DUMBO Visitors Guide

DUMBO, a tiny neighborhood with spectacular views of Manhattan and New York's beautiful bridges, including the Brooklyn Bridge, is the first neighborhood in Brooklyn you'll find after walking the Brooklyn Bridge.It's a combination of old warehouses, interesting shops and restaurants, and pricey high rise apartments. You can find art galleries and occasionally big neighborhood art shows here. And, DUMBO is home to the famous pizzeria Grimaldi's, as well as Jacques Torres chocolate shop, St. Ann's Warehouse (which hosts edgy theatrical performances) and numerous other arty venues.

Most of all, in DUMBO you get a spectacular view of Manhattan's skyline, NY Harbor and the Statue of Liberty.

Rule One of living in Brookyn, of course, is that you won't lack for good food options! And, as every Brooklynite knows, there's great pizza everywhere, with no need to wait in lines. If you're visiting DUMBO or bringing out-of-towners to see this interesting Brooklyn neighborhood, here are some food ideas

• Get homemade fare at Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory
• Try one of the 10 best brunch spots in DUMBO
• Have Grimaldi's pizzeria (but think twice if there's a long line)
• Have brunch with live music at the very cool local joint Superfine
  
• Check out cool local places such as Rice and ReBar
• Get a tasty taco, grilled cheese sandwich, and wine and salad frin excellent food trucks near Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Many people come to DUMBO just to take photographs, for a wedding picture, anniversary or special occasion. What better photo than framed against the New York City skyline?

The old, dark, noisy cobblestone streets in DUMBO, nestled between the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges, are full of interesting shops and eateries. Take a walk down Front Street.

Conveniently located at the foot of Fulton Street is a famous small landing that juts out onto the water. On one side is the highly rated River Cafe, an expensive restaurant that's a favorite for weddings and special events. (NOTE: CLOSED FOR REPAIR DUE TO FLOODING IN HURRICANE SANDY, OCTOBER 2012.

Here you can also try the excellent Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory, set in a picturesque old light house. And, there's an equally charming old barge that's been renovated into New York City's only floating concert hall, called BargeMusic. (Note: The barge did not sustain huge damage in the hurricane.)

Fulton Landing has great historical significance. It was the site of the original ferry, designed by Robert Fulton, that ran between Manhattan and Brooklyn starting in 1642.

Find out more about Fulton Landing.

Foodies and chocoholics love the chocoates here. You can see chocolate chefs at work through a glass window, stop for a treat, and buy wonderful small packets of interesting chocolates for gifts for the kids and family.

Across the street, there's a fine French bakery, too!

Near the Fulton Landing (to the left, as you gaze at the Manhattan skyline) is a fabulous place, Brooklyn Bridge Park. Allow yourself at least a half hour to wander around the pathways and gaze at the world-class views of the Statue of Liberty. Take a picnic, read a book here, and enjoy the open vistas and fresh breezes as you watch the water traffic plying the East River. Across the water is Wall Street, the nation's financial engine. Before 2011, the World Trade Center's twin towers were prominent on the Wall Street skyline.

• Views: There are fabulous views of the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, with the Empire State Building in midtown Manhattan in the distance.
• Summer: In the summer there are food vendors, special concerts, kayaking off the pier and many other activities. See the calendar of activities in Brooklyn Bridge Park.
• Visitors Guide to Brooklyn Bridge Park.

• Free Summer outdoor films
• DUMBO's Summer Arts Festival: A 3 day festival in September that features the work of over 500 artists. With music, public performances, and special events, this is a neighborhood-wide festival that draws visitors from all over New York City and beyond.
• Gallery Crawls: Group visits to the studios of artists who work in DUMBO.

1. Visit Brooklyn Bridge Park
2. Take photos, enjoy the view from Fulton Landing
3. Eat!   Try Grimaldi's and other local pizzerias,, Superfine, ReBar, Rice, or get a tasty taco, grilled cheese sandwich, and wine and salad at the very excellent food trucks near Brooklyn Bridge Park
4. Take in a show at St. Ann's Warehouse or Galapagos
5. Go to the movies at ReRun
6. Visit Jane's Carousel (opening autumn 2011)
7. Take a ferry to Governors Island (summer only)