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!

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 20th 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…

SPark Workshop, located on 34th St / 2nd 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 26th 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!

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 (22nd) & March (22nd) 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!

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 27th through December 30th
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 55TH Street (Between 1st & 2nd Avenue)
Brooklyn NY
212-828-3361
Thursdays, July 5th 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.
11th Avenue (Between Sherman and Windsor Place)
Brooklyn, NY
212-788-7900
Sundays, July 8th through November 18th
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 15th to November 16th
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

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.

For us, however, the most beautiful time of year has to be right here, right now, in the fall. Thanks to the extensive work of the Park’s Natural Resources Group; our parks are now a magnificent, vibrant display of multi-colored foliage; from the burnt umbers and yellows of the maple trees, to the purple tinges leaves of the white oak.

If you are looking for scenic things to do in Brooklyn, head over to Prospect Park, and enjoy some wildlife spotting, while taking in the glorious display of fall colour around you. Spend a few hours in the afternoon searching for some of Prospect Park’s feathered inhabitants amongst the bright red and orange leaves; it’s the perfect way to blow off the cobwebs!

In the fall, Brooklyn Botanical Gardens literally bursts with glorious fall scenery, as trees turn wonderful rusty shades of gold and yellow. Each area seems to boast a different display of colour; from the blood-red leaves of the acers to the occasional bright burst of colour from a fall flower. If you find yourself feeling a bit chilly while pacing through the many different gardens, take some time to defrost in the park’s many conservatories, with fascinating plants from all over the world.

The perfect spot for an invigorating seasonal stroll in the fresh, fall air is Fort Greene Park. If you have a dog, or a family of exuberant youngsters who go stir crazy in the house, then make a beeline for this park, to burn off some energy whilst racing round the lawns (and of course, kicking a path through the fallen leaves!)

Or, for something even more active in terms of things to do in Brooklyn in the fabulous fall, you can’t get more ideal than Owl’s Head Park. Let the older kids loose on the skate park or basketball courts while you spend a little time wandering beneath the beautiful fall foliage and enjoying the simple beauty of nature at its finest.

So, what are you waiting for? Get your warmest coat and gloves on and enjoy Brooklyn’s stunning parks, decked out in their finest this fall.

For relaxing and chilled out things to do in Brooklyn; visit Brooklyn Bridge Park. Pier 1 and Pier 6 are now fully open, and offer a huge range of activities for the whole family, including serene nature walks through the Marsh Garden, free seasonal boating out on the open waters and artfully landscaped lawns that are perfect to settle down with a picnic upon, or to snuggle up on in a winter’s coat, armed with a thermos filled with some warm coffee! Both Piers also offer a number of scenic paths to stroll down, which makes for the perfect activity to dust off the cobwebs at the weekend and enjoy the natural surroundings.

For those who think this all sounds a little too sedate, don’t panic. Brooklyn Bridge Park also offers livelier activities; so those looking for more active things to do in Brooklyn, whilst still getting away from the bustle of the inner city, will not be disappointed. Pier 6 boasts sand volleyball courts, and Pier 1 offers bicycle rentals, for those looking to enjoy the views of the waters at speed. The kids are catered for too, with a huge range of play areas, including the wet and wild Water Lab on Pier 6 and the exciting Slide Mountain. Even the dogs are catered for, with a well sized dog run on Pier 6. For things to do in Brooklyn, few locations spoil the entire family quite as much as this one!

Work still continues on Brooklyn Bridge Park, and some of the plans for the remaining 4 piers include basketball and handball courts, skating rinks and playing fields, for those wanting to play a bit of soccer or other team sports. And what is truly great is that there is a real focus on sustainability, from energy conservation to using salvaged materials for construction.

With such a vast array of activities, you may plan to spend just an hour and end up staying the whole day. As far as things to do in Brooklyn go, taking time to enjoy some fresh air, whilst using the excellent facilities at Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Gateway Center – 501 Gateway Drive, Brooklyn, NY; Phone: 718-235-0467 The Gateway Shopping Center is located in eastern part of Brooklyn, specifically East New York. This shopping center is right next to the Belt Parkway with easy access to it from the main thoroughfare in this part of the city and has some of the larger chain stores including Marshall’s, Target, BJ’s Wholesale, Home Depot, Bed Bath and Beyond, Staples, and a Kid’s R Us. There are plenty of other service stores as well, and you’ll find three popular sit-down restaurants such as Olive Garden, Red Lobster, and the Boulder Creek Steakhouse.

Atlantic Center – 625 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, NY The Atlantic Center shopping center is in the Fort Greene area of Brooklyn at the end of the Atlantic Avenue retail walk near 4th Avenue. This Brooklyn shopping center has many of the top-name chain stores, including shops like Target, Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, Daffy’s, Old Navy, Best Buy, DSW, and Payless Shoe Source. Whether you need to pick up clothing, electronics, jewelry, office supplies, or cosmetics, The Atlantic Center is the perfect place for all-day, one-stop shopping. There are plenty of eateries to choose from as well, and they even have other services such as a dental office, Carver Savings Bank, and a branch of the DMV.

Kings Plaza – 5100 Kings Plaza, Brooklyn, NY; Phone: 718-253-6921 Kings Plaza Shopping Center has been around since 1970 and can be found just a short distance off the Belt Parkway at the intersection of Flatbush Avenue and Avenue U. This Brooklyn shopping Center features 120+ stores and restaurants, with main store chains such as Sears, Macy’s, Best Buy, H&M, and Old Navy. It was extensively renovated in 2001and is the largest such shopping center within the borough of Brooklyn. There is parking available onsite for a small fee.

Georgetown Shopping Center – 2181 Ralph Avenue, Brooklyn, NY; Phone: 718-241-2600 The Georgetown Shopping Center is your standard major strip mall with over 20 stores, including Waldbaum’s, GNC, RadioShack, GameStop, Dress Barn, and Party City. There is also a detached IHOP nearby. – See more at: https://trendytripping.com/nyc-shopping-at-brooklyn-shopping-center/#sthash.JyYKGmBX.dpuf

Well, don’t go booking that holiday just yet. Things to do in Brooklyn don’t just involve the city itself, you know! For a real taste of the great outdoors, right here on your doorstep, check out one of the city’s respected stables, which offer a wide range of horseback riding lessons and tranquil trail riding, right here in the city. New York isn’t all about the bustle and excitement…for those looking for a taste of more peaceful things to do in Brooklyn, there are activities to be found, and none more invigorating than climbing on the back of a horse and taking a real break from the daily grind, if only for a few hours.

People looking for relaxing things to do in Brooklyn will take great delight in unwinding as they trot calmly through the verdant woodlands and peaceful waterways of Prospect Park; our very own slice of the country, right here in the city. Kensington Stables offer worn-out workers and horse-lovers alike the chance to saddle up and enjoy an hour’s ride at a leisurely pace through some glorious natural surroundings as they ride along the Park’s picturesque bridle path. Alternatively, for those not quite confident enough to simply leap into the saddle and make for the woods; Kensington Stables also offer horse riding lessons, to help build your confidence and get you properly acquainted with your equine companion.

Jamaica Bay Riding Academy, another local riding establishment, also offer a variety of trail rides in tranquil locations within the city itself. For people looking for truly different things to do in Brooklyn, cantering peaceably through the city’s more rural spots is guaranteed to really hit the spot.

Of all the things to do in Brooklyn that we can think of, few beat a beautiful horse riding trail for the opportunity to get back to nature and escape for a while into a rural idyll. Don’t be put off by the chilly weather either; simply wrap up warm and enjoy the crisp, cool air on your face as you bob through the wintry trees. Whatever the season, horseback riding in Brooklyn NY is an experience that can be enjoyed, again and again.