.
The symmetry literally makes me giddy. I love this bridge!
Freedom Tower
The Brooklyn Bridge connects Brooklyn to Manhattan's financial district and Ground Zero is a short walk from the bridge ramp. I had not been to this part of Manhattan since I was a kid visiting the twin towers on a day trip from Connecticut. September 11th occurred when I was a senior in college and was a traumatizing experience for me as it was for most of the country. Chris and I were both business students and a few of our classmates from previous years were unfortunately there that tragic morning. It could have easily been us in the towers, had we graduated one year earlier. I never had a desire to see Ground Zero until now. After traveling around the world and witnessing so many memorials to such tragic and horrific acts, it was time to pay respect to one of our own country's great tragedies. While this area is still under construction, it is worth seeing, if only to reflect on the gift of life and remember those who left us too soon.
The Brooklyn Bridge connects Brooklyn to Manhattan's financial district and Ground Zero is a short walk from the bridge ramp. I had not been to this part of Manhattan since I was a kid visiting the twin towers on a day trip from Connecticut. September 11th occurred when I was a senior in college and was a traumatizing experience for me as it was for most of the country. Chris and I were both business students and a few of our classmates from previous years were unfortunately there that tragic morning. It could have easily been us in the towers, had we graduated one year earlier. I never had a desire to see Ground Zero until now. After traveling around the world and witnessing so many memorials to such tragic and horrific acts, it was time to pay respect to one of our own country's great tragedies. While this area is still under construction, it is worth seeing, if only to reflect on the gift of life and remember those who left us too soon.
Two beautiful trees growing in the cemetery by St. Paul's chapel with the Freedom Tower in the background. A reminder that life grows strong among death.
One of the two memorial fountains built where the towers once stood. The names of those souls lost in each tower are engraved around the perimeter. While I have mixed feelings about the choice of design, I'll admit that it makes for a very emotional experience.
Looking up at the Freedom Tower. From the ground it looks never-ending, like it stretches all the way to heaven.
That evening we picked up our car in Manhattan and right before we left, we saw these spectacular colors over the East River. It was the perfect end to a wonderful birthday!
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