For my Febraury posting, I went to Kate Wollman Rink in Prospect Park. It took the S(shuttle) train just two stops to the Prospect Park stop, where I got off and walked several blocks to the Rink. I hadn’t been on ice in a long time and was at first nervous but able to get over my fear. It was nice to be able to ice skate so close by to my home. However, some of the skates they rented were uncomfortable. The rink was also very crowded for most of the time I was there, but I had lots of fun, especially after some of the people left and there was more room.

 This January, I heard about a new show taking place on Sterling Place. Its a new reality show about the renovation of an old house created in 1904 just a few blocks down our street. The show is on the local channel WNET, Saturday nights at 7 or on most PBS stations on Thursdays (check your local listings). It started its season just last Saturday, January 24. Its interesting to see the filming just blocks from my home. I first read the article on the New York Times website.

 In December, I went to Grand Army Plaza, a quick walk or two-stop subway ride on the 2, or 3 train from Sterling Bed and Breakfast. There was a Chridtmas tree made enturely out of lights that would change colors and was very beautiful. They also had a giant menorah there that was very pretty. Grand Army Plaza is a large (11 acre) oval-shaped plaza. In the middle of the plaza is an arch with statues around and on it. The plaza marks the main entrance into the beautiful Prospect Park and is bordered by the Central Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library. Grand Army Plaza also marks the begginning of Eastern Parkway, one of 9 streets created by the plaza. Grand Army Plaza also hosts a great Farmers’ Market during good weather.

For most of these posts, I have recommended some place to visit. But I have often found that there are times when what I really want to do is just talk a nice relaxing walk. Luckily, Eastern Parkway is just blocks away from Sterling Bed and Breakfast. The road is based on a Parisian boulevard, is lined with trees, and has several walkways as well as places to bike, skate or scooter. It is great during all seasons and leads to many places, including the Brooklyn Musuem, Grand Army Plaza and Prospect Park.

Walking into A Slice Of Brooklyn

This month I went to “A Slice of Brooklyn,” a pizzeria blocks away from Sterling Bed and Breakfast. The restaurant is a very nice warm place to eat and look out on the street. I like their pizza a lot and often go to the restaurant for its proximity and quality. You are served quickly and their pizza is great. There are other Italian dishes available, none of which I have tried so far. I definitely reccomend going there for a quick and good slice of pizza.

The entrance into Tom's restaurant on Washington Avenue.

This month, I went to Tom’s Restaurant, a well-known diner in the neighborhood. It is just two and a half blocks away from the B&B, located at the corner of Washington Ave. and Sterling Pl. It serves a fantastic brunch (I got the Challah Bread Fench Toast–with flavored butter!). Although there often long lines, they are quick to dissipate due to the speed at which the patrons are served. Not only that, but restaurant-goers are served drinks while waiting on line to get a seat. It is a great place to just sit and talk and have fun. The owner is warm and often goes around talking to his customers. I definetly suggest trying it out as a nice brunch or just plain old breakfast place.

This month, I went to Bristen’s Eatery, a nice restaurant just down the block at the corner of Sterling Place and Franklin Avenue. I had their herb chicken, which is SOOOOO good. I don’t about any other foods, but I hear its good. They have nice outdoor space in the back. Their ice tea was not sweet for me, but they have sweeteners. Since going there the first time, I have become a bit of a regular, as both the people and food are delightful. Although the temperatures can sometimes make sitting there a little annoying, I definetly reccomend it.

In June, I went to some street fairs. Street fairs are a fun part of a stay in New York City. Every weekend of the summmer(and someyimes in the winter too) ten to fifteen blocks are blocked off and the merchants arrive, followed by us, the inspectors, the buyers. Food, clothes, almost anything can be bought(or sold, depending on how you look at it)  at a New York City street fair. Here are some street fairs’ locations and dates. For more schedules on street fairs click here.

In May, I went to the Brooklyn Bridge as part of the 125th anniversary of the construction of the bridge. The bridge is fun to walk across and a relatively easy walk, although I do suggest bringing water on sunny/hot days. The Brooklyn Bridge is an amazing piece of architecture and engineering. Designed like a Gothic cathedral, its construction ended in 1883. To get to the Manhattan side you can take the 4 or 5 train from Franklin Av. to the Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall stop and you will be right there; to get the Brooklyn side take the 2 or 3 train from Franklin Av. to the Clark Street station walk down Clark St. to Cadman Plaza West, turning left onto Tillary St. and left again on Brooklyn Bridge Blvd.

Here are some of the pictures I took(click to enlarge and see a description):