Brooklyn at Night

The other day I was feeling stressed out by a variety of probably non-stressful things, and I knew I had to find a way to relax (apparently stress is bad for you — something I'm just recently finding out. In related news, I'm old.) Instead of trying something new, I decided to head to an old favorite: the Brooklyn Heights Promenade.

I've written about the virtues of the Heights before, but no matter how many times I walk the leafy streets, every time I emerge on the Promenade is pure magic. I'm a sucker for a good skyline view, and there is no shortage of those here in New York. I'll always be partial to the Promenade's, however, and the bench-lined walkway will always be one of my very favorite places on Earth.

Right next door to the Heights is DUMBO and Brooklyn Bridge Park, ever-expanding and recently connected to the Promenade by a pedestrian bridge. The bridge is a nice and scenic way to get to the park from the Promenade, but beware of the sway. I noticed it the first time I set foot on the bridge, and this time I noticed a sign explaining that the bounce is totally normal and not an indication that you're about to die.

Which is good to know, but still the bouncing is hard to get used to. Luckily it's a short walk, and the breathtaking views do their best to distract you from getting too motion-sick.

Once I was in Brooklyn Bridge Park, I stopped into the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory. I'd been wanting to eat there for a while, but they were closed for quite some time because of damage from Hurricane Sandy. They're reopened now, and I got a scoop of peaches & cream that was divine.

The view of the Brooklyn Bridge (and the Manhattan) doesn't get any better than from the pier, and it's wonderful at night or in the daytime. As I savored my ice cream I made my way to the pedestrian entrance to the Brooklyn Bridge. I've mentioned my love affair with bridges quite a lot lately, but it's becoming clear that my go-to relaxation technique is to walk the Brooklyn. Maybe it's the enormity of the stone or the symmetry of the cables, or the incredible views, but my stress literally melts away as soon as my feet hit the wooden boards.

The bridge has been under construction for quite a while, and much more of it has been covered in sheeting and fenced off since the last time I walked it. I'm anxious for the views to be restored (apparently the construction won't be finished until 2014), but a walk across it is still beyond compare.

It was the perfect night and treat to myself (all for a total of $4), and I continue to be amazed that it's all just a subway ride away.