Nestled between the bustling neighborhoods of Brooklyn, Prospect Heights is a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and contemporary charm. This neighborhood, though quieter and more residential than its neighbors, has a vibrant energy that beckons to those seeking a more laid-back yet culturally rich experience. With its beautiful brownstones, tree-lined streets, and an array of cultural and culinary delights, Prospect Heights is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway. As a travel blogger, I’m excited to share a curated guide to the best things to do in Prospect Heights. Whether you’re a local looking for something new or a visitor eager to explore Brooklyn’s lesser-known treasures, this guide has something for everyone.
1.Start Your Day with Coffee and Pastries at a Local Café
Prospect Heights is home to some fantastic coffee shops and bakeries, making it the ideal place to start your day with a caffeine fix and a delicious pastry.
Grab a Coffee at Hungry Ghost
Kick off your morning at Hungry Ghost, a beloved local café known for its high-quality coffee and inviting atmosphere. Located on Underhill Avenue, this café offers a cozy space where you can sip on a perfectly brewed latte or cappuccino. Hungry Ghost sources its beans from Stumptown Coffee Roasters, ensuring that every cup is full of rich, complex flavors. The café also offers a selection of pastries, making it a great spot for a light breakfast.
Indulge in Pastries at Winner
For those with a sweet tooth, a visit to Winner on Washington Avenue is a must. This bakery has quickly gained a reputation for its delectable pastries, breads, and breakfast sandwiches. Whether you’re in the mood for a flaky croissant, a buttery scone, or a hearty egg sandwich, Winner has you covered. The bakery’s rustic, welcoming ambiance makes it a perfect place to sit and enjoy your morning treat.
2.Explore the Brooklyn Museum
One of Prospect Heights’ most iconic attractions is the Brooklyn Museum, a cultural institution that rivals some of Manhattan’s most famous museums.
Discover Art and Culture at the Brooklyn Museum
Located on Eastern Parkway, the Brooklyn Museum is the third-largest museum in New York City and boasts an impressive collection of art spanning thousands of years and numerous cultures. From ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary art installations, the museum offers something for everyone. This weekend, take the time to explore the museum’s vast collections, which include works by renowned artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Norman Rockwell. Don’t miss the museum’s special exhibitions, which often feature cutting-edge art and thought-provoking themes.
Take a Stroll Through the Museum’s Sculpture Garden
After exploring the galleries, head outside to the museum’s sculpture garden, where you can admire a collection of sculptures set against a backdrop of beautiful landscaping. The garden is a serene spot to relax and reflect on the art you’ve seen inside the museum.
3.Wander Through the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Adjacent to the Brooklyn Museum is the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, a lush oasis in the heart of the city. This 52-acre garden is a must-visit for nature lovers and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life.
Explore the Cherry Esplanade
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is famous for its Cherry Esplanade, a long avenue lined with cherry trees that burst into bloom every spring. Even if you visit outside of cherry blossom season, the esplanade is a beautiful place to walk, with its manicured lawns and towering trees.
Discover the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden
One of the highlights of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, one of the oldest and most visited Japanese-inspired gardens outside of Japan. This peaceful garden features a pond, a Shinto shrine, stone lanterns, and a teahouse, all set within a meticulously designed landscape. The serene ambiance of this garden makes it an ideal spot for a moment of quiet reflection.
Visit the Native Flora Garden
For a deeper understanding of the local ecosystem, take a walk through the Native Flora Garden, which showcases the plants and habitats native to the New York region. This garden is a living museum of the region’s flora, offering visitors a chance to see native plants in their naturalistic settings.
4.Lunch at a Prospect Heights Eatery
After a morning of exploring, it’s time to refuel at one of Prospect Heights’ many excellent restaurants. The neighborhood offers a diverse array of dining options, from casual eateries to more upscale establishments.
Enjoy a Mediterranean Feast at Olmsted
Olmsted, located on Vanderbilt Avenue, is a must-visit for foodies. This farm-to-table restaurant is known for its innovative, seasonal dishes that highlight local ingredients. The restaurant’s menu draws inspiration from Medite rranean and American cuisines, with dishes like roasted carrots with labneh and za’atar, and whole grilled fish with salsa verde. The restaurant also has a charming backyard garden where many of the herbs and vegetables used in the dishes are grown. For a truly memorable dining experience, try to snag a table in the garden.
Savor Southern Comfort Food at The Islands
If you’re in the mood for something a bit heartier, head to The Islands on Washington Avenue for some authentic Southern comfort food. This small, family-run restaurant serves up some of the best Caribbean-inspired dishes in the city, including jerk chicken, oxtail stew, and curried goat. The portions are generous, and the flavors are bold and satisfying. The laid-back, no-frills atmosphere adds to the charm of this Prospect Heights gem.
Relish Vegan Delights at Chavela’s
For those seeking a plant-based option, Chavela’s on Franklin Avenue offers delicious vegan and vegetarian Mexican dishes. The menu features a variety of tacos, burritos, and enchiladas, all made with fresh, flavorful ingredients. Don’t miss the guacamole, which is made to order and served with warm tortilla chips. Chavela’s vibrant décor and friendly service make it a great spot for a relaxed lunch.
See Also: 13 Things to Do in Williamsburg Brooklyn This Weekend
5.Spend the Afternoon in Prospect Park
No visit to Prospect Heights would be complete without spending some time in Prospect Park, Brooklyn’s sprawling green space that offers a wide range of recreational activities and scenic beauty.
Take a Walk or Bike Ride Through the Park
Prospect Park is the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride. The park’s 585 acres include winding paths, rolling meadows, and serene lakes, offering plenty of opportunities to connect with nature. If you’re up for a longer walk, make your way to the Long Meadow, one of the longest continuous meadows in any U.S. park, where you can relax on the grass or play a game of frisbee.
Visit the Prospect Park Zoo
For a family-friendly activity, head to the Prospect Park Zoo, located on the eastern edge of the park. The zoo is home to a variety of animals, including sea lions, red pandas, and kangaroos. The Discovery Trail, an immersive exhibit that allows visitors to explore different habitats, is a highlight of the zoo. Kids will especially love the barnyard area, where they can get up close with goats, sheep, and other farm animals.
Explore the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Herb Garden
Another must-see in Prospect Park is the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Herb Garden, which showcases a wide variety of herbs used for culinary, medicinal, and aromatic purposes. The garden is a feast for the senses, with its fragrant plants and colorful flowers. Take a moment to learn about the different herbs and their uses, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
6.Discover Local History at the Brooklyn Public Library
Prospect Heights is rich in history, and one of the best places to learn about the neighborhood’s past is at the Brooklyn Public Library’s Central Library, located at Grand Army Plaza.
Visit the Central Library’s Brooklyn Collection
The Central Library’s Brooklyn Collection is a treasure trove of historical documents, photographs, and maps that tell the story of Brooklyn’s evolution over the centuries. The collection includes rare books, newspapers, and artifacts that provide a fascinating glimpse into the borough’s past. This weekend, take some time to explore the collection and discover the rich history of Prospect Heights and its surrounding neighborhoods.
Attend a Library Event or Workshop
The Central Library regularly hosts events, workshops, and lectures on a wide range of topics, from literature and history to art and science. Check out the library’s event calendar to see what’s happening this weekend. Whether it’s a book talk, a writing workshop, or a film screening, you’re sure to find something that piques your interest.
7.Enjoy Dinner at a Prospect Heights Restaurant
As the day winds down, it’s time to indulge in a delicious dinner at one of Prospect Heights’ many dining establishments.
Dine at James
For an upscale dining experience, make a reservation at James, a cozy, elegant restaurant located on Carlton Avenue. James offers a menu of contemporary American cuisine, with dishes that showcase seasonal ingredients and creative flavors. The restaurant’s warm, intimate atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for a romantic dinner or a special occasion. Be sure to try the duck breast with farro and blackberries, or the house-made pasta with seasonal vegetables.
Experience Korean BBQ at Insa
If you’re in the mood for something more interactive, head to Insa on Douglass Street for Korean BBQ. This vibrant restaurant offers a fun, communal dining experience where you can grill your own meats at the table. The menu includes a variety of marinated meats, seafood, and vegetables, as well as traditional Korean dishes like bibimbap and kimchi stew. Insa also has a karaoke room, so you can continue the fun after dinner with some singing and dancing.
Indulge in Italian Cuisine at Fausto
For a taste of Italy in Prospect Heights, look no further than Fausto on Flatbush Avenue. This stylish Italian restaurant serves up classic dishes with a modern twist, using fresh, high-quality ingredients. The menu includes handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and a selection of meat and seafood dishes. Pair your meal with a glass of wine from Fausto’s extensive wine list, which features both Italian and American wines.
8.End the Night with Drinks at a Local Bar
After a delicious dinner, cap off your evening with a drink at one of Prospect Heights’ many bars. Whether you’re in the mood for a craft cocktail, a glass of wine, or a cold beer, the neighborhood has plenty of options to choose from.
Sip Craft Cocktails at Weather Up
For expertly crafted cocktails in a chic, speakeasy-style setting, head to Weather Up on Vanderbilt Avenue. This bar is known for its creative cocktails, which are made with top-shelf spirits and house-made mixers. The dimly lit, intimate atmosphere makes it a great spot for a date night or a quiet evening with friends. Be sure to try one of their signature cocktails, like the mezcal-based “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” or the gin-forward “Aviation.”
Enjoy a Beer at BierWax
Beer enthusiasts will love BierWax, a cozy bar on Vanderbilt Avenue that combines a passion for craft beer with a love of vinyl records. The bar offers an impressive selection of craft beers on tap, as well as a carefully curated collection of vinyl records that provide the perfect soundtrack to your evening. Whether you’re a fan of IPAs, stouts, or sours, you’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy at BierWax.
Relax with a Glass of Wine at The Bearded Lady
If wine is more your style, head to The Bearded Lady on Washington Avenue, a laid-back bar with a great selection of wines by the glass. The bar also offers a variety of classic cocktails, as well as small plates and snacks. The friendly, unpretentious atmosphere makes it a great place to unwind after a day of exploring Prospect Heights.
Conclusion
Prospect Heights may not be as widely known as some of Brooklyn’s other neighborhoods, but it’s a destination that’s well worth exploring. With its rich cultural offerings, beautiful green spaces, and diverse dining scene, Prospect Heights has something for everyone. Whether you’re visiting the Brooklyn Museum, enjoying a meal at a local restaurant, or simply taking a stroll through Prospect Park, you’re sure to have a memorable experience in this charming neighborhood. So, if you’re looking for a weekend getaway that’s off the beaten path, make your way to Prospect Heights—you won’t be disappointed.
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