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.

Adore is my favorite spot to carefully select a few beautiful flowers to take home or bring as a gift. I always try to pair my visit with a trip right around the corner, to Dashwood Books, for a great selection of art books.

Leaf through over 30,000 artists' sketchbooks in what may be the world's largest collection.

This marketplace is home to tons of amazing local restaurants, shops, and vendors— from flowers, meat and cheese, wine, and a food court downstairs. There is definitely something for you here.

Chuko has the best vegetarian ramen I've ever had. It's kind of ruined me for other types of Ramen. Favorite neighborhood spot with good people running it.