Brooklyn Flea Dumbo
Every Sunday from April through October, right under the Manhattan bridge, the Brooklyn Flea outdoor-market is in full swing. Tons of vendors, artisans and designers gather and feature local arts and & crafts, vintage clothing and furniture, antiques, collectibles, and incredible food. Since the creators also run Smorgasbord, one of the best food markets in town and the largest in America, the food vendors at the Brooklyn Flea are equally worth checking out.
I highly recommend hitting up this market on a sunny day. Once you arrive in Dumbo, you can head down to the water and go on a great walk post-shopping and snacking at the flea market. If you’re more into food trucks than vintage shopping, Smorgasbord in Prospect Park has 100 local food vendors in a great park by the water on the weekends.
Brunch
Brunch is a must-do on weekends in New York. Great brunch comes with great patios the second the weather warms up, and I love to sit outside and people watch with a cocktail in hand. My favourite Williamsburg brunch spots all have terrific outdoor seating, but one I didn’t mention in my list is Sauvage.
The restaurant is on a bustling street corner, and the many tables on the sidewalk seat you next to McCarren park. The menu is small, reliable and foolproof, and if the weather doesn’t allow you to sit outside, the interior is pleasant and reminiscent of every corner bistro in Paris.
It’s also worth mentioning that, surprisingly, this place rarely has a lineup. Be sure to try the pear compote and walnut pancakes or the burger with caramelized onions and raclette. Any of their cocktails are also incredible.
There’s also a great farmer’s market across the street in McCarren park if you’re in the mood to shop for fresh produce afterwards!
Domino Park
After brunch, head just a few blocks down from Sauvage and you’ll find Domino Park, a five acre public park right on the East River in Williamsburg. Once known as the land marked Domino Sugar Refinery, the park now “includes over 30 large-scale, salvaged artifacts—components of the inner workings of sugar refining, an industry that dominated the Brooklyn waterfront for over a decade.”
The view of Manhattan is stellar, and between the built-in lawn chairs, the elevated walkway, fountain and seating steps, a beach volleyball court and a taco counter, Domino park is the perfect place to walk off those pancakes at brunch or to lay back and catch some sun for the afternoon.