If you’re starting your trip by way of Metro North, I recommend taking the ferry from 35th street to North Williamsburg. It is by no means the quickest way to travel, but the NYC ferry is such a delight and gives a great view of the neighborhood from the water. Stepping off the ferry, head into the heart of the neighborhood by taking a left down bustling Bedford Avenue or the quieter Berry and Wythe on your way to McCarren Park. While McCarren is no Central Park, its congenial and community-oriented atmosphere give it a lively feel that make you want to set down a blanket and take it all in. Doing just that, I recommend going to Pasta Forma or Frankel’s nearby to pick up lunch for your picnic. If you have the time, stop at Brooklyn Charm on the way for a fun experience embracing your inner jewelry designer.

Standing in McCarren Park and looking south, you are at the start of Williamsburg with a full menu of options in front of you. For thoughtfully curated vintage clothes shopping, check out Amarcord, Chickees Vintage, Le Grande Strip, and Seven Wonders Collective. Though not vintage, I also recommend visiting Kai D. for artisan menswear reminiscent of Bond Street and Catbird for simple yet stunning jewelry. If you’re a reader looking for your next book, go to quirky Spoonbill and Sugartown Books or the always favorite McNally Jackson. If interior design and home goods are more your speed, there is Berry Home and Beam for fans of minimalism and modern décor, Sharktooth for vintage textiles, Leif for the bohemian and Upstate Stock for goods reminiscent of camping in the Adirondacks. If you’re feeling brave and energetic, you can pay a visit to the aptly named Junk, whose interior can only be described as the polar opposite of a Restoration Hardware. There are many great antique pieces and furniture to be found at Junk, if you’re willing to look.

After a day of pounding the pavement, take things into a slower gear with a drink at sunset. Head to Maison Premiere fashioned after the absinthe bars and grand hotel lobbies of yesteryear for oysters and crafted cocktails. Speaking of crafted cocktails, around the corner lives Fresh Kills, a unique cocktail bar where no menu is needed. Simply tell the waiter your mood or favorite flavors and a custom cocktail will be delivered to you. If you’re wanting a drink with a view, you have a few options. On the casual end there is Other Half Brewing Company or Tacocina in Domino Park. You can watch the sun fade behind the Manhattan skyline with a drink in hand. On the more upscale side, Lilistar at the Moxy Hotel boasts an open air, spunky roof top bar with a view of the neighborhood.

As a dinner destination, Williamsburg has a laundry list of well-known restaurants with impossible to cinch reservations. When you can’t get into Lilia, Misi or Laser Wolf, I recommend Have & Meyer. An intimate Italian neighborhood wine bar, Have & Meyer is all dark wood, dim lights and marble countertops. Bottles of wine line the walls and polaroids of diners are scattered throughout. With an impressive list of natural wines and the best espresso martini, it is shocking how this restaurant has gone so unnoticed. Everything about the place is thoughtful in creating a sophisticated yet cozy and welcoming vibe. Most of the menu is locally sourced and elevates classic Italian dishes with little fuss, rich flavors and luxurious textures. If you find yourself ending the day at Have & Meyer, with the candles flickering low and jovial conversations humming around you, take a moment to sit back, sip wine and reflect on your time in Williamsburg. You might find it’s wiggled a way into your heart.

*A brief acknowledgement that this guide focuses solely on North Williamsburg. As one of the largest neighborhoods in Brooklyn, there is much more to explore in Williamsburg, off the Graham, Grand, Montrose and Morgan stops on the L, that cannot be captured in one brief guide. Until next time!