I: I Challenge You. . .

Despite our best efforts, Kyle and I are having trouble coming up with a good Brooklyn “I.” Brainstorming sessions led us to “irritating igloos” and “insensitive insects,” but nothing that seemed quite right. That’s where you come in. Do any Brooklyn readers have good “I” spots to recommend?

We did think about suggesting some ice cream places, but I’m waiting on another letter to showcase my favorite spot for the best cold creamy stuff around.

Thanks for your help!

H: Hotspots

I’m not quite ready to put my air conditioner in, but when it’s this hot and humid out, a fan doesn’t keep my room cool. It’s currently 86 degrees in here! The heat is in no way compatible with a comfortable writing and working environment. Luckily, there are lots of wireless hotspots in Brooklyn with air conditioning, good coffee, and other amenities. Laptop owners should take advantage of these free Internet hang outs.

Check out this comprehensive list to find a Brooklyn hotspot near you. It includes over 100 places, from independent cafes to behemoths like McDonalds. Who knew they had free Internet access? One of my favorite hotspots is the plaza outside of the main branch of the Brooklyn Library. It might not be such a good choice for a hot day, but it’s fun to surf the web from outside.

Anyone else have favorite places to get online?

G: Greenwood Cemetery

It may seem odd to fall in love with a cemetery, but after a two hour walk in Greenwood last week, I’ve done just that. About 10 blocks south of Prospect Park, Greenwood Cemetery is an oasis of green tranquility. It’s 478 acres, and during my weekday visit, I only saw 3 other (living) people the entire time I was there.

Because the cemetery is build on the highest point in Brooklyn, there are sweeping views of Manhattan from certain vantages. The cemetery is beautifully landscaped–there are cherry trees and magnolias everywhere. I also stumbled across several ponds. It’s all very lush and romantic. The architecture of the buildings and mausoleums is also noteworthy. Check out the Victorian Gothic gate at the main entrance.

F: Fort Greene Park

Fort Greene Park may not be as flashy as Prospect Park or Williamsburg’s McCarren Park, but it has way more cool going on. Check it out for unique history and an awesome set of local events.

Lucky for us, all of the events are free and they tend to stay small and accessible even with the great stuff going on.

The highlight of the summer is the Fort Greene literary festival. Literary types from the neighborhood get together with some really cool community groups to put on a public reading. It’s a chance to see some awesome writers in a smaller, neighborhood crowd. Two years ago, the featured author was Amiri Baraka. Last year, Fort Greene resident and Pulitzer prize winner Jhumpa Lahiri read. This year’s line up has not been announced, but it’s a definite don’t miss. Bring a picnic blanket!

E: Egg Cream

Whether you like them or not, egg creams, a frothy, chocolate drink, are one of those things that you have to try at least once when in Brooklyn. Found at diners and soda fountains, the drink doesn’t contain eggs at all–it’s a mixture of milk, seltzer, and chocolate syrup. Think of it as the champagne of chocolate milks.

There is much debate about the egg cream’s origin, but many believe it was first created in the late 19th century by a Mr. Auster of Brooklyn. It was cheaper to make than a shake, but has a similar flavor. Some say that the “egg” comes from the Yiddish word “echt,” meaning genuine or good. Others say egg creams did contain egg whites at one time, in order to make the foam frothier. Regardless, stop by a diner for an egg cream and see what you think. These days they’re sometimes offered in stawberry and vanilla, too.

Here are a few choice diners in Brooklyn where chances are pretty high you’ll be called sweetheart while ordering your egg cream:

D: DUMBO

Keeping all the NYC neighborhood acronyms straight can be quite the challenge, especially as they seem to multiply by the day. DUMBO stands for “Down Under (the) Manhattan Bridge Overpass” and refers to the area in Brooklyn between the Manhattan and Brooklyn bridges. It’s a hip little area with great city views, and the perfect place to take out of town visitors.

Though the area was until recently home to artists’ lofts, it’s now changing over to expensive condos. The neighborhood retains some of its creative charm, though. The annual DUMBO Art Under the Bridge festival is well worth a visit. This year, it will be held September 28-30th. DUMBO area parks will be illuminated, and sculptures and installations will line the streets.

Even a normal day in DUMBO is an aesthetic treat. Walk down along the river to two great parks–the Brooklyn Bridge Park and the Fulton Ferry Park. Both offer exapansive views of Manhattan and are stunning on summer nights.

C: Coney Island

Coney Island has a certain seedy charm. It’s only a one hour subway ride from Manhattan, but it feels worlds apart. A visit can include sipping cheap neon cocktails on the boardwalk, winning plastic prizes playing skee ball, riding the world famous Cyclone, or watching Nathan’s hot dog eating contest. Think of it as a vacation minus the hotel bill. Just remember to bring sunscreen.

At its peak in the early 1900’s, Coney Island was a resort destination for wealthy New Yorkers. Hotels lined the shore and visitors sunned on the beach. After World War II, Coney Island declined in popularity as cars became more common and beaches in New Jersey and on Long Island became easily accessible. The past decade has seen a Coney Island revival of sorts, with music festivals, remodels, and new activities. This is great news for those of us who like the beach but still don’t have cars.

I recommend checking out the following to fully experience Coney Island:

Cheap (but awesome) Concert!

We interrupt this alphabetical tribute to the borough we love to plug one of our many talented friends.

Singer/ Songwriter Libbie Schrader (Pomona ’01 and friend of the blog) is playing a show at the Bitter End this Thursday at 9 PM the Bitter End (147 Bleeker ave. in Manhattan). Tickets are $7.

Pomona folks will remember her as the lead singer of Think of England. She’s been featured on NPR, KCRW and in a bunch of major singer/songwriter competitions. And her show at Piano’s was one of my favorite shows of last year.

Maybe I’m just nostalgic for the Claremont music scene, but I think she rocks. You should make a point to check her out.

B: Brooklyn Brewery

The Brooklyn Brewery, located a block from the water in Williamsburg, is an excellent weekend destination for gourmet and deal hunting beer shoppers alike. On friday nights and saturday afternoons, the warehouse is transformed into bargain bar and tasting rooms. On Saturday, you can also get a free tour of the brewing facility.

The tasting room can be crowded, but it’s fun crowded- like a party, not like a post office. The process of buying beer tokens and then waiting in a seperate line to get to the the bar can be a bit of a hassle, but your patiences gets you a cup of almost any Brooklyn Brewery product for $3. They have nearly a dozen brews on tap including seasonals that have just been released and some limited edition brews. They also have plenty of the Brooklyn Lager that’s a staple of bars across the city.

The last time I was there, they were getting rid of the remainder of their winter ale. They were selling 24 bottle cases for $12. They also sell a variety of gift items including limited run beers in gift sets, logoed glass wear, books and t-shirts for some pretty reasonable prices.

The Brewery is also a great place to stop before or after a visit to vintage mega store Beacon’s Closet (also a B) that’s located across the street.

The Brooklyn Brewery is located at 79 N. 11th st. in Williamsburg. It is open for happy hour from 6 -11pm on Fridays. Tours are available every hour on the hour on Saturday from 12 – 5 pm.

A: Artez’n

Artez’n is a fun gallery/store/studio on Atlantic Avenue between Nevins and Bond. It’s the perfect place to go when you need a creative Brooklyn gift–you’ll find everything from t-shirts silk screened with sketches of Coney Island mermaids to beer glasses imprinted with the Grand Army Plaza Arch. Almost all of the pieces are made by artists in Brooklyn, and for such unique items, the prices are very reasonable. For Christmas I bought my mom an “eau de Brooklyn” soap set, and I’ve got my eye on a tote bag printed with a Brooklyn map.

There’s also a nice selection of locally made prints, paintings, and sculptures. Instead of reusing that poster leftover from college, support a local artist and decorate with something original. At Artez’n, it won’t even cost you that much more.

And if you’re creative yourself, Artez’n might sell your work on consignment. Fill out an application and see.

Artez’n is located at 444 Atlantic Avenue and is open 7 days a week from 11am-7pm.