Travel - Brooklyn
We decided to switch it up and spend Thanksgiving in Brooklyn in 2024. Our oldest daughter lives there and hosted us for a very fun time together!
Brooklyn bound
David and I drove up to Nashville the day before our flight and stayed with Lizzy in her pretty apartment. We woke up with the chickens the next morning to catch our flight to New York. It was our first experience with Jet Blue and I have to say, I was impressed. It was a direct, two-hour flight into JFK.
blues on blues
The plane looked new and clean, we actually had more than one snack choice and the crew was friendly and professional.
pretty view!
Hannah welcomed us to her beautiful apartment that afternoon. This was our first time in Brooklyn in autumn and there were still fall colors on the trees.
city cats
We were happy to see our grand cats! The little ginger blonde is her new kitten, Sebastian, and the fluffy black cat is Tybalt, who has been her baby for many years now.
We went to dinner at Hannah’s favorite pub, Hartley’s, in the Clinton Hill neighborhood of Brooklyn. It was a small, cozy, friendly old pub.
our gorgeous girls
Of course, they joined their dad for a Guinness.
This neighborhood already had their Christmas lights strung above the road. Each Brooklyn neighborhood has their own, unique festive design.
After we left the pub, we headed over to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden to enjoy the “Lightscape” event. Hannah treated us to a fun frolic through park, all lit up for the holidays.
The 52-acre gardens were founded in 1910, originally designed by the Olstead brothers (who also designed Central Park, Prospect Park, the Biltmore Estate and the U.S. Capitol). I’ve also visited the gardens in early Spring when the cherry trees are in bloom. The park contains food and drink options, a beautiful glass conservatory with many flora and fauna species, lakes, ponds, trails and green spaces for picnics. There are different levels of ticket prices to enter the gardens.
The moment we stepped into the gardens, it made me smile!
The colorful light displays throughout the gardens were delightful!
even the sidewalks were an enchanting work of lighting art
This water feature was magical! These lighted, animated butterflies were floating on huge pools of water, in front of the glass conservatory.
the fam in the huge light tunnel
The “dancing” waters were joyful!
This doesn’t do it justice, but this field of “floating” lanterns was beautiful! At the end of this video, you can see the back of the Brooklyn Museum, founded in 1897.
This view is from high above the field where the cherry trees bloom in the spring.
Turkey Day!
The next morning, Hannah’s apartment was a flurry of activity, with all hands on deck cooking a feast for Thanksgiving lunch. Hannah set a lovely table for us!
tradition
As always, David was in charge of the bird and dressing!
The girls and I whipped up the sides.
before
after
feast
We were so very thankful for this delicious food but most importantly, for precious time together to celebrate God’s countless blessings.
The girls and I made squash casserole, sweet potato casserole, brussel sprouts, roasted carrots and it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without crescent rolls. Lizzy made a yummy apple tartine for dessert!
After lunch, we enjoyed a relaxing, cozy, afternoon at Hannah’s…napping, watching a little Netflix, playing with the cats and leftovers in the evening. It was the perfect way to spend the holiday on a rainy day in Brooklyn.
58
The day after Thanksgiving was my birthday! First thing in the morning, I walked into Hannah’s living room to be surprised with this thoughtful, festive birthday banner. It was a beautiful, sunny day, perfect for the disco ball’s reflection in the room. My family made me feel loved and special as soon as the day began.
ready for a day of exploring
brunch
We made our way to the amazing Castello Plan to start the day off right. Hannah took me here once before in the springtime. We ate outside in the sunny, warm weather that day. This day, we ate inside in the warm, cozy space, out of the chilly weather.
I have a thing for doorway mosaics.
A little history for ya….Jacques Cortelyou was the 17th-century creator of Manhattan’s first map, called the Castello Plan. This charming place is on Cortelyou Road in Ditm
To get to spend my birthday with my favorite people in the whole world made me ecstatically happy! My love for these three people is indescribable.
perfect chi latte on a chilly November day
delectable and
pretty breakfast sandwich
Hannah is the best at navigating the subway! We made our way to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade area for spectacular views of Manhattan.
We walked through part of Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn Bridge Park and ended up in DUMBO.
We walked down a hill and spotted this lovely lady.
There was still plenty of fall color in late November.
This view of the financial district of Manhattan from Brooklyn Bridge Park is stunning.
Brooklyn Bridge over my shoulder
Hannah knows the best place for ice cream….
which makes this man very happy!
agreed
happy girls with their coffees
This icon was completed in 1883 and connects Brooklyn to Manhattan over the East River. It spans over 6,000 feet and was the first suspension bridge to use steel cables. We’ve walked over it before and I’d highly recommend doing so when visiting the city.
sisters
and then, this happened!
kids at heart
This is Jane’s Carousel, built in 1922, and was impossible to resist on my birthday!
proper
forever holding hands
thankful for fun-loving kids
What a wonderful surprise in Brooklyn Bridge Park! It’s located in the DUMBO area of the park.
“autumn in New York….” - Ella Fitzgerald
loved this mural
We made our way to the Manhattan Bridge in DUMBO (Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass).
I have a thing for cobblestones and DUMBO is known for them.
I couldn’t help but think of “When Harry Met Sally” when I saw these Christmas trees for sale.
feeling sassy in this iconic photo op spot
family iconic pic
After a full day of exploring Brooklyn, we went back to Hannah’s apartment for a bit before going to dinner at Fausto! Hannah took me here last spring and I loved it so much I requested a birthday dinner here this time.
our beautiful daughters
Their pastas are delicious and if you ever go, get the focaccia…trust me.
Hannah ordered this gorgeous cake for me! She made a special trip to pick it up before dinner, which just happened to be right next door to the restaurant. ;) It was scrumptious!
What a wonderful Thanksgiving and birthday! Anytime, anywhere, is my favorite place to be with my precious family.
We flew back to Nashville the day after my birthday, dropped Lizzy off at her apartment and drove home that night. Thankful for new memories made and the blessing of these amazing loves!