I discovered this park when my little sister took me to the area to try a delicious slice of pizza. She claimed it was the best EVER and so we ended up grabbing a few slices and heading to Brooklyn Bridge Park to enjoy them in scenic bliss. Seeing this place with its lovely carousel and amazing views of the Brooklyn bridge, Manhattan bridge and Manhattan skyline was really quite a shock to me. It was like I'd found a little oasis in a concrete land. I soaked it in, all the beauty and calm and I've been coming back here ever since.
Getting here requires a bit of a walk but honestly I've never minded it since the walk consist of a stroll through DUMBO with all it's restaurants, boutiques and interesting people (and cute little dogs!). Usually I take the A train to High St. And begin my walk from there but you could also take the F train and get off at York St. If you take the R, 2, 3, 4 or 5 train to Borough Hall just walk down Joralemon and enjoy gawking at the gorgeous Brooklyn Heights brownstones whilst simultaneously wishing you lived in one of them (I wish I did!). Walking down Joralemon will bring you to the other end of the park where the grilling tables are. Right now I'll focus on the entrance that you get to via the A and F train.
You'll know when you're there. The bridges lead the way.
I've compared entering this park to being in an oasis because of the view. That crescent of sand, the rocks lining the starting of a small beach where the water extends and the sight vibrant green enfolding the gray of the buildings beyond the water is just such a lovely sight. I never get tired of it.
You can see the almost toylike glass box that has within it the carousel right as you enter. From this vantage point it almost feels like something you can pick up and put in your pocket. Beyond it, the Brooklyn bridge towers, drawing you to it like a magnetic force that you can't seem to shake off.
The carousel is every child's dream, filled with happy music and the beautiful whimsy that only childhood could create.
When you're done riding the carousel there are benches and tables in the back that offer beautiful views and a chance to relax.
I love to sit here at dusk and watch how the city lights up. But anytime is the perfect time to be here.
Step onto the green lawn and rest a bit, and seriously take a look at the Brooklyn bridge from this vantage point. Spectacular! It never gets old to me.
Brooklyn bridge park has six piers, each with its own qualities and activities. It's a decent walk from pier to pier and definitely one that should be enjoyed. I strongly suggest that you guys go out and explore this park for yourself! In the meantime let me post some beautiful little discoveries on my journey through this lovely place.
I love finding powerful messages in everyday life. This quote by Thomas Jefferson has a different meaning for everyone. The meaning it had for me on the day I found this struck me to the core.
By the East River Ferry docking station in the park there is a poem by Walt Whitman called "Crossing Brooklyn Ferry" that can be seen on the fencing along the perimeter of the dock. Give it a read and feel the words run through you. It's beautiful poetry in a beautiful location. This is the perfect kind of energy. And then there are the locks! So many different locks from so many different people, solidifying their love for each. These locks are like a barrier against the separation of time. No matter what life brings, these locks are everlasting, latching onto a moment where love was strong enough to clasp within your heart. The romance and emotion that the sight of them evoke for me made me smile.
This person got it right. My heart is in the very same place.
And can I talk about the pathways please? Those shadowy secret places that make you momentarily feel like you're in another world until finally you see the end and are back in the real world? I love them! I love how they make me feel, how they make me forget where I am for just that tiny amount of time. It's...magical. Please come here and check them out. Walk through them. It's an experience worth making your own.
