History of Red Hook
“Red Hook” is a rather unusual name for a neighborhood, isn't it? In fact, Red Hook gets its name from its red colored clay soil and hook shape.
Red Hook was discovered in 1636 by the settlers who gave it the name of "Roode Hoek" ("hoek" meaning corner and not hook). This borough was one of Brooklyn's first.
During the XNUMXth century, Red Hook was one of the most important ports in the United States, but after the construction of the Battery-Tunnel (at Battery Park), Red Hook isolated itself from the rest of the city. Because of this isolation, its economic growth diminished and the district became the site of drug trafficking and crimes (Al Capone also made his debut there).
It was not until the 1990s that the district was reborn and once again become popular (thanks to the presentation of a plan to renovate the seaside and the zero tolerance policy of Rudolph Giuliani, the mayor at the time) . Today, Red Hook is a quiet neighborhood à the bohemian atmosphere and where it is good to walk. It has about 11 inhabitants and brings together the last dockers in New York.
Significant event: in 2012, Red Hook was hit by Hurricane Sandy. It was then rebuilt little by little.
What does this Brooklyn neighborhood have in store for you?
Stroll on Van Brunt Street
The main activity of Red Hook is to walk on From Brunt Street, the major artery of the district where there is a certain animation. On this street you will find many restaurants, shops and fashion boutiques.
During your walk, you will also meet some budding artists who have come to exhibit their talent. So keep your eyes and ears wide open!
Enjoy the spot offered by Red Hook
Despite its isolated side, Red Hook has a nice surprise in store for you: a view of the Statue of Liberty. The district is located directly opposite and this spot is simply exceptional! But where to go to enjoy it? At the end of Van Brunt street: take the promenade along the seafront and once you get to the building housing the Fairway store, go behind and enjoy!
A word of advice: if you can, go for the sunset; the view will be all the more beautiful. Miss Liberty will be lit by beautiful colors!
Walk the Louis Valentino Jr Park
If you want to discover a park specific to Red Hook, go to Louis Valentino Jr Park, a pleasant, peaceful park with industrial charm. Unlike other parks in New York City, Louis Valentino Jr Park has no gardens or flowers, but is surrounded by buildings and graffiti.
Still hesitating to visit this park? Well, know that this one offers you a magnificent viewpoint of the Statue of Liberty. So grab your camera and photograph the scenery in front of you!
The address of the park is: Ferris St &, Coffey St, Brooklyn, NY 11231.
Visit the Waterfront Museum
Located in the Lehigh Valley houseboat, the Waterfront museum was created in 1985 and fights to preserve the maritime spaces and the coastline of New York. This tour is free, so make the most of it!
This museum is located at number 290 Conover Street.
What are the best restaurants in the neighborhood?
After discovering the different sites of Red Hook, you will surely be hungry. To help you choose a pleasant restaurant where you will be sure to eat well, here are some addresses.
Fairway market is a pleasant establishment where you can eat a sandwich by the water's edge while enjoying a lovely view of the Statue of Liberty. This place is therefore ideal for eating and for enjoying a moment of respite before continuing your walk. The Fairway Market is located: 480-500 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, NY 11231.
Le Red Hook Loabster Pound is an establishment that serves lobster sandwiches. They are very good and their price is affordable. He is at number 284 Van Brunt Street.
If you want to eat a more gourmet meal, go just opposite the Brooklyn Crab, an establishment very popular with locals and serving delicious seafood and fish. So if you like oysters, crabs, shrimps, go ahead, you won't be disappointed!
For the greediest, go to Prieto cocoa (218 Conover St, Brooklyn, NY 11231), the place to discover for those who love chocolate. Here, a visit and a tasting are offered. Otherwise go to Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pies, near Louis Valentino where delicious lemon tarts are sold or at Baked (359 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn) whose pastries attract many New Yorkers!
Where is Red Hook located?
Red Hook is located in the Brooklyn neighborhood along the East River, just across New York Bay:
How to get there ?
Red Hook is an isolated area with little tourist traffic. It must be said that no metro line serves it, but several ways are available to you to get there: B-61 bus, river shuttle or taxi.
For the bus, you can get off at the corner of Beard Street and Van Brunt Street and for the river shuttle, you will have to board the one of the Ikea brand (l’IKEA Express Shuttle). This atypical means of transport tempts you? Meet at Pier 11 at the southern tip of Manhattan (Pier 11) and the shuttle will drop you off at the foot of the store or behind the Fairway store. Paid on weekdays, the trip costs $ 5 and on weekends, it's free. The price is therefore ridiculous and during the trip, keep your eyes open, because the landscapes are magnificent!
Otherwise, the taxi is more expensive (around $ 15 + tips), but don't forget to tell the driver that you want to take the Brooklyn Bridge or the Manhattan Bridge, because if you go through the Battery Tunnel you will have to pay the tunnel fees .
And if you are athletic, go for walking or running!
So, are you ready to discover Red Hook?
Also read: New York neighborhood guide.
