Travel Plans #4

What to do on a spring day in NYC with a toddler

A Stroll Around Brooklyn Heights Promenade

A short video of our stroll around Cobble Hill, Brooklyn Heights and Squibb Park

Around this time last year, we returned from a tiring month-long trip to the USA. We first stopped in Easton, then drove to Cape Cod and back, and our final stop was a day in New York City before flying home the next day. We knew we wanted to spend some time in the city but not be in the centre of the hustle and bustle, especially with a toddler. There are plenty of things to do in NYC with kids, but browsing what museums were open, what activities to do and so on, exhausted me. We would have to wake up at a particular time, work around my son's nap, and battle the distances in NYC, which are long, especially from Brooklyn. In the end, we decided to stay and walk around Cobble Hill.

Initially, as I mentioned in the video, we had no plans, but soon, watching all the beautiful flowers and trees around the neighbourhood became the plan. I was so tired that I didn’t even feel like taking my camera out, which I regretted deeply after seeing the beautiful blooms around Cobble Hill that led us to Brooklyn Heights. I was genuinely surprised to stumble upon this lovely, wealthy corner of Brooklyn. (All the nannies with prams at the school door waiting for the kids reminded me of The Nanny Diaries). But what I mostly appreciated was the Brooklyn Heights promenade. Not only could we walk, but our little son spent most of the time running back and forth chasing pigeons.

Beautiful blossoms and brownstone buildings

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This was a pleasant surprise. The more we walked, the more we enjoyed the view, and, yes, although I’m not unlocking any hidden gem for anyone, I found it the perfect plan for us that day. The Brooklyn Heights promenade is a way to experience the city at a slower pace, peek at the most iconic and beautiful skyline in the world, and gush over the brownstones of how the other half lives—at least in New York, anyway.

Miles and I are trying to grab the Big Apple

To get to the promenade, take the 2 or 3 train to Clark Street, steps away from the walkway.

Sleep: We stayed at the Hilton Brooklyn New York hotel.

Eat and Drink: We stopped for lunch at Boutros for delicious Middle Eastern food, Blue Bottle and White Noise Coffee for breakfast and coffee.

Quick Tip: There’s a clean public toilet in Squibb Park before the bridge walkway.

Have you been to the promenade? Do you have any further recommendations?

Hope you’re having a great week!

If you are new here, hi and welcome! You can start by reading my welcome post and what I’m about here.

My last newsletter was Tales from Lake Toba, a travel story about a Lake riddled with myths, poverty, and the potential threat of mass tourism.

The previous Travel Plans edition was about embracing the tourist in me by staying in Times Square in NYC. Check it out!

Let’s connect on Instagram for Substack updates and travel photography. You’ll find me at @anansuetravel.

Take care of yourself and see you in the next one!

Ana.

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