The problem is simple – I have spent too much time looking for the Manhattan in Brooklyn. My travels there have focused on neighborhoods such as Park Slope or Brooklyn Heights – historic enclaves with row houses most similar to those in Manhattan.
One will often hear a Brooklynite use the phrase “going into the city,” one of the prime examples of a city which is Manhattan-centric. In many ways, Manhattan does drive the city as an economic engine and is a mecca for culture and the arts. It is the center of the financial world and of many other industries for which New York City is known. However, Manhattan is not the only place on earth, with Brooklyn playing second fiddle – an attitude many Manhattanites share, as I did for most of my life here.
Welcome to Sheepshead Bay, both a neighborhood and a bay separating the mainland of Brooklyn from the peninsula Manhattan Beach (see my previous article here). Sheepshead Bay is named for the sheepshead, an edible fish once found in the bay. Read more about the neighborhood here.
On my recent excursion to the area, I crossed the footbridge (Ocean Beach Bridge) which spans the bay and connects Manhattan Beach to Sheepshead Bay’s commercial strip, Emmons Avenue. It is here that I also found Stella Maris, the last fishing and tackle shop in the area. The bridge is a must do – it affords great vistas of the bay, both neighborhoods, and the maritime activities. See my gallery of photos here.
I think differently now. Brooklyn is steeped in character and history. Brooklyn has its own style and attitude. I am disappointed that I didn’t take better advantage of Brooklyn and really explore it when I was younger and had a few good friends there.
But I am doing makeup work, busy discovering the neighborhoods of Brooklyn and learning things every Brooklynite always knew: Brooklyn is its own world.
you always have a problem and its never simple
Inline withyur exploration of historic places in NY, can you do a piece on the Army Pictoral Center at 35-11 35th street, Long Island City? Back in the early part of past century (before Hollywood) it was an important film studio. Many now famous actors spent time there while making educational and training films there for the Armed Forces.
I have been there, it is a beautiful area…like in your impressive photos!
You're making me homesick. I love the shots. It really is beautiful!
I grew up there, your pictures look better than I remember it.
hi
Problem, anonymous? Bright and curious people always have a challenge. They can never know enough to be completely satisfied. It's what makes them interesting. And this blog worth coming back to day after day. As I'm sure you do.
The public fishing fleet operating out of the bay deserves a specific mention. You can come out at 7:AM and for a modest sum have a day on the water and catch your own dinner at the same time. Poles and bait provided. Refreshments usually available. Night voyages also.
I feel as though I've experienced NY at its greatest through your blog posts. These are incredible pictures. I wouldn't mind doing what Mary suggested either. Catching my own dinner. I could easily lose myself here. Have a great day.
the Bait Station brought back childhood memories of trying to bait a hook with a worm!!!! yikes