offManhattan

If I could personify spring, I’d make it a man. When the time arose for him and me to have a serious chat (right about now) I wouldn’t worry myself with texting, i.m.’s or an @tweet message. I’d go old-school and just dial his number. And when he answered, I’d say in my most serious tone, “We need to talk.” I’d tell Spring just how temp-eramental he is; one weekend he’s cold and windy as winter, while another he’s as hot and heavy as summer. That said, spring will start becoming more reliable soon, and when he does, four frolic-worthy places in Brooklyn will be waiting.

Forest Natural | 120 Norman Avenue, Greenpoint | 718.383.7417 | forestnatural.com
This corner juice and sandwich bar is the lean and green answer to energizing eats. Owner Tommy Chabrwoski initially wanted a coffee shop but later realized, “Greenpoint needed a healthy place in its neighborhood too.” He focused on creating a menu inspired by forest trees. The 15 sandwiches on the menu are all named after trees Tommy himself likes such as the Elk, Elm, and Yellowwood. Maple is the most popular, but the Cyprus (apples, sprouts, avocado) is equally good and often underestimated. If you want something cool and light, try one of the fresh squeezed juices or smoothies like The Simple Life (carrot, apple, ginger) or the Rabbit’s First Love (Carrot Pineapple and Grapefruit). Be sure to grab one of the little homemade cupcakes from StickGirl Treats when you order. They’re baked fresh daily and sell out fast.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden | 900 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn | 718.623.7200 | BBG Plant Sale
This time of year, one of the best places to stroll is through the 99-year-old Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Take a leisurely walk through 52 acres with over 10,000 plant species. If you get tempted to pick a flower for a vase at home, head over to the Cherry Esplanade on May 6th and 7th when BBG will hold its annual plant sale. The majority of the plants are grown especially for the BBG by selected local growers. Additionally, there will be lectures and demonstrations for gardeners of all ages. Bring your kids for the $1 plant sale that’s just for them next to the Children’s Garden. Whether you’re looking for herbs and vegetables to grow or eventually cook, this is a great opportunity to bond with what’s in bloom.

GRDN | 103 Hoyt Street, Boreum Hill | 718.797.3628 | grdnbklyn.com
If you’re looking to spruce your fire escape with a potted plant, sow perennial seeds in your garden or pick up the week’s choice of annuals, this boutique garden-and-things shop will inspire you to go green one way or another. Situated on a side street in Boreum Hill, its hanging sign and outdoor wheelbarrow suggests that its visitors come to do as the store suggests: garden. Inside you’ll find everything from handmade pottery from a local father-and-son team to the changing selection of fresh-cut flowers and house plants, and stacks of French hand soaps that’ll soothe a gardener’s hands.

If you’re a beginner to the world of green thumbing, not to worry. Suzanne, the shop’s owner, along with her staff are on hand to answer questions and make suggestions. Everything is strategically placed so it’s easy to mull over options. Make sure to browse the nursery out back; it’s small but it has an intimate vibe that’s prone to make you linger. “People often just come here to hang out,” said Suzanne.  Whether you’re here to escape a city full of pavement or you’re shopping for something for your urban spot, GRDN definitely has the ‘greens’ for you.”

Five Front | 5 Hoyt Street, Dumbo | 718.625.5559 | fivefrontrestaurant.com
After a long day of labor, what better garden to enjoy good weather in than Five Front’s bamboo space. Have dinner or order a beverage while you lounge under the indigenous sounds of the borough’s trains passing over the Brooklyn Bridge. As you unwind at dusk below the city lights, you’re sure to spend the night in good company, lively conversation, and cool drinks in the alfresco.

How to get there: All locations are accessible by public transportation. Refer to the map below for more information.

Photo: Courtesy of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Map of Featured Locations

View View or Print Larger Map

Map It |

Related Posts