Governors Island

[watsonbeau]

November we are on the round trip Caribbean from Southampton - so a day in NYC twice - having done tours into Manhattan last time, we are likely doing a DiY effort. I’m not into shopping so not likely to do the bus to Macy’s. 
 

Thoughts so far -

 take ferry up to Dumbo area from Red hook 
Just wander round Red Hook

Go on ferry over to Manhattan and and  visit the Seaport museum near the ferry pier.

 

Another idea was to go over to Governors island - however it’s Nov/Dec so not really sure if it would be worthwhile given time of year ?  Think the ferry runs weekends and one day we are there I think is a Sunday the other a Friday.
 

Thoughts ? Thank you

 

[Nitemare]

Governor's Island is great in the summer, but I can only picture it being pretty bleak that time of year.  Late November/early December in Manhattan is great, with the Christmas lights up and the store windows all decorated.  Lots of Christmas markets -- I am not a shopper, but the small crafty and unique gift stalls that take over Bryant Park and Union Square and other places is still fun to wander through

 

If it was us, we'd see a Broadway or Off Broadway show during the "break", or meet local friends for a meal

[watsonbeau]

Yes that’s what I am thinking - the weather at that time of year. Probably better suited to a summer trip! Sounds like Dumbo area or Seaport museum might be our best plan.  Thank you.

[GTJ]

15 hours ago, watsonbeau said:

I’m not into shopping so not likely to do the bus to Macy’s. 
 

Thoughts so far -

 take ferry up to Dumbo area from Red hook 
Just wander round Red Hook

Go on ferry over to Manhattan and and  visit the Seaport museum near the ferry pier.

 

Another idea was to go over to Governors island - however it’s Nov/Dec so not really sure if it would be worthwhile given time of year ? Think the ferry runs weekends and one day we are there I think is a Sunday the other a Friday.

DUMBO--an acronym for "Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass"--is historically the center of downtown Brooklyn, when it was located on the waterfront and before moving to higher ground further along Fulton Street. It is an interesting area architecturally, and for many years it had a fascinating combination of warehouses and other industrial uses, with streets paved with Belgian blocks. Today it has become more trendy, with a bit of shopping taking hold (the noted chocolatier Jacques Torres has his main store here), something that might not be what you're seeking, but if you have an interest in old urban industrial, it can be great walking around these streets.

 

Red Hook is much like SoHo used to be many years ago, and Williamsburg in more recent years: an older industrial area that had long had less affluent and ignored populations, including some housing projects, but invaded by young pioneers seeking a gritty area to gentrify. Like DUMBO, its history revolves around the waterfront, but unlike DUMBO--which had been in the heart of then-downtown Brooklyn--Red Hook was developed specifically around shipping (and in particular, around the Atlantic Basin and Erie Basin) without there ever having been a substantial commercial element. It has never had the taller buildings that exist now in DUMBO. The main commercial street is Van Brunt Street, where you may find a few eclectic businesses and restaurants, and you won't fell like just another tourist here. More recent newcomers to the area include the Food Bazaar supermarket (originally, Fairway) at the foot of Van Brunt Street, where you might check out the old Boston PCC-type streetcar in the back along the waterfront, and a Ikea that set up on a former industrial site backing up to the Erie Basin. If timing allows, get lunch from Defonte's Sandwich Shop, on Columbia Street (make it a picni at Coffey Park).

 

The former seaport surrounding South Street in Manhattan has a number of old era buildings nicely preserved, though the market that had existed there for many years has since moved to the Bronx. The buildings themselves are now filled with stores, mostly selling trinkets to tourists.

 

Governor's Island today is, for the most part, a park. Good for walking, playing, and perhaps noting a few historic buildings and sites, though it is unlikely you will exclaim it to have been a highlight of your visit, particularly outside of summer when there are many fewer special events being held there.

 

All four of these areas would be best understood by preparing in advance, reading up on the historical relevance of each, and perhaps noting particular sites to see. It is unlikely that you will find interpretative historical markers at these places, so preparing yourself would give you much more understanding and appreciation of what you will be visiting and seeing. On a practical level, bring with you both the ferry map and schedule and the bus map (which also shows subways). The ferries and buses each operate separately, and the maps generally don't recognize the other service, but in getting around you may find one or the other as most useful for each of your travel segments.

[watsonbeau]

That’s great info. For Dumbo may take ferry there and taxi back or the other way round. Not sure how easy taxis are to find in Dumbo back to Red Hook, but guessing easier to find at the Red Hook terminal ? Have looked at a few YouTube clips and all look interesting places to go, especially if it’s a nice crisp winter day. Fingers crossed for at least no rain ! Thank you 

[GTJ]

9 hours ago, watsonbeau said:

For Dumbo may take ferry there and taxi back or the other way round. Not sure how easy taxis are to find in Dumbo back to Red Hook, but guessing easier to find at the Red Hook terminal?

I use taxis exceedingly rarely, so my perceptions are based largely on personal observations. DUMBO is not an area that taxi drivers will typically cruise seeking fares. You're most likely to find a taxi on the main street here, which is Fulton Street (formally marked "Old Fulton Street"); its intersection with Water Street might be a good place to wait. Since you would be in Brooklyn you can seek out either a yellow or a green taxi (both are metered). I will also note that this location is home to two of New York City's best pizza places, both next door to each other. Very good is Grimaldi's, 1 Front Street, corner of Fulton Street; better still is Juliana's, 19 Fulton Street, between Front Street and Water Street. There may be taxis waiting at the port in Red Hook, though it does not have the same draw for drivers as compared to other transportation terminals throughout New York City. If you do visit DUMBO, you might want to take advantage of other proximate places.

 

As noted, the main street is Fulton Street, and if you walk up Fulton Street you will approach present-day downtown Brooklyn. First you will pass by the courts, including the federal district court and the federal bankruptcy court (in the beautiful old post office), both for the Eastern District of New York, and the state supreme court. Next is borough hall (here, Fulton Street is pedestrianized, passing to the left of borough hall), and beyond is the main shopping street (including Macy's in the former A&S department store building). I will also note the presence of the New York Transit Museum (disclosure: I am a member), located in a former subway station at the intersection of Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street . . . in addition to typical museum exhibits on the mezzanine level, there is a fleet of actual historic cars that can be entered and explored on the lower level. Brooklyn Heights is a gorgeous and mostly residential community, with the main street being Montague Street (it is perpendicular to Fulton Street, and begins opposite the state supreme court building). At the end of Montague Street is the Brooklyn Heights promenade, atop the cantilevered Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, and providing an iconic view of lower Manhattan across the East River. The promenade can also be accessed directly from the DUMBO area by walking from Fulton Street up Everitt Street (a very narrow way), which becomes Columbia Heights, parallel to the promenade.

 

In the opposite direction, you have a most pleasant stroll over one of the bridges crossing the East River into Manhattan (or make it a round-trip, using one bridge there and the other bridge to return). The Brooklyn Bridge has a pedestrian entrance on Washington Street, a.k.a. Cadman Plaza East, immediately south of Prospect Street. Clearly the most iconic bridge in New York City, its elevated pedestrian walkway provide a magnificent view of the two boroughs it connects and the busy river below. The bridge leads to City Hall in lower Manhattan. The Manhattan Bridge has two walkways, one on each side of the bridge. The south walkway is reserved for pedestrians, while the north walkway is nominally designed for bicycle use. The entrance to the south walkway is on Jay Street south of Sands Street; the entrance to the north walkway is on Sands Street, east of Jay Street. The views from this bridge are less expansive, and you'll be walking right next to the subway tracks that also use the bridge (providing a distinct view of the passing trains!). The bridge leads to Chinatown in lower Manhattan.

 

Hopefully these tips will provide some more ideas.

[watsonbeau]

Some brilliant information to study - many thanks. If no taxis at the terminal then the ferry sounds the easiest way there and back. I’ve downloaded a Google map and the ferry routes/timetables (and printed copies too) so will give them some careful study. Fingers crossed weather is dry, don’t mind cold, just not the rain !

 

Think we need a longer trip to New York too.

 

Thank you so much.

Edited October 8, 2023 by watsonbeau