The Red Hook neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, once a forgotten area of abandoned warehouses, has emerged as a rising waterfront community rich in diversity and resilience. Red Hook's far south location in Brooklyn affords it breathtaking views of the New York Harbor, and its industrial look and feel has drawn a growing community of artists. Visitors to Red Hook will find a neighborhood full of history, an exciting arts scene and tasty eats around every corner.
Tour Red Hook
- Take the "Made in Red Hook" walking tour offered by tour company Made in Brooklyn. On the roughly three-hour walk you'll check out waterfront views of the Statue of Liberty, note historic buildings in the area and stop at local food vendors. Tours leave from in front of the Ikea Brooklyn store. If you wish to explore on your own, don't miss the Louis Valentino, Jr. Park and Pier, a small park on the waterfront where you can relax and take in the sweeping views of Lower Manhattan and Staten Island, in addition to the Statue of Liberty. Visit the Waterfront Barge Museum, a renovated floating barge dedicated to Red Hook's once vibrant shipping industry. The museum shows photos and memorabilia from the area's shipping days, such as tools used by longshoremen and items from a ship captain's quarters.
Eat And Drink
- Red Hook's prime waterfront location has put it on the map as a seafood destination in the city. Local seafood restaurants offer up the freshest fish, clams and oysters in the harbor, along with lobsters brought in from Maine for lobster rolls. Red Hook's Latin-infused food is also in the mix, particularly from the many food truck vendors that line the Red Hook Ball Fields on the weekends. Go from truck to truck sampling various items such as classic tacos, Guatemalan enchiladas, Salvadoran corn cakes and shrimp ceviche. Red Hook also has a number of adult beverage companies that call it home, including the Van Brunt Stillhouse, a distillery that produces local rum, grappa, moonshine and whiskey. Tours are available on the weekends.
Contemporary Art
- Spend time at the gallery space at the Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition to see works of art primarily from local artists; note that it's open only on weekends. The pieces, which can range from traditional paintings to out-of-the-box new media displays, are typically based around specific themes chosen by the artists that run the coalition. The Kentler International Drawing Space is another art gallery in Red Hook worth a visit. Open on select days of the week, its sole focus is on contemporary paper drawings, from both New York City artists and artists across the country.
Get Active
- Go kayaking with the Red Hook Boaters, a volunteer organization offering free kayaking tours in the New York Harbor. Expert volunteers teach beginners how to kayak safely, sticking close to the shore, while enjoying the views of the city from the water. Kayaks are available on a first come, first served basis. You can also jog or bike along the waterfront, starting from Red Hook and traversing the entire Brooklyn waterfront up to the Brooklyn Bridge. Bike rentals are available in Red Hook from Dog Day Cyclery.
