Despite the attempt to cram in crowd-pleasers like Fairway (480–500 Van Brunt St, 718-694-6868, fairwaymarket.com) and Ikea (slated to open later this summer), Red Hook’s remote location makes it feel like unexplored terrain. The thrill of discovery starts with brunch at Tini, featuring omelettes made from neighborhood eggs. Cruise the main drag of Van Brunt Street to find interesting antiques at Atlantis (351 Van Brunt St, 718-858-8816, atlantisredhook.com), and exquisite Victorian-era jewelry at Erie Basin. Next stop is Pier 41, a complex of historic waterfront warehouses that afford an excellent ocean view. Don’t miss the much-praised Latin-food vendors that set up shop on the Red Hook ball fields, or the freshly picked produce at the Red Hook Community Farm farmer’s market (Saturdays beginning Jul 5, 9am–3pm, 590 Columbia St at Beard St, added-value.org). There is a hotel in Red Hook, the Brooklyn Motor Inn (140 Hamilton Ave, 718-875-2500, brooklynmotorinn.com), but would you really rather sleep at the mouth of the Battery Tunnel than in your own bed? Start Day Two off with a decadent sweet-and-salty brownie from Baked, then catch a few circus acts at the floating Waterfront Museum. Get your fill of comfort food and karaoke at Hope & Anchor or dine on Asian-inflected fare at the Good Fork. End the day, like a weary sailor, over a pint at one of the many excellent watering holes: neighborhood stalwart Sunny’s, Bait & Tackle (320 Van Brunt St at Pioneer St, 718-797-4892) or the new Brooklyn Ice House.
— Billie Cohen