24 Hour Winter City Guide: Williamsburg

When the folks at Eventbrite (a platform to buy and sell tickets online) challanged me to create a 24-hour winter city guide for my neighborhood, I was immediately excited to share my favorite spots in my new 'hood, Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The great thing about this area is that all of the places I'm sharing are walkable, or on a super-cold day, easily commutable via the L subway line. For starters, any weekend day in NYC should begin with brunch. We are big on home-cooking, but there's no beating Harefield Road when we feel like going out. For $14, you get a breakfast, coffee and mimosa or bloody Mary. The huevos rancheros are my favorite. One heads up: Bring cash, no cards accepted.

For me, a fun weekend isn't complete without some good thrifting. Buffalo Exchange is one of the best consignment shops around. There's great staples plus designer and vintage pieces for a steal.

A short walk from Buffalo Exchange is Brooklyn Flea, sited near water's edge under the Williamsburg Bridge. In the summer, Smorgasburg (a massive food truck festival) is held in a lot next to Brooklyn Flea every weekend. Thankfully, a lot of the food is available indoors among the unique vendors, antique items and handmade wares year-round.

If all that antiquing worked up an appetite, The Meatball Shop is the perfect place for a meal or small bite. Pick from meatball subs or mix and match individual ball options. My favorite is the vegetarian ball, and if you're in the mood for a cocktail, they make one heck of a Moscow mule. 

To finish off the day, spend some time with your inner child at Barcade. Yep, it's what it sounds like—an arcade filled with old-school games (like classic Pacman and Frogger), and they also serve beer. Bring quarters or cash to get some from the machine.

If that day wasn't jam-packed enough, or shopping isn't your thing, go see a show or game at Barclays Center. There's tons of musical performances hosted at the venue, and the New York Islanders and Brooklyn Nets play there. It's a 15-minute cab ride from Williamsburg, or if you're on a budget, easily commutable from the J train. Or, check Eventbrite to see what else is going on nearby!