Things To Do
BY THE HOTEL/VENUE
First things first... coffee! The closest walkable coffee shop is Ninth Street Espresso (8am-3pm). There are also Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts within walking distance, if that is more your speed. We are also a block away from the most incredible view of the NYC skyline and the Pepsi Cola sign. For those who know Charlotte and her love for Britney Spears, yes, this is where her infamous Super Bowl commercial was filmed. Nearest subway lines include the F, 7, and G, if you’d prefer to get around via public transport. Long Island City has a ton of restaurants to explore, and many of them deliver via GrubHub, Doordash, and UberEats to the hotel, too.
PARKS, GARDENS, & SKYLINE VIEWS
We really love spending time in Brooklyn’s beautiful parks. Our engagement shoot was at Prospect Park (which features one of Rory’s least favorite spots: a dog beach). It’s large—designed by the same planners as Central Park—and is a great spot for looking at fall foliage. If you’d rather see flowers, the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens are still lush with plants. It’s where Charlotte proposed to Donna, and it’s located in the far east corner of Prospect Park. We also love the Bronx Botanical Gardens, but for those trying to squeeze a trip in, note they are ~45 minute car ride or 90 minute train ride away. On a Saturday morning, Donna can usually be found at Fort Greene Park at their incredible farmer’s market. We know you’re not likely loading up on produce this weekend, but it’s great vibes and has a whole artisan/small merchant side filled with clothes, crafts, and jewelry. Hot tip: be on the lookout for Ben Platt and his dog, George.
SHOPPING
Our favorite boutique for shopping is Lockwood, which has several locations—but Greenpoint is closest to the hotel. They have everything from kitchen accouterments to patterned socks and garden supplies. Their Astoria location also have clothing and stationary stores. Brooklyn Flea is a little far out, but the vibes are worth the trek. Grab a record or a vintage band tee, then enjoy a coffee or pizza down by the water to get the ideal DUMBO view of the skyline. You’ll have to wait behind approx. 15 influencers trying to get the perfect shot, but... go ahead and take a photo, too. The Ripped Bodice is a super special spot. Donna regularly participates in their queer book club, and Charlotte has been known to spend hours browsing their shelves. It is a romance-specific bookstore that started in LA and recently opened its second location right here in Brooklyn. If you need any kind of romance recommendation, their staff always has amazing picks from a wide variety of subgenres.
EATING
Fan Fan Donuts is a Jewish/Mexican donut shop in Bed-Stuy. The flavors range from cafe con leche to latke-inspired concoctions. The rotating seasonal flavors are always wildly fun (and delicious). Albee Square’s Dekalb Market Hall is low-key one of our most-frequented spots. Want to get a real slice-of-life moment? Shop around the Trader Joe’s, then treat yourself to any of the incredible food stalls at the Night Market. Try Char’s favorite spicy dan dan noodles or Donna’s favorite arepas or pierogies. Gage & Tollner is an extremely special spot. It’s the oldest restaurant in Brooklyn (opened in 1879!), and sells melt-in-your mouth steaks. Oh, it’s also where Donna treated Charlotte to a luxurious dinner before her proposal. Maison Premiere is the coolest place to eat oysters and drink cocktails. Their bar program is world renowned—it’s the kind of place where you ask a vintage three-piece-suit-clad bartender to surprise you and they put down the cocktail of your dreams.
