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Art institutions, flatteringly lit eateries, and the sort of showstopping architecture that sends real estate agents into early retirement make Fort Greene irresistible. Bookended by the Pratt Institute and the former Williamsburg Savings Bank Tower (now 1 Hanson Place)—a four-sided clock tower that was once the borough’s tallest building and remains a local landmark—the neighborhood has a central location and an illustrious past. Climb the 96 steps or the grassy slopes of Fort Greene Park and you’ll be greeted by vistas of the Manhattan skyline, while standing in the silhouette of the 149-foot tall Prison Ship Martyrs’ Monument—dedicated to the thousands of Americans who died on British prison ships during the Revolutionary War. Everyone from Walt Whitman to Spike Lee has called these iconic streets home.
Fodor’s Choice |
Brooklyn Flea.
The country’s chicest flea market is a collection of antiques dealers, artisanal woodworkers, culinary craftsmen (try the roasted garlic achaar!), vintage clotheshorses, and so much more. Held Saturdays, April through October, in an outdoor lot in Fort Greene and on Sundays in Williamsburg, the Flea has launched many brick-and-mortar businesses throughout New York City. It’s also spawned an all-culinary offshoot, Smorgasburg, along the waterfront in Williamsburg and in Prospect Park, as well as the Berg’n food hall. If you’re looking for the Flea or Smorgasburg during the winter, head to Industry City (D, N, R to 36th Street) in Sunset Park, where the two share an indoor space. | 176 Lafayette Ave.
,
Fort Greene
|
www.brooklynflea.com
| Station:
C to Lafayette Ave.; G to Clinton–Washington Aves.