Rain, rain, go away!!! Well, having consulted just about every weather forecast we could find, it seems likely that rain will dampen at least portions of the weekend’s festivities. New York 1 News’ forecast is the most optimistic, and so we must all believe in it. Sunday shows signs of clearing, but rain seems unanimously predicted for Saturday and, as a result, we are sad to announce that THE SATURDAY PICNIC IS CANCELLED!!! But have no fear, we have plenty of suggested self-directed activities to stave off the rainy day blues. Here are a few:
CATCH A FLICK!
What better place to hide from a soggy day than in a movie theater. There are a few local options UA Court Street Stadium 12 (big multiplex), Cobble Hill Cinemas (an old neighborhood theater), and of course, the Ft. Greene favorite Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) theater.
HIT THE MUSEUMS
This is an art capitol, and the museums in Manhattan are always worth a look. There’s the Guggenheim, the Metropolitan Museum, The Whitney, and a personal favorite, the breathtakingly redesigned MOMA. There’s also the Brooklyn Museum if you want to keep it local.
EXPLORE COURT STREET AND SMITH STREET!
Both are worth a stroll if you you’re hungry or just feel like boutique window shopping. There are lots of great spots to eat, but a favorite spot to grab a glass of wine and a little nibble on a rainy day is Sherwood Cafe (AKA Robin du Bois) on Smith Street.
GO TO DUMBO…
• Savor one of Brooklyn’s most popular pizza joints Patsy Grimaldi’s (so popular that lines form around the block, so bring an umbrella). If you are really feeling adventurous, you can voyage to deepest Brooklyn and try the single best pizza you will ever eat in your entire life at Di Fara’s Pizza. Lines at Di Fara’s are notoriously long, but it’s well worth the wait.
• Fulton Ferry Landing for views of, and Water Taxi service to, Manhattan and South Street Seaport. A delicious ice cream parlor, The River Cafe, and a few other dining choices are right there. For kids, there’s also a great indoor carousel, and then there’s Jacques Torres Chocolates at 66 Water Street for the kid in all of us.
STROLL THE BROOKLYN HEIGHTS PROMENADE…
This is the most beautiful corner of Brooklyn and a perch with legendary views of Manahattan.
CHEER ON THE BADGERS!!!
The Badgers take on the Wolverine’s at Ann Arbor on Saturday at 3:30PM EST. It’s a big game for the Badger faithful, and thankfully it’s a nationally televised game on ABC! There was some talk about taking over a local Ft. Greene sports bar called Mullane’s Bar and Grill, but that location has not been finalized. Since the picnic is off and there’s no need to stay near Ft. Greene Park, perhaps people want to convene at the Kettle of Fish in the city, the best Wisconsin Bar this side of the Mississippi. Perhaps folks interested in watching the game can leave comments on this post so others can keep track of the crowd and stick together.
BOWLING?
There are two worthwhile spots to bowl in Brooklyn. Melody Lanes in Sunset Park and Gutter in Williamsburg. Both are far flung locations and would probably require a car, taxi or car service if you don’t know your way around the subways.
CAR SERVICE NUMBERS
You can try to hail a taxi in Brooklyn, but it’s not an easy thing to do (especially on a rainy day). Thankfully, Brooklyn has a host of car services that you can call to pick you up and take you anywhere in the five boroughs. Here are a few numbers to keep handy.
Arecibo Car Service: (718) 783-6465 (the most reliable car service)
Eastern Car Service: (866) 499-7177
Myrtle Car Service: (718) 230-0997
Evelyn Car Service: (718) 230-7800
We will try to keep you posted about any other changes in the wedding weekend schedule, and we will be posting details about where and when to catch the bus in a day or two, so stay tuned!
