An Afternoon in Brooklyn: Boerum Hill and Cobble Hill

An Afternoon in Brooklyn: Boerum Hill and Cobble Hill | Organized Mess

I think I fell in love with Brooklyn a few weeks ago. I already knew I was in love with Manhattan but (and I cant believe I'm saying this) I might love Brooklyn even more. I've been to Brooklyn a few times but this day in particular was such a perfect day and the more time I spend in New York the harder I fall for it. 

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Derek and I met two of our friends in Boerum Hill for Refinery 29's 29Rooms Pop Up Interactive Exhibit. Refinery 29 describes it as a "funhouse of style, culture and creativity" which is definitely what it was. There were 29 rooms that were all products of collaboration with brands and artists and most of them had a different activity or photo op. Some made you think more than others and a few were definitely just for the 'gram. One of my favorite rooms was one where you could walk in and write a message to your younger self and hang it on the wall. There was also a room where you could go in and dance for 5 minutes and just let loose - there was both glitter and a DJ in this room but we never made it to that one. 29Rooms is no longer in Brooklyn but you can find out more info here and see where they will be popping up next. 

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Afterwards we were starving (you know, photo ops are just soooo exhausting haha), so we started to wander around the neighborhood to find a place to grab brunch. There were plenty of options but while looking at the menu of a busy restaurant a local stopped by and recommended a Vietnamese place called Bricolage down the street. Best. suggestion. ever. The decor was beautiful and we got to sit in the garden that was in the back. There were plants everywhere and a vintage/artsy look with shelves that were filled with vintage TVs and other knickknacks. Everything on the menu looked delicious but I ended up going with the Breakfast Banh Mi which was on the freshest bread and stuffed with bacon, eggs, pickled carrot and daikon, jalepeno and cilantro along with a Vietnamese Iced Coffee. Derek got the beef and fried egg which was also delicious (I stole a bite or two) but next time I think I want to try the Niman Ranch Pork Belly Hash. 

An Afternoon in Brooklyn: Boerum Hill and Cobble Hill | Organized MessBooks are Magic | Organized MessBooks are Magic | Organized MessBooks are Magic | Organized MessBooks are Magic | Organized Mess

On the way out we stopped at the Everyman Espresso for coffee next door and then Derek and I headed to Cobble Hill to Books are Magic. It was so busy but I could see why! The store is beautiful, I loved how all of the current recommendations were pulled to the front of the store and everyone working there was so friendly. The space was so bright and clean, it was like a little escape from the rest of the city. They also had adorable mugs, which I'm making a mental note to pick one up next time I'm in the neighborhood! 

An Afternoon in Brooklyn: Boerum Hill and Cobble Hill | Organized MessAn Afternoon in Brooklyn: Boerum Hill and Cobble Hill | Organized MessAn Afternoon in Brooklyn: Boerum Hill and Cobble Hill | Organized MessAn Afternoon in Brooklyn: Boerum Hill and Cobble Hill | Organized MessAn Afternoon in Brooklyn: Boerum Hill and Cobble Hill | Organized Mess

Our last stop before having to grab the bus back to Philadelphia was Brooklyn Farmacy and Soda Fountain. It's an adorable retro-themed ice cream place. They also have a full food menu but we were still too stuffed from brunch to think about more food. I went with the black rasberry ice cream (on a cone, of course) and Derek got a cookies n cream milkshake. We took the long way to the subway, eating our ice cream and admiring how picture perfect Cobble Hill is. We walked by a block party, multiple green parks and the cutest shops. 

We're already dreaming about our next trip to Brooklyn!