View from The Roof

THE ANCHORAGE is a new place in DUMBO for those seeking a moment of stability intermingled with some creativity in Brooklyn, NY

After moving around the country for a year and a half we recognized the need for a place where artists, friends, travelers, and all those with positive energy and good intentions could meet new people, express their thoughts, and lay their heads. And so, we put aside our serious case of wanderlust for a moment to provide the community (local and global) with THE ANCHORAGE.

THE ANCHORAGE offers 2,000 sq. ft. of whimsical enjoyment and is a place to drink, buy vintage clothes, and meet great people. Stop by for our  happy hour bar night, Monday – Thursday, 6 – 10pm and make sure to try our infamous mini cupcakes.  Or, if you need a place to stay, check out our B&B.

For more information visit, http://www.theanchorage.wordpress.com or follow us on Facebook, Anchorage inDumbo.

Stop wondering what you will be doing this weekend (September 25 – September 27th 2009) and catch the F train or A/C train down to DUMBO for the DUMBO Art Under The Bridge Festival.

Now in its 13th year, the DUMBO Art Under The Bridge Festival is a quirky gathering of young artists, their work and their admirers in the latest hipster hub of Downtown Brooklyn.

Enjoy palpable art pieces emerging from wondrous nooks and crannies. “Art Under the Bridge is an opportunity for young artists to use any medium imaginable to create temporary projects on-the-spot everywhere and anywhere, completely transforming the Dumbo section of Brooklyn, New York, into a vibrant platform for self-expression,” writes The Dumbo Arts Center.

Just to give you a taste, last years festival was comprised of video projections of monkeys onto the Manhattan bridge and surrounding buildings, pretentious art galleries showcasing phenomenal photographs, man-made (and hilarious) interactive environments and a machine game containing plastic baby fetus’

With the increase of visitors and inhabitants to the area (also known as gentrification) the streets are bound to come alive this year.

Make sure to stop by DAC Gallery where artists are busily working on a massive indoor installation of red paper mache columns and 68 Jay St. bar where two young men where feverishly drawing two-headed monsters on the walls with chalk.

Morgane Veronique Richardson, Writer/Editor

Once in a while you stumble upon music that miraculously guides your travels and eases the pain of the unknown. Here is an artist who is not only incredibly talented, but who has inspired many of the writers of So Elsewhere to explore their hidden travel fantasies. Introducing, Jan Bell!

For more information or to purchase her music visit, http://www.janbellmusic.com.

Its time to get to know Brooklyn and here are a few affordable ways to do it:

Get out your camera and take a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.  It’s a 15-20 minute walk, a historic site, and a beautiful view.  Arrive in the Borough and walk down the hill into DUMBO.  Here’s an opportunity to see internationally recognized street art, art that may come and go before many get the chance to see it.  On the walls of this area you’ll find pieces by Swoon, Neck Face, and Fat Joe.

Hopefully you brought a picnic because on Thursdays there are free movies in the Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park (and if you rode your bike there’s complimentary valet for that too).

If you arrive a little early check out Galapagos for a drink and an “in” on the art scene. If you want something more local go to 68 Jay Street.  Or skip the drinks and hang in the park listening to the tunes spun by the DJ’s who warm up the night before the film.

In Park Slope start a morning with a cup of coffee at the Community Book Store.  You’ll have to pay for the coffee, but use the little outdoor patio as a quiet spot to enjoy the sunshine and skim through all those books you can’t afford.

Later, take a trip down to Prospect Park and have a picnic in the gardens. And while you’re there, the Brooklyn Museum is a must see.  From Basquiat to Murakami the exhibits are always impressive. Stop by on a Friday evening for free admission and some live music.

Finally, for a great end of to the week ride out to Fort Greene. From 3-9pm in the Fort Greene Park the Soul Summit Music Festival is the place to be for DJ’s and dancing. Enjoy.

Gone are the days when one could smoke a joint in the dilapidated parks of DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) and stare at work done by Shepard Fairy. Now, luxury high rises crowd this beautiful part of Brooklyn and stay at home moms married to stock brokers dot the streets with 4-digit baby carriers and minority nannies. Though DUMBO has kicked out most of the artists who made this place interesting and welcomed wealthy families, there are a few genuine “DUMBO” spots remaining whose business we would gladly support.

Superfine
126 Front St. between Jay and Pearl Sts.; 718-243-9005

Started by local DUMBO artists, Superfine has grown into a successful DUMBO establishment. The Mediterranean-style food is creative and moderately priced for the booming area and the sunken bar and orange-felted pool table is a great place to catch up with a friend.
Price: Moderate

68 Jay Street Bar
68 Jay St., Brooklyn, NY 11201

Also known as “The Corner Bar” to the editors of So Elsewhere, here one of the few places that caters to the art-world crowd and DUMBO locals. The drinks are well priced, especially during happy hour, and the patrons will not hesitate to start up a conversation with anyone who walks in. The fact that you can bring in outside food is really the cherry on top. Make sure to enjoy a drink after hours and listen to some live music.

Note: Watch out ladies, there are a few characters (including the owner and a Frenchie) who believe they are entitled to any woman of their choice.

Happy Hour: Mon – Fri $3 drafts, $4 well-drinks

Pedros
73 Jay St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Enjoy excellent Latin American/Mexican food at one of DUMBO’s original dive restaurants. While the interior is gritty, take a bit of the food (and look at the prices) and you will have a hard time leaving this place.  During the summer months, order their famous Margarita and take a seat outside to study the magnificent murals that decorate the building.

P.S. Bookshop
145A Front St
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 222-3340

Finally a relaxing used bookshop in Brooklyn. The moment you walk into the store it is impossible to leave without a book, or at least dreaming about them. If you happen to enjoy the smell and look of old poetry books head to the back, crawl into one of the hidden couches and enjoy.  You will also find a wonderful collection of travel books, rare artbooks and a fun children’s section… Who said 20-somethings can’t enjoy reading Alice in Wonderland (have you heard Tim Burton’s movie?).

Getting There: A/C to High St. or, 2/3 to Court St. or, F to York St.

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