72 Hours in Brooklyn
Summers in Brooklyn are iconic. From epic block parties and long walks in the park to alfresco drinks on rooftops with magical views, the creativity, the vibe and cultural diversity are unmatched.
My version of 72 Hours in Brooklyn will take you on a journey from the hip neighborhood of Williamsburg to the heart of Brooklyn’s Little Caribbean, where you can support Black, Brown, Women & Immigrant-owned businesses.
Summer Edition
Guest Edit by Shelley Worrell
Sunday
Start the day by hopping on a Citibike and heading down to my neighborhood, Little Caribbean. Start with vegan fish cakes and ginger cucumber juice at Aunts et Uncles, a plant-based cafe, then swing by I AM CARIBBEING’s HQ, a lifestyle-concept store affectionately dubbed "Duty Free Little Caribbean." From there, island hop along Nostrand to African Record Center, Fe Noel, Labay Market and Allan’s Bakery.
Next make your way to Smorgasburg in Prospect Park for some of the Caribbean’s best emerging culinary talent, including Chef Picky of Everything Oxtail, artisan patties by Tosh Patties or curry corn by Tanty Darlene. End the afternoon with a peaceful stroll through Brooklyn Botanic Garden with a pitstop at Terrain, an immersive retail experience for home and garden enthusiasts.
Before retreating to your room, pop in to Le Crocodile for a nightcap where both the atmosphere and people watching will have you feeling like you’re officially part of it, New York, New York – but the much cooler Brooklyn version!
Monday
As a Pilates aficionado, I love to try local studios when I travel. In Williamsburg, I recommend the advanced reformer class at East River Pilates followed by a breakfast pastry from Le Crocodile (the flaky palmiers are simply divine and a perfect post-workout treat).
After catching up on a few emails, I suggest you take a walk to explore North Brooklyn’s stylish shops. Some of my favorites include Garrett Leight for new sunnies and Big Night for tinned fish and colorful summer home entertaining accessories.
You can't stay at Wythe Hotel and not enjoy Sunset Hour at Bar Blondeau. This seafood-forward rooftop bar offers natural wine, cocktails (hello, Crimson Negroni) and small bites (highly recommend the Octopus & Clams Casino), all while lounging on plush velvet sofas.
Tuesday
Start the day with room service followed by a Gua Sha Facial at Lanshin. While you’re there, stock up on tools, seasonal mists and creams (Lanshin Massager, Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelerator & Active Face Cream are my summer faves).
Don't sleep on the pre-fixe lunch at Le Crocodile. With classic dishes like chilled vichyssoise and duck leg confit plus impeccable decor and outstanding service, it's the perfect place for native Brooklynites like myself to dream up their next collab (even the WC is fab – IYKYK!).
If you're not running to catch a flight and you have time for one more meal, grab dinner at Healthy as a Mother, a nearby Dominican-Trinidadian fusion restaurant. Order the mofongo, a classic dish with green and yellow plantains, or flaky buss up shut, a roti dish best eaten with your hands. Wash it down with an ice cold shandy or island-inspired guava-mosa.
About Shelley Worrell
Shelley Worrell is not just a creative entrepreneur, she is a deeply rooted cultural connector, a storyteller whose narratives transcend borders and a visionary who brings Caribbean stories to the global stage.
Worrell is the Founder of I AM CaribBeing, an award winning venture at the crossroads of culture + community + lifestyle that collaborates with some of the Caribbean’s most visionary talent and brands.
Worrell also led the movement to name Brooklyn’s Little Caribbean (est 2017), to support and celebrate hyperlocal Caribbean communities and champion neighborhood small business.
Shelley Worrell
@shelleyworrell