DUMBO

Short for “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass,” DUMBO is a former warehouse district now becoming rapidly gentrified by artists, galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. DUMBO has a grittier industrialized feel than the other Brooklyn [1] neighborhoods with its wide cobblestone streets and large converted factories.

This area has more legitimate artist chops—lots of good galleries, warehouse-size space, and huge rents to match.

The d.u.m.b.o arts center (30 Washington St., between Plymouth and Water Sts. 718/694-0831) sponsors a neighborhood-wide arts festival every October.

Galapagos Art Space (16 Main St., 718/222-8500) is a cool performance space, happily ensconced in its new DUMBO home (after being a pioneer in Williamsburg). Galapagos has everything from Burlesque to Quiz Night in a green building where you float on islands over the pool.

111 Front St. houses 14 galleries in one building, highlighting the work of local and international artists.

After you’ve had your fill of art spaces, find refuge in the green spaces of Brooklyn Heights [2]. Kick back in lovely little Brooklyn Bridge Park, with spectacular bridge and city views or take a short walk to the Fulton Ferry landing on the Brooklyn Heights side of the bridge (for summer water taxis to Manhattan go to www.nywatertaxi.com [3]).

Located along the water beneath the Brooklyn Bridge [4], happening DUMBO also offers a riverside park with great views of Manhattan [5].

Along Old Fulton Street leading down to the water stand a clutch of historic buildings. Among them is the medieval-looking Eagle Warehouse (28 Old Fulton St.), now a residential co-op. Near the entrance, a plaque honors Walt Whitman and the Brooklyn Eagle, which was published on this site from 1841 to 1892. Whitman served as the newspaper’s editor until he was fired for his stand against slavery.