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The Red Hook Boaters is a volunteer organization that provides free kayaking in Red Hook, Brooklyn. The long pier's got plenty of room for fishing and free kayaking when the weather's warm (DON'T EAT THE FISH), plus there's grassy, flowered space nearby for strolling and picnicking. If you like a little somber reflection with your sun, note that the park is named after Brooklyn firefighter Louis J. Valentino, Jr., who was killed in 1996 during a three-alarm Flatlands fire'.

While Red Hook may be a little out of the way, this intriguing neighborhood in northwest Brooklyn is a great place to check out. Spend a day strolling along cobblestone streets, sampling Latin American food at Red Hook Ball Fields, or enjoying views of Lower Manhattan from one of many waterfront parks.

To reach Red Hook, take the B61 bus from Downtown Brooklyn or Park Slope. If you're coming from Manhattan, take the subway—the closest stops to Red Hook are the Smith–9th Street station or Carroll Street Station, each reachable by the F or G trains, though you'll have to walk a further 20 minutes to reach Red Hook from either stop. For a more direct option from Manhattan, try NYC Ferry's South Brooklyn route, which docks at Atlantic Basin. While you'll have to pay for the route on weekdays, you can also catch a free NY Waterway ferry from Manhattan; it'll take you straight to the Red Hook Ikea.

Embrace Red Hook's Foodie Scene

Address284 Van Brunt St

Free Walk-up Kayaking At Louis Valentino Jr. Pier Park (red Hook) New York City

, Brooklyn, NY11231, USA

Red Hook has always been known for its restaurants—Defonte's has been serving up incredible hero sandwiches since it opened in 1922, while Hometown Bar–B–Que is known citywide for its Southern style pulled pork, baby back ribs, and mac n' cheese. For amazing seafood, head to Red Hook Lobster for Maine-style lobster rolls (served cold with mayo) or Brooklyn Crab for all things crab, mussels, clams, and chowder.

Get Your Drink On

Address40 Van Dyke St, Brooklyn, NY11231-1529, USA

There's something for everyone when it comes to drinking in Red Hook, whether you're craving craft beer from Sixpoint Brewery, a glass of vino from Red Hook Winery (which sources grapes from its North Fork vineyards on Long Island), or prefer to sample rum, grappa, and whiskey at Van Brunt Stillhouse. For local vibes and affordable cocktails, stop by Sunny's Bar, the oldest in Red Hook, dating back to the late 1800s, or Brooklyn Ice House, a funky neighborhood bar with a sweet yard and patio.

Enjoy the View from Louis Valentino, Jr. Park and Pier

AddressFerris St &, Coffey St, Brooklyn, NY11231, USA

Located right on the water, Louis Valentino, Jr. Park and Pier offers a multitude of grassy spots perfect for reading, sun tanning, or gazing out at the boats sailing by on the water. Pack a blanket and enjoy a peaceful Brooklyn morning, then take a walk out on the Pier, which extends out into the Buttermilk Channel, once a key route for New York's early shipping trade back in the 1800s. With views of the Lower Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty, it's a great place to catch a sunset. Visit in summertime for complimentary kayak rentals by Red Hook Boaters and free movies on the Pier during events by Red Hook Flicks.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Address359 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, NY11231, USA

Red Hook bakery and coffee shop Baked has received rave reviews from practically everyone, including Bon Appetit and The New York Times. The homemade Oreos, Red Hook 'red hot' cake, and, if you're feeling decadent, melt-in-your-mouth sweet and salty brownies, are all worth a try.

Also located near Louis Valentino, Jr. Park and Pier, Steve's Authentic Key Lime Pies, serves up what Al Roker once referred to as the 'last genuine key lime pies in the U.S.' If you haven't worked up an appetite just yet, fear not; the four-inch tart is small and perfectly shareable. Chocoholics should try the Swingle, a frozen chocolate covered key lime pie on a stick.

Shop and Snack Your Way Around Ikea

Address1 Beard St, Brooklyn, NY11231, USA

Ikea only has one location in New York City, so, as you can probably imagine, folks from the area head to Red Hook regularly in search of new furnishings and to feast on some of those world-famous Swedish meatballs. On weekends, NY Waterway actually runs free ferry service from three Manhattan hotspots (Pier 79 in Midtown, Brookfield Place in Battery Park City, and Pier 11 at South Street) to a dock right in front of the Ikea store in Brooklyn. Get some home inspiration from the staged rooms, then, after navigating the store's maze, treat yourself with something tasty from the food court or pick up a box of freshly baked cinnamon rolls to take home.

Visit a Museum on a Barge

Address290 Conover St, Brooklyn, NY11231, USA

The Waterfront Museum, located inside what is formerly the historic Lehigh Valley No. 79 barge, is open to the public on Thursdays and Saturdays. Explore the vessel, see the Captain’s original living quarters, and check out a collection of tools used by longshoremen and stevedores. Don't miss the whirling ball machine, a fantastic permanent art installation that mesmerizes all who encounter it.

Sample Latin American Fare at Red Hook Ball Fields

Address155 Bay St, Brooklyn, NY11232, USA

If you've worked up an appetite, pick up an afternoon snack at Red Hook Ball Fields. From April to November, you'll find an assortment of food trucks and carts featuring culinary treats from Red Hook Food Vendors. Feast on fresh ceviche, hot chicken tamales, spiced corn on the cob, El Salvadorian style pupusas, and a multitude of tempting Latin American straight-off-the grill street food favorites.

Browse the Bookstores

Address159 Pioneer St, Brooklyn, NY11231

Free Walk-up Kayaking At Louis Valentino Jr. Pier Park (red Hook) Boston

, USA

Spend some of your time in Red Hook perusing the aisles of local indie bookstores. Pioneer Books is a part of Pioneer Works, known for being 'a center for research and experimentation in contemporary culture.' Its exhibition space is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 7 p.m., with a suggested donation of $10 per person.

Nearby, Freebird Books is a cozy gem of a used bookstore owned by Brooklyn resident Peter Miller. Expect ongoing literary events, a wide selection of reasonably priced books (both used and new), coffee, tea, wine, beer, snacks, and a relaxing outdoor patio.

So yesterday I told you to attack the week like Jon Stewart attacked John Cena. Hopefully if you did that, the week didn’t hit back at you like John Cena did to Jon Stewart last night. Even if it did though, just get a couple friends to drag you off the mat and to one of the cool events going on tonight, especially one pulled off the Brokelyn Event Calendar.

RED HOOK FLICKS: BAD NEW BEARS
Ah, here we are, a movie that combines so many great things about the 70s in one place. Baseball, child endangerment, Walter Matthau, the underdogs only coming so far. Kids movies could learn a thing or two from the Bad News Bears, so if you’re planning on writing one, definitely go to this and take notes. And even if you’re not writing one, this will still be fun.
7pm, Louis Valentino Jr Park and Pier, Coffey Street and Ferris Street, Red Hook, FREE

BEEF: A NIGHT OF MANFUL PERFORMANCE
Usually when burlesque comes up in Brooklyn, it’s women taking their clothes off suggestively to music. Tonight, there’s a twist, because it’s gonna be dudes taking their clothes off suggestively to music. This wasn’t exactly what Biggie had in mind when he asked “What is beef?” but just because he didn’t specifically mention it being dudes stripping clearly doesn’t mean it can’t be that.
9:30pm, Bizarre, 12 Jefferson Street, Bushwick, $7

WET HOT AMERICAN BACKFAT
Nothing like a Tuesday night variety show to make your week a little more bearable, especially when it’s one with the pedigree of Backfat. That pedigree lets hosts Emily Winter, John Payne and Larry Mancini get guests like the Macaulay Culkin Show’s Brett Davis, comedian and former Jeopardy! contestant Raj Sivarman and magician Alex Harris.
8pm, 61 Local, 61 Bergen Street, Cobble Hill, FREE

CITI BIKE BIKE-IN MOVIE NIGHT: E.T
Citi Bike is very excited about finally expanding their system, and to prove how excited they are, they’re hosting a bike-in movie at 50 Kent tonight. And not just any movie, they’re showing E.T., which you might remember for having a bike and not a car be the heroic means of conveyance. Also there’ll be free Reese’s Pieces, because Reese’s Pieces was smarter than M&M’s when it came to recognizing a future iconic American film.
6pm, 50 Kent Avenue, Williamsburg, FREE

BATTLE OF BROOKLYN NEIGHBORHOOD WALK
It’s the 239th anniversary of the Battle of Brooklyn, and while I think every day is an opportunity to treasure defeating the hated British, there’s also time to learn about how close America came to losing the war. For instance, the Battle of Brooklyn was decisively won by the Brits, and you can get a whole walking tour/lesson on it this afternoon from archaeology professor William Perry. And who knows, maybe he’s an Indiana Jones-style archaeologist and you’ll get wrapped up in a crazy adventure.
4pm, Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights, FREE