Greenpoint tour
A fascinating, changing neighborhood, with Polish heritage, a hipster influx, and a waterfront boom
 Old and new in Greenpoint
Greenpoint offers variety, including a handsome historic district, thriving shopping districts (with some Polish presence), and the spillover from Williamsburg that has meant gentrification. There are some great views of Manhattan (amid desolation), and some interesting juxtapositions, like a former public bathhouse turned into a new condo development. The tour addresses Greenpoint's rich industrial history and the aftermath that left buildings like some pioneering worker housing (and also some toxicity). We'll see manufacturing plants converted into studios for arts and craftsmen, Brooklyn's most elegantly situated church, a park with a monument to the Civil War ship in the neighborhood, and an intersection named for Pope John Paul II. We'll not just see a lovely, tree-line park and at least one waterfront park, maybe two, with spectacular skyline views. What to see in GreenpointGreenpoint includes some gorgeous blocks and some drab ones--and plans for massive new development. I can show some of the history. We'll learn about the civic energy that revived Greenpoint, and the rezoning that put development on hyperdrive. We should pass the former home of Kickstarter, a major Internet company, and see the bars and restaurants that have emerged to serve new residents and workers with disposable income. (Yes, we may see some locations portrayed in the HBO show Girls, but this is not a Girls tour.) Yes, there are good food/snack options, during or before/after the tour. Note: Greenpoint connects by foot (or subway/bus) to both Williamsburg and Long Island City, so they make good add-ons for this tour--if you have the energy! |
Distance from Midtown Manhattan: 25-35 minutes by subway, also accessible by ferry from Pier 11/East 34th Street
Cost: see fees here Basic tour length: 2.5+ hours (see fees). We could go longer; it's a big neighborhood. Starting place: Typically near G train/Greenpoint Avenue, can also take NYC Ferry. For locals, I can customize starting/ending place. Ending place: Typically near G train/Nassau Avenue Highlights: History, architecture, industrial heritage, neighborhood feel Option before/after tour: Numerous places for a snack/meal Option during tour: Bakeries, donut shops, ice cream Potential tour extensions with me: Williamsburg, Long Island City, East Williamsburg/Bushwick Why I like leading this tour: While Greenpoint is not as under-the-radar as it once was, it has so many layers and unexpected delights. I go there a lot on my own. |