If you’re looking to see New York beyond Manhattan and the main touristy parts of Brooklyn, then Manny’s apartment is a fantastic base from which to explore. I travelled with my husband and two kids from Sydney Australia. The basement apartment is spacious; it’s a cool little oasis after days of high intensity sight-seeing. Having the outdoor BBQ to grill was a little luxury in New York. The kitchen is a good size and the washer/dryer are super handy to avoid laundromats. The walk to the subway is only five minutes to Utica Ave, and then a 30-40 minute ride into Manhattan, and being in Bed-Stuy Brooklyn, you get the chance to see a bit more of NY if you don’t mind the commute - just note you’re a bit further away from the city than some other Brooklyn locations. We were pros at the NY subway system by the end of our trip. Our 9-year-old twins loved the apartment and riding the trains, and it was quite nice to get home out of the craziness of the city. Manny was super responsive to questions and concerns. He left a little booklet of sights, restaurants, etc, in the area. He is a gracious host and a good guy.
Tips: For groceries, use Halsey Traders Market - it’s only a six-minute walk and has everything you need, including good fresh fruit and vegetables and beer. Manny’s Wine Shop (a different Manny) is also on Halsey if you’re looking for a couple of bottles of wine. There’s a corner store on pretty much every corner to get basics like milk. Peaches was an excellent and well-priced Southern restaurant nearby, and on your first night, nothing beats an easy pizza from Daddy Green’s, just around the corner. If you’re in town for a few days, buy the 7-day unlimited subway ticket. It’s worth the $30 and you’ll need it getting to all the spots around the city. Finally, make sure you take a stroll around the neighbourhood - north along Malcolm X and around the blocks along it. It’s a cool little area. Thanks, Manny!