Nestled next to Williamsburg, Greenpoint Brooklyn is a charming neighborhood full of quaint coffee shops, some of the best vintage shops in the city, historic buildings and gorgeous waterfront views. Home to a large Polish community this place is where you will find your perfect pierogi and some of the best Polish restaurants around. An easy neighborhood to explore, Greenpoint is centered on four main Streets, Manhattan Ave., Nassau Ave., Greenpoint Ave. and Franklin Street. Put on your most comfortable shoes and spend a day exploring Greenpoint. How to get there: Greenpoint is accessible via the G train, the only subway that doesn’t enter Manhattan, or the NYC ferry. I usually take the L train to the Bedford Ave. stop in Williamsburg and walk over to Greenpoint. Not the easiest neighborhood to get to but worth it.
SHOP GREENPOINT
Green point has it all. Fashion boutiques, vintage, plant stores, apothecary shops and the most beautiful tea atelier behind a hidden door.
PLANTS MAKE PEOPLE HAPPY
There are so many cute plant shops scattered throughout Greenpoint, GREENERY UNLIMITED, 91 West Street is an oasis for plant lovers. Clean and perfectly styled with plenty of places to sit and admire being surrounded by plants. TULA, 59 Meserole Ave. designed to feel like a botanical garden with two distinct spaces in which you can feel the difference between tropical and dessert environments, a great go-to for finding unique, unexpected houseplants. TEND, a beautifully designed store stocked with apartment-ready houseplants, hand made planters and beautiful garden inspired gifts. Part plant shop, part vintage clothing store your sure to find something unique at FENG SWAY,86 Dobbin St.
ANIMA MUNDI APOTHECARY
Step into this soothing apothecary/cafe and instantly a sense of peace comes over you. Filled with a large selection of natural healing products, elixirs, tonics, herbs and a knowledgeable staff your sure to be feeling Zen in no time. ANIMA MUNDI, 31 Noble Street.
ACADEMY RECORDS
For those old enough to remember or young enough to appreciate the magic that comes from music played on vinyl check out ACADEMY RECORD ANNEX, 85 Oak Street. They have huge selection of records, CD’s, and cassette tapes all well organized by a friendly helpful staff.
BELLOCQ TEA ATELIER
Beyond a hidden storefront a world of luxury tea awaits. Unfinished wood floors, and bold eggplant colored walls are offset by bright yellow tea canisters brimming with specialty teas. BELLOCQ TEA ATELIER , 104 West Street is an award winning purveyor of hand-crafted organic tea blends. Here the selections are always changing and come with beguiling names such as “The White Wolf” and “Fireside Chai”
VINTAGE TREASURES
My closet is filled with vintage clothing. I love that things can be beautifully preserved, passed on, environmentally friendly, relatively inexpensive and unique. Greenpoint has an array of great vintage stores thanks to an influx of hipster, retro-loving residents. AWOKE VINTAGE, 688 Manhattan Ave. is where you will find piles of denim, floral skirts, T-shirts, great layering staples and comfortable everyday pieces. Tucked away on an empty industrial street, FENG SWAY, 86 Dobbin St. is not to be missed. A bohemian dreamland that sells everything from vintage kimonos, lace slip dresses, accessories, crystals and a large selection of plants and planters. FOX AND FAWN is a vintage and re-sale shop that sells a beautifully curated vintage collection that is fairly priced. SEVEN WONDERS COLLECTIVE, 37 Norman Ave. and ECDYSIS, Manhattan Ave are also treasure troves of vintage worth checking out.
COFFEE AND CONFECTIONS
There are so many cute spots to grab a coffee or bite to eat. Don’t leave Greenpoint without trying a donut from PETER PAN DONUTS,727 Manhattan Ave. a neighborhood staple for over 60 years, and still a lineup every weekend out the door for their cake donuts and delicious drip coffee. Stepping into BAKERI, 105 Freeman Ave. makes you feel like your at a cafe in the English countryside not Greenpoint, Brooklyn. A floral print-covered cafe and exposed Kitchen-bakery serving pastries and light breakfast/lunch fare. A tranquil setting for anyone needing a break from the hustle of the city. MAMAN, 80 Kent is a delightful rustic cafe offering a selection of delicious baked goods, farm fresh salads, sandwiches and not to be missed, their famous nutty chocolate chip cookies. A local hangout, HOMECOMING, 107 Franklin St. serves locally made pastries, coffee (try their Golden Tumeric Latte) flowers, plants, home goods and more. MILK & ROSES, LE GAMIN and SAUVAGE are wonderful places to stop for an afternoon coffee or wonderful brunch spots
