April 25, 2025

It’s nice to have a change of perspective from time to time.  I’ve now been in Manhattan for over 30 years, which still feels amazing for a person with firm roots in Burlington, Vermont.  I’ve experienced this big town as a tourist, as a long-time resident, as a worker-bee toiling in so many different neighborhoods and as a wandering dreamer with a penchant for taking unexpected left-hand turns.  But, interestingly enough, I’ve never viewed the city from an angle solidly based in Brooklyn.

Oh, sure - I’ve done the amazing walk (and even roller-blade ride - once!) across the Brooklyn bridge, a beautiful trek I would recommend to anyone.  And I’ve gone to a few Nets games at the Barclays over the years, though it’s been a while.  I’ve even had the fairly recent experience of working small functions in people's homes that have instilled a desire to spend more time getting to know Prospect Park and Park Slope.  But, well - I’ve never really gotten to know Brooklyn.

I’ve never even sat down for the famous skyline views offered at the Promenade in Brooklyn Heights!

I guess, like so many things in my life, this was only going to happen by accident…

My Marriott Bonvoy credit card (and thanks to my sister Tricia for encouraging me to transition to one around a decade ago!) rewards one free hotel stay per year, which disappears if not used within that time.  Usually I’d combine this amenity with other points for a longer stay in Boston or Vermont, and I’d been leaning towards Philly had these recent days not slipped away so quickly.  But I discovered only a week or so ago that my latest reward was about to expire.  What should I do?  Where should I go?

The usual suspects came to mind.

But then, well - a little change in perspective…

Why not a simple one night stay in Brooklyn?

At this stage in the game, such simple ideas are about as much planning as I can muster.  So easy!  Take the local C train down the block to the second stop in Brooklyn.  Navigate my way to the upscale hotel in the downtown area.  Check in and wander around aimlessly for as long as my banged-up knee will allow.

This was not technically a “stay-cation”.  More like a thirty-minute escape to a different part of the world.

And I’m happy to use a few words to describe the next 24 hours.  “Easy.” “Peaceful.” “Memorable.”    And “Worth doing over and over again.”

No more details are necessary, really.  It was so nice to have such a great view of what Manhattan looks like to Brooklynites on a daily basis.  That easy route to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade was completely worthwhile.  So much better than simply staring at a picture.

The next morning, I was back on the subway and had returned to my Manhattan studio apartment before my check-out time had elapsed, my one-night free Marriott Reward put to perfect use.

I’m not sure why I don’t do these things more often.  Had my knee been in better shape, I might have easily looked into booking a second night for a walk towards anywhere…

Williamsburg, maybe?

Why not?!

And OK - In the past I’ve resisted visiting the Stature of Liberty because of the horrendous-sounding tourist trappings of the excursion.  But maybe I’ll have to change my perspective on that one…

I’m sure the city views would be unbelievable…