Gleni + Paul Are getting married!
Things To Do
Brooklyn Bridge
If Paul could personally take every wedding guest across the Brooklyn Bridge, he would. If you have an hour or so, and if the weather is nice, you can enjoy one of the most beautiful vistas in America for free by taking the A or C train to the High Street/Brooklyn Bridge station and making your way to the entrance at the intersection of Cadman Plaza East and Prospect Street. From there it's about a mile to walk across the East River. On the way, the jaw-dropping views of the harbor, Manhattan, and the bridge towers themselves are well worth making your way through the throngs of tourists gawking at the same amazing sights.
Coney Island
Coney Island is where we had our second date, and it's a one-of-a-kind sight for anyone if you have a free afternoon (it's about an hour each way from Greenpoint via the subway). Aside from the beach and the boardwalk, there are countless rides—but our recommendation is to avoid the newer, flashier rides and make your way straight the classics. The Wonder Wheel is a must for everyone, and the 95-year-old Cyclone roller coaster is there for the truly daring. Eat a hot dog at the original Famous Nathans and get a drink at Ruby's.
The High Line
At this former freight rail line converted into a beautiful linear park, you can soak up beautiful views of Manhattan's west side and a perspective on the city like no other. It's a quick subway ride from Williamsburg (take the L train to 8th Avenue in Manhattan and walk west two blocks to the entrance just before 10th Avenue).
Smorgasburg
Every Saturday, countless food vendors set up on the Williamsburg waterfront. Stroll over before the wedding to sample all kinds of cuisine and take in the views of the city from one of Brooklyn's newest parks.
Domino Park
This new park, built on the waterfront land of the former Domino Sugar factory, is a wonderful place to spend an hour taking in the amazing views of Manhattan and the Williamsburg bridge.
Msgr. McGolrick Park
If you're in Greenpoint, you can visit this quiet charming neighborhood park with its century-old pavilion as well as its statues honoring World War I and the Battle of the Monitor and Merrimac.
Teddy's Bar & Grill
One of our favorite restaurants in Williamsburg. It's one of the oldest continuously run neighborhood establishments, but it doesn't coast on its history, so go and take in the 19th-century dining room while enjoying some of the best burgers and chicken sandwiches in the area.
Karczma
Greenpoint is home to one of the country's largest Polish communities, and with a visit to Karczma, you too can enjoy hearty Polish fare like hand-made pierogi, kielbasa, and their incomparable hunter's stew. Get the peasant-style lard to spread on bread for starters and then tuck in to the grilled plate for two (or three!) for lunch and before rolling yourself back to your hotel room to nap it off before the ceremony.
Cafe Mogador
Another Williamsburg favorite of ours. The Moroccan tagines, kebabs, and mezzes are worth the (usually short) wait.
Skinny Dennis
A honky-tonk in Brooklyn? Oh yeah, and a great one at that. Pop in for a beer and shot, or Willie's Frozen (boozy) Coffee drink (named after Willie Nelson) and enjoy the rotating array of bands cranking out country and roots-rocks for an appreciative crowd.
The Levee
Do you want that dive bar experience? Where the smell is a little off, but that's alright because it means the bar has a real character and cheaper beers than the fancy places that surround it? May I introduce you to The Levee?
McNally Jackson Books Williamsburg
Paul's first job in publishing had him briefly sharing a cubicle wall with Sarah McNally, who soon left that company to start an independent bookstore. Her former coworkers weren't sure how she'd succeed at selling books on some of the most expensive real estate in the world, but she sure showed us, and at this fourth location of her growing bookstore chain, her staff can show you some of the best-curated shelves in the city.