Getaway not far from the city. Nice beach, surreal pool. Next to Fire Island (which is also super nice).

Its a great Saturday after museums visit, a Viennese Cafe, for a clear white wine and apple strudel.

Somewhat off the beaten Williamsburg-track, Brooklyn Art Library is nestled on a mostly residential street. It’s home to tens of thousands of artist sketchbooks known as “The Sketchbook Project”. Over 100 countries are represented and their “collection houses books from small communities in Mongolia next to professional illustrators from New York.” You can donate one of your very own! All the sketchbooks have been cataloged for easy searching of their vast shelves, by artist and subject, and visitors are invited to browse what feels much like a hands-on museum. The Art Library also remains one of the few places to find art supplies (while limited) in the neighborhood, and if you’re in the market for a special gift (including books, totes and the cutest retro pennants) for your favorite art-lovin’ bibliophile, you might just get lucky here.

No, it's not a butcher shop. It's a destination sneaker spot with the best selection of Vans!

The best freshly pulled noodles. My favorite is braised pork with noodles in broth, celery and cilantro add a delicious freshness. Perfect for a cold day.