Swimming in Red Hook

There’s a No Swimming sign, but if they didn’t want people jumping off the pier, then why is the ledge so perfect for running and picking up speed for a perfect flip into the water? A group of kids were putting on a show for a video film crew.

Read Full Post »

Cruise ship leaves Red Hook

The cruise ship backed out of the dock then had to back up some more so it could go forward and out to sea. As cruise ships go, it’s not very big, though it dwarfs everything in sight. In the distance there’s a two-masted sailboat; we’ve got small, medium, and large boats represented here.

Read Full Post »

When boroughs collide

Brooklyn comes to midtown in the form of a food truck selling lobster rolls. They bring in the lobsters from Maine several times a week to their home base in Red Hook, but the truck is their main dispensary. Its schedule changes, so if you’re planning a visit, first check the Lobster Pound’s website.

Read Full Post »

Dream bigger

If you dream small, nothing big is ever going to happen. In fact, your dreams, were they transported outside NYC, would look like a podunk county jail. So if you aspire to the grander things in life, go ahead: dream big. You are worth at least $4.99.

Read Full Post »

Cool & dark @ the Ice House

The Brooklynpix crew doesn’t mind the occasional foray into a dark bar in the middle of the day to get a picture. The Ice House is friendly and smells smoky, thanks to pork cooking up in the back. I didn’t notice the license plate bench in front; I think it’s gone.

Read Full Post »

Popcorn in the snow & rain

All we need to call it a party is some hot cocoa…and a volunteer on this dreary, rainy day to plug in an extension cord and see if this popcorn popper works.

Read Full Post »

Breathe in, breathe out (@ Ikea)

Stop, take a breath. The answer will come to you. Get the big one or the smaller one; wood or painted, doesn’t really matter. Buy less than you think you need and don’t fall for displays of candles and potholders near the cashiers.

Read Full Post »

Ikea’s landscaping

On the other side of the Ikea parking lot, before you hit the watery inlet , there’s a bike path and a landscaped area with benches. I don’t know who is responsible for the well-kept bit of nature, but it’s a surprise to see big, blue Ikea next to real trees and wooden benches.

Read Full Post »

Rocky Sullivan’s, reverse commuter

Named after Jimmy Cagney’s character in the movie “Angels With Dirty Faces,” Rocky Sullivan’s relocated from Manhattan to Red Hook a few years ago. They have a full calendar of Irish bands, reading, and other events. Today, the experts advise avoiding alcohol because of the extreme heat. It’s okay to go to the watering hole, though, and sit under a fan at the bar.

Read Full Post »

These colors don’t bleed

They just fade in the sun. Happy Fourth of July!

Read Full Post »