Now, thanks to BAMTravel, your experiences need no longer be limited to the confines of NYC. BAMtravel offers experiences for like-minded cultural aficionados, so if you think you’ve seen all the things to do in Brooklyn, this is the chance to spread your wings and explore the world from a highly cultural perspective!

This year’s exciting tour is to one of the cultural epicenters of the world; France. Join BAMTravel as they tour round the Festival D’Aix-en-Provence and the Festival D’Avignon, taking in not only the wonderful architecture and ambiance of these locations, but also the vast array of amazing theater and opera that mark the events.

Enjoy the fascinating sprawl of the outdoor market at Aix-en-Provence, not to mention the stunning panoramas of the beautiful Mediterranean Sea, before enjoying a performance from the Metropolitan Opera, or Don Giovanni, performed in a medieval palace courtyard. At the Festival D’Avignon, take time to explore the historic gothic architecture whilst seeing some really innovative and inspiring theater.

So, think you’ve seen it all, when looking for things to do in Brooklyn? Then join BAMTravel, and have a world of new cultural experiences laid at your feet!

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The two day event, held at Bohemian National Hall (Saturday) and out and about in the city (Sunday) is the perfect opportunity for experienced travelers and people new to the travel scene to gather, to learn about all things travel related and to come away with bags of inspiration and information!

Saturday 20^th April will feature a variety of expert speakers, panelists and even tastings, with subjects covered such as Eco-travel, Lesbian/ Gay travel and Food and Drink. The following day, festival goers will be encouraged to venture out to designated areas in NYC, to engage in tours, cultural events, some seriously interesting hands-on events and some delicious food tastings.

As proud media sponsors of the event, we urge all intrepid travelers to head on down to this fabulous event and experience the excitement for yourselves.

If all this news of travel whets your appetite for something more, then why not enter the Travfest 2013 competition? To be in with a chance of winning a fantastic trip for two to the culturally inspiring city of Prague (Czech Republic), simply write a short article on how travel inspires you, along with a short paragraph on why you would like to go to the Czech Republic.

Who knows, the next one experiencing exciting travel on a whole new level and taking a trip to this fascinating country could be you…

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SPark Workshop, located on 34^th St / 2^nd Avenue, provides the perfect space for both creativity and collective endeavour. Set in a beautifully airy, light, spacious building, SPark offers people the chance to share space collectively, and use the facilities to create and develop creatively. With over 10,000 square feet of space, this innovative workshop allows access to well equipped studios, woodworking areas, plus all tools, equipment and amenities.

Often, when looking for creative things to do in Brooklyn, it can be all too easy to dismiss art and crafts, based on the fact that it is so expensive to set up your own studio space. SPark seeks to eradicate this issue, by encouraging collaboration and shared facilities, at a fraction of the cost. In short, it is the perfect solution for all you talented crafty people out there, whether a novice wood worker or an experienced artist.

April 26^th sees Spark hosting its first ever gallery show, Ignition. This exciting event will showcase some of the area’s finest artists and makers, and show real diversity and eclecticism. So, if you are looking for things to do in April, mark this event for your diary, it is not to be missed!

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At O Live, situated by the Williamsburg Bridge, anybody, whether a connoisseur of food, or a newbie to the foodie scene, can enjoy a taste of the good life, and sample the vast array of olive oils and balsamic vinegars on offer.

Husband and wife team, Greg Bernarducci and Elizabeth Weiss, feel passionate about not only creating an experience of oil sampling, and making a visit to their premises top on the list of things to do in Brooklyn, but also about the considerable health benefits.

A native New Yorker, Greg Bernarducci is a man on a mission. Through O Live, he hopes to promote the amazing health benefits of fresh, organic oils and vinegars, and encourage people to incorporate them into their everyday cooking. For tasty things to do in Brooklyn, few experiences come better than an afternoon spent sampling these delicious and varied oils, with experts on hand to guide you through your culinary journey!

Join O Live this Friday (22^nd) & March (22^nd) as they host a Beer and Food Fest; an evening of fine beer sampling and superior food tasting, featuring some amazing locally brewed ales, and some fascinating talks, focusing on how to use the oils on offer in cooking, and to pair them with perfectly matched brews. So if the weekend is approaching and you are stuck for ideas of things to do in Brooklyn, look no further…and come and enjoy some of the fabulous oils and beers on offer!

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Run by Anthony Simonson, the restaurant is a chic, yet homely fusion of classy, crisp linens and contemporary sleek wood, which really sets the tone for the establishment. Restaurants in Brooklyn seldom achieve this perfect mix of elegance and welcoming hospitality. Anthony, a Brooklyn man born and bred, is truly proud of the praise that his restaurant has received in their first year; and puts a lot of it down to the emphasis on creating the sort of ambiance that diners want to return to, again and again.

Not many restaurants in Brooklyn have such a wonderful bar, either. It is highly tempting, after a hard day at the office, to unwind with a perfectly mixed cocktail in hand, and enjoy a friendly chat with Elizabeth Limarge, noted for her ability to not only create a truly divine long island iced tea, but also for her welcoming and friendly personality.

Come along and help The Rooftop celebrate their first year, and appreciate their emerging reputation as one of the most memorable restaurants in Brooklyn.

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However, head over to Lafayette Ave, opposite the BAM, and open the doors to La Caye, an atmospheric, yet trendy Haitian restaurant in Brooklyn. Right from the start, you will get a taste of the vibe of La Caye, from the chairs and tables that spill out on to the pavements, to the activity and buzz that can be seen through the large, inviting windows. As well as serving up some of the most delicious Haitian dishes in the neighborhood (we’ve been reliably informed that the Legumes D’Aubergine is a delight to eat and that the Poulet en Sauce was to die for), La Caye has an excellent bar with a good range of drinks to enjoy.

La Caye prides itself on customer service, and in showing people true Haitian hospitality. Restaurants in Brooklyn often nail it when it comes to a warm welcome and great service, but La Caye brings a little extra Caribbean personality to the table. Guests are assured a great ambiance and will find themselves kicking back and chilling out for far longer than they originally planned!

Perhaps the best thing about La Caye, which really helps it to stand out from other restaurants in Brooklyn, is the excellent events that they host, on a weekly basis. Jazz nights are a regular event, and La Caye present a wide variety of artists, from traditional Jazz bands to exciting Latin Jazz sounds. For more information on what’s on, simply phone up (+1 718-858-4160) or pop in and ask about the famous ‘Sip n Chat’ evenings; for the perfect opportunity to enjoy some fine Haitian food, quaff some drinks with friends, and enjoy the excellent music.

If you’re looking for something a bit fresh and new to tickle your tastebuds, and you require something different from your restaurants in Brooklyn, don’t delay, head on down to La Caye, and indulge in some fine dining and soothing Jazz sounds, Haitian style.

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Local farmers markets in Brooklyn offer everything from yummy baked goods and specialty coffees, to farm-fresh ingredients for preparing wonderful meals at home. You’ll be able to pick up most of your necessities for cooking, as well as other wonderful items like handcrafted wares and natural skin care products at most of these local farmers’ markets.

Wherever you live in Brooklyn, you’re sure to find a local farmers market that will supply you with a great variety of farm-fresh goodies, as well as keep your local community thriving. Some of these Brooklyn farmers’ markets take place on the weekend, and others are conveniently held mid-week, so you can replenish dwindling food supplies practically whenever you need to.

Here is a list of the most popular local farmers’ markets in Brooklyn…

Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket

This local farmers’ market is Greenmarket’s flagship farmers’ market in Brooklyn, and the second largest in Greenmarket’s program. Set at the northeast entrance of Prospect Park, the Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket enjoys a lovely location just steps from the Brooklyn Public Library, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and the Brooklyn Museum. At the Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket, you’ll find a large variety of produce and farm-fresh products, and you’ll be able to participate in cooking demonstrations every Saturday throughout the year.

Prospect Park West & Flatbush Avenue (Northwest Corner of Prospect Park)
Brooklyn, NY
212-788-7913
Saturdays, year round
8am to 4pm

Park Slope Farmer’s Market

Enjoy fresh produce, as well as specialty foods like soups, sauces, salsas, chocolate, chutneys, spreads, olive oils, and more at this local farmers’ market in Park Slope. Come meet with neighbors and discuss health and community with like-minded people, as you pick up baked goods, seasonal fruits and vegetables, and even wines to take back home.

4th Street at 5th Avenue – Park Slope
914-923-4837
Sundays, May 27^th through December 30^th
10am to 4pm

Red Hook Winter Market

The Red Hook Winter Market is a season farmers’ market in Brooklyn that takes place on Red Hook Community Farm. The Red Hook Winter Market accepts debit and credit cards for payment, as well as EBT.

580 Columbia Street (Red Hook Community Farm)
Brooklyn, NY 11232
845-582-3994
Saturdays, January through April
10am to 4pm

Harvest Home Farmers’ Market – Lutheran Market

Situated on the front steps of Lutheran Hospital, the Harvest Home Farmers’ Market – Lutheran Market provides a way for a predominantly immigrant local community to obtain fresh produce. Look for the season’s best yellow and Saturn Peaches, white nectarines, Shiro and Rosa plums, cherries, Honeycrisp and seasonal apples, apricots, and specialty food items.

Lutheran Way at 55^TH Street (Between 1^st & 2^nd Avenue)
Brooklyn NY
212-828-3361
Thursdays, July 5^th through November 155h
8am to 4pm

Greenpoint/ McCarren Park Greenmarket

The Greenpoint/ McCarren Park Greenmarket is a beloved Saturday farmers’ market in Brooklyn, and provides a way for local Brooklyners to mingle with neighbors and the farmers who grow their food. You’ll find an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as local honeys, bakery items, and juices. Keep your eye out for cooking demonstrations, family-friendly activities, and local musicians.

Union Avenue (Between Driggs & N 12th Street)
Brooklyn, NY
212-788-7900
Saturdays, year round
8am to 3pm

Coutelyou Greenmarket

This local farmers’ market sits in a popular strip of restaurants and retail establishments on Coutelyou Road. Come every Sunday morning to this Brooklyn Greenmarket and fill your bags with fresh herbs, seasonal fruits and veggies, pastas, orchard juices, mushrooms, and other local delicacies grown in the Black Dirt area of Orange County, NY. You’ll also find cooking demos and activities for the kiddies like sing-a-longs.

Brooklyn, NYCortelyou Road & Rugby Road (Between Kensington and Ditmas Park)
212-788-7900
Sundays, year round
8am to 4pm

Windsor Terrace Greenmarket

In addition to a lovely supply of farm fresh produce, you’ll find community-driven activities at the Windsor Terrace Greenmarket like recipe exchanges and cooking demonstrations. Every Sunday, from 9am to 1pm, participate in GrowNYC’s Compost Collection program, which takes place at the Windsor Terrace Greenmarket.

11^th Avenue (Between Sherman and Windsor Place)
Brooklyn, NY
212-788-7900
Sundays, July 8^th through November 18^th
9am to 3pm

Crown Heights Farmers’ Market

Stop by the Crown Heights Farmers’ Market to pick up farm-fresh product from RH Farms, as well as many other wonderful vendors. The Crown Heights Farmers’ Market accepts EBT/ SNAP, FMNP, and WIC. Get $2 in free Health Bucks when you spend $5.

510 Albany Avenue – Hamilton Metz Park
Brooklyn, NY
917-756-4202
Thursdays, year round
Noon to 7pm

Red Hook Farmers’ Market

Red Hook Community Farm hosts a local farmers’ market that is designed to stimulate social interaction in the community, while giving residents a way to access healthy food and real-life job training. Teens especially become involved in a Brooklyn farmers’ market that strives to meet the needs of its neighbors by accepting cash payments as well as EBT and debit/ credit card payments. Come and get your fill of farm-fresh produce, and help cycle money back into a program that supports stipends for youth participants.

580 Columbia Street (Red Hook Community Farm)
Brooklyn, NY
718-288-3455
Saturdays, June through October
10am to 3pm

Dumbo Farmers’ Market

Dumbo Farmers’ Market is a great place to shop for local honeys, potted herbs and plants, ornamental corn, organic fruits and vegetables, crafts, and even Christmas trees.

Main Street and Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn, NY
914-923-4837
Sundays, June through November
11am to 5pm

Bushwick Farmers’ Market

In addition to the Wednesday farmers’ market, look for satellite markets at Broadway and Halsey from 10am to 6pm on Thursdays, at the Bushwick Campus Farm Stand (Irving and Putnam) from noon to 4pm on Thursdays, and at Maria Hernandez Park (Knickerbocker at Star) from 9am to 4pm on Saturdays.

Broadway and Linden
Brooklyn, NY
www.bushwickfarmersmarket.org
Wednesdays, year round
10am to 6pm

High School for Public Service Youth Farm Market

This unique Brooklyn farmers’ market is actually a youth farm, which is the result of a partnership between the High School for Public Service and Green Guerillas, with support from the staff at BK Farmyards. The group has turned 1 acre into a thriving garden and educational farm, producing fresh food and flowers for the community.

600 Kingston
Brooklyn, NY

Harvest Home Coney Island Hospital

There is a great amount of community support for this local farmers’ market, which brings together the residents of South Brooklyn, as well as Brooklyn visitors who come to eat, shop, mingle, and enjoy the Coney Island neighborhood. You’ll find a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as specialty baked goods that reflect the African American, Italian American, Hispanic, and Russian cultures in the community.

Ocean Parkway (Between Avenue Z and Shore Road)
Brooklyn, NY
212-828-3361
Fridays, June 15^th to November 16^th
8am to 4pm

East New York Farmstand

Come to the East New York Farmstand and purchase homegrown produce, baked goods, specialty coffees, and more. Stick around for weekly live entertainment.

New Lots and Georgia Avenue
Brooklyn, NY
718-649-7979
Saturdays, year round
9am to 3pm

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But lunar travel could never happen, right? Or at least, not for us mere mortals…

Up until recently, lunar travel for the masses was the stuff of science fiction comics and cheap B movies. Then the Golden Spike Company came along and made a statement that blew all our previous preconceptions right out of the water. According to the company, not only was space travel feasible in theory, but could actually happen, as early as 2020.

The Golden Spike Company seems to be just the sort of company to be able to make good on their promises. With an impressive team of former space shuttle commanders, space flight directors and other experts, if any team seems qualified to get ordinary people living out their fantasies and becoming astronauts, it’s these guys.

So, what is it exactly that they offer? Their description of the experience is that it is not dissimilar to a train excursion, though obviously on a far grander scale. The moon travel experience would take the form of sitting aboard a space shuttle and passively taking in the remarkable views of the lunar landscape and the opportunity to see Earth from a perspective previously only reserved for a handful of astronauts and the odd passing meteorite.

The Golden Spike Co.’s ambitious plans do start to make the pulse race and the mind run riot. If lunar travel is possible for all by 2020, what will follow? Luxurious hotels on the moon? Day trips to Mars? A cruise around the Sun? Suddenly, the possibilities seem endless!

However, before you race online to book your ticket, there is a catch. A rather sizeable one, unfortunately. In order to bag yourself a seat on this coveted shuttle to the stars, you need to be able to raise a rather sizeable amount of money – somewhere in the region of $750 million, to be exact.

For those who have just had their childhood dreams of lunar travel once again shattered; just think of this positive thought; what could be just for the elite few in 2020, may well be far more affordable for the rest of us by 2030! So keep those dreams alive, all of you who daydream of being an astronaut; it may well become a reality sooner than we think…Travel hype has never been better!

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The club, which is the oldest of its kind in the United States, invites both members and non-members to take part in the swim on a yearly basis. With temperatures that are often below freezing, these brave souls have built a tradition that has lasted over 100 years on Coney Island.

New Years isn’t the only time the Polar Bear Club dives into the icy north Atlantic waters, however. Every Sunday from November through April, this group can be found assembling at the boardwalk at Coney Island for a weekly swim.

Founded in 1903 by then-famous fitness advocate Bernarr MacFadden, the Coney Island Polar Bears Club began as a way for both men and women to use a dip in the wintery waters to boost their virility, stamina and immunity. The group’s current members come from all walks of life, and are people who “take the plunge” for a variety of different reasons. While some do it for the perceived health benefits and others simply want to have a great time, the Polar Bears have offered a unique opportunity for people searching for what to do in Brooklyn.

The club is also known for its charitable contributions, raising money for a number of causes over the years. Since 2007, it has used its New Years Day Swim to garner funds for Camp Sunshine, which offers support and hope to children facing life-threatening illnesses. Thus far, the Polar Bears have raised more than $75,000 for the organization.

In the past, the club has also raised money for the New York Special Olympics, the Coney Island Sports Foundation, Friends of the Coney Island Boardwalk and PS 100 (the Coney Island School).

The Coney Island Polar Bear Club’s New Years Day Swim will start at 1:00 p.m. Those who wish to participate should meet on the boardwalk at Stillwell Avenue at Coney Island. Swimmers should also bring towels, warm clothes and old shoes or surf boot—as well as a camera to document this memorable event. While the club does not charge fees for the swim, attendees are strongly encouraged to make a donation to Club Sunshine.

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