Touristy Thing #42: Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge

It's true that everything in  New York is more expensive with the exception of a few things like designer clothes, vintage designer handbags, heels and such.  There are plenty of free things to do in NY though and there's one that I've always wanted to do: walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.  It took about 30-40 minutes for us to walk across the bridge (or at least it felt like it).  It was a sunny day and the view was spectacular!  Initially, we also thought about biking across the bridge since bike rental is pretty cheap.  So glad we didn't do that - it would've been hell trying to navigate around the sea of tourists who stop intermittently to pose for pictures.

And... we're finally in Brooklyn!  The first thing we did was we walked over to DUMBO (Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass).  DUMBO is a quiet neighborhood in Brooklyn with a great view of Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge.  It's also home to some of the most successful NYC startups: Etsy, Carrot Creative and Huge to name a few.  DUMBO is nicknamed the Silicon Beach because of its location (wait, where's the beach?) and the fact that there are at least 65 digital companies within a 5-block radius in this little neighborhood! (See the CNNMoney article)  But... we had a mission!  We were here to find Jane's Carousel (visit the official website).   According to the site, the carousel was created in 1922 and installed in Youngstown, Ohio, "then a prosperous steel-making city."  A local artist, Jane Walentas, restored the carousel and installed it in Brooklyn Bridge Park, right by the water (in a glass enclosure, of course!).  For $2, you can ride this carousel and enjoy some of the most glorious views of Manhattan - best $2 I've spent in a while.

One view from the carousel

We also stopped by Jacques Torres chocolate on our way back to the bridge.  Mr. Chocolate makes a seriously decadent wicked hot chocolate.  I have yet to try Max Brenner's, so I can't really compare but the spices (is it hot pepper?) add a really fun flavor to it.  Also, apparently hot chocolate on the East Coast generally means melted chocolate - ultra, ultra rich!  Compare to the West Coast rendition of it that is more liquid-y.  Wait, I don't remember ever drinking hot chocolate on the West Coast!  Must've been too busy drinking coffee.