Where is Brooklyn Heights
Brooklyn Heights is the area that runs along the water just opposite the most southern point of Manhattan. It is flanked by DUMBO to the North, Cobble Hill to the South and Downtown Brooklyn to the East. The nearest subway stop is the C train at High Street or the N/R/W at Court Street. Brooklyn Heights is a posh neighborhood known for its charming tree-lined streets, pre Civil War brownstones and 19th century mansions. One of my favorite things about the neighborhood is the section of streets named after fruits. Oh, how I would love to live on a street called Pineapple Street!
The Secrets of Brooklyn Heights
As the country’s first official suburb, Brooklyn Heights is full of secrets. In 1965, in an effort to keep Robert Moses from building the BQE along Henry St., it became the first NYC neighborhood to be designated a National Historic Landmark. The neighborhood boasts 600 structures built before the Civil War so it was a well deserved designation. Read on to learn about some of the secrets of Brooklyn Heights!
1. Plymouth Church
Steeped in history, Plymouth Church on Orange Street is top on the list of one of the best secrets of Brooklyn Heights for many reasons. First, its founding pastor, Henry Ward Beecher was widely known for his strong opposition to slavery and he turned the church basement into a busy passageway on the Underground Railroad. Also, in 1860, Abraham Lincoln attended church here and pew 89 is now marked with a plaque in his honor. Furthermore, in this church in 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his The American Dream Speech. Finally, the church is home to a 40lb piece of the Plymouth Rock, the landing site of the Mayflower Pilgrims.
2. 58 Joralemon Street
This brownstone on Joralemon Street is actually a decoy. If you are not looking closely, it looks just like the other brownstones and blends in with the neighborhood. The secret is, it is actually the worlds only Greek Revival subway ventilator! In addition to a ventilator, it has become an emergency exit for the 4/5 train a mere 9 stories below. Imagine climbing 9 stories and exiting the building to this tree lined street of beautiful Greek Revival homes. The blacked out windows are the giveaway that one of these homes is not like the others.
3. The alleyways of Grace Court Alley, Love Lane and Hunts Lane
These three little dead end streets of converted carriage houses bring you right back to what life was like in Brooklyn Heights in the 1800’s. It’s easy to imagine a horse and buggy riding down the once cobblestoned streets of these tiny Brooklyn blocks.
4. The Brooklyn Historical Society
Home to the preservation of Brooklyn’s 400 year history, the Brooklyn Historical Society is the keeper of all of Brooklyn’s secrets. The eye catching red building, located on the corner of Pierrepont and Clinton is well worth a visit. Founded in 1863, the Brooklyn Historical Society was originally called the Long Island Historical Society (Brooklyn would not become a part of NYC until 1898). There are several spots on the building that still indicate its original name including the intricate doorknobs and one on the facade. In addition, the facade is decorated with busts from famous people in history. See if you can find William Shakespeare, Beethoven, Michelangelo and Christopher Columbus among others.
5. The NY Transit Museum
While not really a secret, the NY Transit Museum is worth a mention here because of its “hidden in plain sight” entrance. In my opinion, this museum is one of the most under appreciated spots in Manhattan. A decommissioned subway station, you actually enter as if you are entering a subway and many people walk right by it without realizing. I love this place for its first hand view of how the NYC subway system was created and how it has dealt with challenges including 9/11 and Hurricane Sandy. The best part however, is in the basement, where you can step into the subway cars from the early 1900’s to today. Bonus if you bring a parent/grandparent that remembers some of the ads on the trains at that time!
6. The Four Chimneys Monument
This stone located at the foot of Montague Street and the promenade marks the location of the famous Four Chimneys House. This is the home where General George Washington was headquartered during the Battle of Brooklyn in 1776. Washington commanded some 12,000 troops at that time to hold New York at all costs. Among those soldiers was a captain named Alexander Hamilton.
Other Greats of Brooklyn Heights
The Brooklyn Heights Promenade
The star in this adorable neighborhood, is of course the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. The promenade runs above the BQE along the water providing for magnificent sweeping views of downtown Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge. It makes for a great Sunday stroll and we’ve spent many evenings walking the promenade during sunset with the family.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
The area below the BQE, Brooklyn Bridge Park, is one of Brooklyn’s newest and most popular developments. If you are spending an afternoon on the DUMBO waterfront, you are likely to end up here without even realizing you have left DUMBO and entered Brooklyn Heights. The park consists of 6 waterfront piers beginning in DUMBO with Pier 1 and ending at Atlantic Ave. with Pier 6.
Piers 1 &2
Each pier features something different and is a great way to spend a day. Pier 1 right next to Fulton Ferry Landing features granite steps that offer a breathtaking view of the skyline and is the location of many of the parks free events. In addition, you will find grassy lawns, a playground and the ferry service to Manhattan.
Pier 2 is where Brooklynites go to sweat. It features all kinds of athletics including basketball, handball, ping pong and bocce and shuffleboard. All courts are available for pick up games as well as some organized clinics. In addition, there is a roller rink and fitness equipment. The Pier 2 boathouse offers free kayaking in the warm months.
Piers 3 & 4
Pier 3’s trademark consists of a sprawling lawn with plenty of trees to protect from sun and wind. Furthermore, there is an exploratory labyrinth on the north side featuring a walk in kaleidoscope. Pier 4 beach takes you right to the water’s edge for rock skipping or tide watching. Sadly, swimming is not allowed.
Piers 5 & 6
Pier 5 is dedicated to playing fields and can accommodate soccer, lacrosse, football, and rugby. The pier also features the very popular Picnic Penninsula complete with hibachi style grills and picnic tables. Additionally, there are 2 nearby playgrounds and fishing off of this pier is an option.
In addition to more lush landscape, Pier 6 offers volleyball courts, a dog run and 5 separate playgrounds! Restrooms can be found on Piers 1,2,5 & 6. There are two casual restaurants available on Pier 6 as well as an ice cream kiosk on Pier 5.
Have we missed any other secrets of Brooklyn Heights? Send them along in the comments!
Want more Brooklyn? For a complete roundup of Brooklyn’s coolest neighborhoods, get my FREE E-Book here. Or use these guides when exploring the following Brooklyn neighborhoods. DUMBO, Bushwick, Greenpoint, Fort Greene, Williamsburg, and Prospect Park.