We stayed at Antonella’s lovely duplex in October for 10 nights for my husband’s 50th birthday.
It was spacious, clean and comfortable with enough room for 8 adults (although there were only 6 of us - 2 with their own private rooms). Absolutely perfect as an alternative to a Manhattan stay - but only a short train ride to all the sights. Having 2 bathrooms plus a powder room with toilet downstairs was great as well so everyone could get access when they needed to. Enough room so we did not feel like we were on top of one another. And could even sit out on the stoop when we were feeling like being one of the locals.
We took the A train (express) from Utica station on most days into Manhattan and found it to be easy to get around. Transfer to the 4 or the 5 express line made it even quicker to get uptown. The station. was a 10-15 minute walk away.
As for Brooklyn - what a vibrant and fun community. We visited lots of the local sights - Smorgasburg, Brooklyn Bridge and park, Red Hook, Brooklyn Public Library and Prospect Park to name but a few.
Restaurant options were also only a short walk, train or Uber ride away (best we found close to the apartment were on or around Franklin Ave - Mayfield, Berg’n and Chavelas. Barbacino also recommended to us by a local but didn’t make it there.Another recommended which is a short walk away was Bar Lunatico with live jazz.)
Booked dinner at Lilia (you must book at midnight on the dot New York time exactly a month in advance to score a reservation) and brunch at Sunday in Brooklyn. Our experience and food at both these locations was outstanding.
Do check out local beer spots if you’re a lover of craft beer. Of those we went to, the Other Half in Red Hook was probably our pick.
There is so much happening in Brooklyn that we will definitely be considering making this our base for any future NYC trips.
A shout out also to The Gift Man in Brooklyn in Park Slope who supplied us with all our Brooklyn souvenir needs.
Thanks Antonella for sharing your apartment with us!