In this post, I’m sharing some fun activities and restaurants near Brooklyn Collective, a shop with a supercool variety of wares made by independent artists. I am lucky enough to have my artwork for sale there from July until the end of September. If you’re going to visit, then stick around the ‘hood and explore. Cobble Hill is a neighborhood with waterfront access, community gardens, elegant brownstones, destination eateries, old store fronts, tree-lined streets, modern architecture, and loads of charm.

My hand-drawn map will show you the way to spend a whole day exploring…. Take the ferry to Governor’s island in the afternoon, stop at the store on your return trip, then have dinner in the evening. Have lunch or brunch, learn a craft or an instrument, and pick up a birthday gift at the shop … there are so many more great businesses and restaurants that I couldn’t show all of them!

Brooklyn Collective is located at 212 Columbia St., between Union and Sackett Sts. Their hours are: Thursday-Saturday, 12-7; Sundays 12-6. A tip for getting over to the store from the Carroll Street subway station is to stay on Union or Sackett, they are the closest streets that cross over the highway.

1. Carroll Park and Playground // Bordered by Smith, Carroll, President, and Court Streets
The park occupies an entire block and includes a playground, sprinklers, basketball and bocce courts, a baseball diamond, picnic tables, and public restrooms.

2. Ferry to Governor’s Island and Pier 6 // Western end of Flatbush Avenue
Governor’s Island has something for everyone: interactive art exhibits, bike rentals, picnic grounds, food vendors, music and dance events, historical sites, and great views of lower Manhattan, New York Harbor, and the Statue of Liberty. The Brooklyn ferry only runs on Saturdays, Sundays, Memorial Day, and Labor Day from May 23 through September 27 (2015 season).
Pier 6 hosts Smorgasburg on Sundays, offers semi-permanent outposts for other food vendors, lawns for picnicking and relaxing, volleyball courts, a dog park, playgrounds, public restrooms, and a pathway that connects to the other piers along the Brooklyn waterfront.

3. Brooklyn Farmacy // 513 Henry Street
Check out this old school soda fountain housed in a former apothecary store. The “Strawberry Fields” ice cream soda is my personal favorite.

4. Lucali // 575 Henry Street
A candle-lit pizzeria serving up excellent thin-crust brick-oven pies; BYOB. They do not take reservations, so it’s best to get onto the guest list at the door early in the evening, before 6 p.m.

5. Ferdinando’s Focacceria // 151 Union Street
At Ferdinando’s you’ll find classic Sicilian pasta dishes and delicate arancina. Closed on Sundays.

6. Mazzola Bakery // 192 Union Street
There are many Italian bakeries nearby, but Mazzola is the neighborhood favorite. There are cookies, biscotti, pastries, cakes, and a variety of breads … which makes it difficult to decide what to bring home!

7. Brooklyn General Store // 128 Union Street
If you’ve been itching to knit, crochet, sew, or craft with fiber, this is the place for you. The store offers plenty of supplies, instructional books, and classes, as well as a selection of ready-made gifts and clothing.

8. Jalopy Theater and School of Music // 315 Columbia Street
Listen to music or learn to make it at this roots-music venue. Check their website for shows which are scheduled almost every night of the week and for more information about instrument classes for kids or adults.

9. Pok Pok // 117 Columbia Street
This Michelin-starred, authentic Southeast-Asian restaurant is a popular foodie destination originating from Portland, Oregon; reservations are recommended.

10. Freebird Books and Goods // 123 Columbia Street
At Freebird’s you’ll find used books, many specializing in New York history. Check their website for notice of readings, book clubs, and workshops. Open on weekends only.

11. Alma // 187 Columbia Street
Get a table on the roof-top patio with expansive views of the Manhattan skyline and dine on Mexican fare.