Lecia Bushak
Frosted with snow, the view from the side of the Brooklyn Bridge is stunning.
How will you spend your Thanksgiving break?
When the Blizzard of 2010 hit, Brooklyn was blanketed in white. In Dumbo, old factories from an industrial era — now artists' lofts and highly desirable apartments — were frosted with snow. At Empire Fulton Ferry State park, kids and adults built snowmen and organized snowball fights.
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The streets of Dumbo are as picturesque as the bridges that give the area its name.
Dumbo is a unique area, rich in architecture, where the buildings and bridges melt into a concrete landscape.
The blizzard made it difficult for residents to start up their cars, but made for a beautiful day trip.
Because of rising rent prices and growing gentrification, Dumbo attracts families of working professionals to its cobblestone streets. That day, the park was filled with dogs and babies bundled up in poofy winter coats. It's a quiet place, especially on a late snowy afternoon. As dusk fell, park revelers retreated to warm coffee shops for a cup of hot chocolate.
But where were the artists and innovators that Dumbo is known for? As a late-winter, purple-blue sky hung over the prodigious East River bridges, Dumbo's creative minds appeared to be dormant.
A walk down the narrow streets, past the Dumbo Arts Center and its many galleries, reveals that the inner creativity known to flourish here is indeed present — if you look close enough.
Take St. Ann's Warehouse on Water Street, one of New York City's most innovative concert and theater venues. For 30 years, St. Ann's has produced cutting-edge, avant-garde shows. Digital Dumbo is a group of highly talented and innovative artists and designers who work and socialize together in this trendy place.
And of course, there are other ways to get your fix of Dumbo culture. Talk to the locals, and they'll tell you to visit Bubby's at 1 Main Street for brunch and an Organic French Roast Sumatra Coffee accompanied by an incredible view. Bubby's, which has another location in Tribeca, is famous for its variety of pies, including apple, sour cherry and peanut butter chocolate. You can also stop by Jacques Torres Chocolate to satisfy your chocolate desires nearby on Water Street.
Now that spring is approaching and the snow has melted, I'm reminded that Dumbo's "Movies with a View" will be kicking off mere months from now. These events are free of charge in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Hundreds of people gather to spread across the grass with blankets to watch classic movies such as "The Shining" projected onto a giant screen. And nothing makes a day trip like a perfect view of the Brooklyn Bridge.
