Brooklyn Bound

Growing up, The Cosby Show was my all time favorite program.  Who didn't want to be a part of the Huxtable family?  They had a sweet, warm but firm mom and a lovable, witty dad (who wore those memorable Tundra sweaters) and they lived in a charming brownstone in Brooklyn Heights.  Cliff and Claire Huxtable were undoubtedly responsible for my affinity to this historic and majestic neighborhood just minutes from downtown Manhattan.  So, when we found ourselves with a refreshingly unplanned weekend, we spontaneously decided to explore The New York Transit Museum and then wander over to the heights only a few short blocks away.

I highly recommend The Transit Museum for both history buffs and families.  Located on the corner of Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street (please don't ask me to pronounce that), the museum is housed in an authentic 1930's subway station.  How cool is that?  It contains over 100 years of transit culture and memorabilia.  But, the best part were the collection of vintage trains which included the original ads.  You could picture Don Draper, cigarette in mouth, creating one of these masterpieces.  Later, we made our way over to Montague Street, the commercial strip in the heights known for its' plethora of restaurants and shops.  Tables spilled onto the sidewalk as diners lingered over their early dinners and a glass of wine.  Further down the street were the familiar red brick townhouses with vines running down the sides complete with peek-a-boo gardens, tall windows and regal entrances.  We continued down the leafy street until we encountered the famed Esplanade, which locals refer to as the promenade.  There were two brides (who kindly congratulated one another) having their photos taken against the backdrop of the Manhattan skyline.  These breathtaking views encompass endless skyscrapers, their reflections seen so clearly in the East River, Lady Liberty off in the distance and the Brooklyn Bridge with its' Gothic arches.  Now I know why this spellbinding neighborhood was home to such notable residents as Walt Whitman, Thomas Wolfe and Truman Capote.  It truly is an American dream.