When one thinks of Brooklyn, a common thought would be the whimsical moustache-adorned hipsters populated Williamsburg or the famous Grimaldi’s pizza in the up-and-coming, high-rise sprawled DUMBO.
For those that are a bit more drawn to a grounded and historically rich part of Brooklyn, we suggest galivanting through Brooklyn Heights. This affluent neighborhood is home to many pre-war brownstone residences and still reflects many distinctive old-century character throughout its architecture.
The original settlers in Brooklyn were Dutch and gave birth to the origin of the borough’s name by first calling it “Breuckelen,” named after a town in their home country, the Netherlands. Some of its history also roots back to George Washington, where he had sorrowfully watched his army face defeat during the Battle of Brooklyn from this very neighborhood.
As the city became established during the 18th century, the launching of a new ferry system that went to Brooklyn paved the way for wealthy merchants to begin making Brooklyn Heights their home. The first homes established had reflected more traditional Dutch designs, with low ceilings and overhung roofs. Overtime the neighborhood experienced a renaissance of other architectural styles, building wealthy homes that reflect Gothic, Romanesque, Italianate and other classic designs.
One of the most pleasant points in this neighborhood is the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, which is paved with hexagonal brick for over 500 meters and arches over the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. The walkway offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Financial District skyline in lower Manhattan and the historic Brooklyn Bridge along the East River.
If you’ve ever wanted to impress your date to peacock your taste for romantic, historical neighborhoods, Brooklyn Heights would be a treat to stroll through on a beautiful sunny day.
Note: We try to be as accurate as possible but make no guarantees. Please use this information at your own risk.
Sources:
Photo without change courtesy of Jay Woodworth via Flickr (https://flic.kr/p/62hMuQ)
http://www.nyharborparks.org/visit/brhe.html
http://macaulay.cuny.edu/student-projects/2005/neighborhoods/16/architecture.shtml