To the southwest of Carroll Gardens, beyond the BQE, the formerly rough-and-tumble industrial locale of Red Hook remains a secluded neighborhood, thanks to the lack of subway stops, which makes it perfect for a day out exploring. It's worth taking the bus or the ferry (or the free IKEA ferry) to vexplore this waterfront neighborhood on the southwestern edge of Brooklyn.
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Despite its growth over the past few years, the area is still home to smaller, artisanal businesses and factories. The neighborhood's massive pier-sized warehouses haven't left—instead, they've been repurposed to house art galleries and distilleries. Red Hook's time-warp charm is still evident, and its piers make a moody backdrop for massive cranes, empty warehouses and trucks clattering over cobblestone streets.
To find out more about things to do, see, eat and drink in Brooklyn and discover other neighborhoods in the area, visit our Brooklyn borough guide.
