Living in Brooklyn can sometimes blind you from realizing how amazing it is. Word is gradually spreading to “in the know” international travelers about the treasures that await in the county of Kings, and I want to devote a post to one perfect Saturday in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
We spent a blissful sunny Saturday in Williamsburg, hopping between Smorgasborg food market and Renegade Craft Fair, both on the East River Waterfront. Filipino, Japanese, Italian, BBQ, Ice Cream, Cold Press Coffee…. the options are endless. Most portions are small and prices large, but everything is artisinal and delicious.
A view from the beer tent, a good vantage point by all definitions.
The Renegade Craft Fair pops up in six cities twice a year, offering over 300 indie craft booths, free workshops, photo opps, and giveaways.
My favorite booth at the fair- PetitFelts’s needle-felted figurines
This year, we scored free screenprinted tote bags, snacks and nail art, I sewed a case for my sunglasses, and made a felt owl ornament.
The fruits of my Renegade crafting
I purchased that cute Octopus pillow from Broderpress, usually $40, but on sale for $15 as a sample at the fair. The bath and body oils were purchased from a pharmacy on Bedford avenue that was going out of business- $7 for two full sized organic bath products.
East River Ferry Croquet challenge
Walking south, we discovered that Bedford Avenue was closed to traffic for a street fair. Instead of cars, there was a portable gym, pop-up lawns made of sod, and bands playing barefoot. The East River Ferry Croquet challenge allowed 3 shots each: the prize when we both made the shot? Two 10-trip tickets between Manhattan and Brooklyn!
The Wild Yaks performing at Union Pool.
Up the road at Union Pool, their “Summer Thunder” series lasts through the summer, with free live shows in their big backyard, a resident taco truck, and beer specials from Sixpoint and Brooklyn Breweries (you can also visit Brooklyn Breweries in Williamsburg, but that’s another story). We caught the spectacle that is Wild Yaks while scarfing $6 Migas from El Diablo’s , and sipping $3 Sixpoint Apollos. Yum!
Mexican Brunch and beer at Union Pool
For one final meal, we went to Kristophe on Metropolitan Avenue, about a 5-10 minute walk from Union Pool. This is one of the better happy hours in this area, with half price drinks and appetizers everyday from 5-7. They have a large outdoor patio, which made the german beers and Polish food taste even better. Bacon-wrapped dates, duck pierogies, grilled mixed sausages, and spicy beef tartar plus drinks= $25.
A sampling of goodies at Kristophe’s
Of course there are hundreds of restaurants and bars to choose from, many entertainment venues and shopping options in this one neighborhood alone. Every now and again, I think back on one day in Brooklyn and am shocked at how easy it is to gorge yourself on greatness here.
