The Guide to Visiting DUMBO, Brooklyn
What is DUMBO Brooklyn you ask? DUMBO is an acronym for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass. Located on the waterfront perimeter of Brooklyn, this industrial-turned-residential neighborhood’s cobblestone streets and views of Manhattan have people flocking there to explore and take pictures. Keep reading our guide to visiting DUMBO so you can, too.
Old Fulton Plaza
For a little bit of DUMBO’s history make sure you stop at Old Fulton Plaza. Positioned at the main entrance of Brooklyn Bridge Park, here you will find panoramic views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline. Come here for famous pizza along with its stunning views.Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory
Who doesn’t love ice cream? Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory is a staple in the city. Its original location was a converted 1922 firehouse at 1 Water Street. It is now open across the street at 14 Old Fulton Street. Often called “the best ice cream in New York” all of its ice cream and hot fudge are freshly made.Washington Street
If you look up DUMBO on Google or Instagram you will see tons of pictures of Washington Street and the iconic view that it offers—The Manhattan Bridge with the New York City skyline in the background. Tree-lined cobblestone streets bring you back in time and are an interesting juxtaposition as you gaze at the Manhattan bridge and skyline. When you are walking on Washington Street you can’t help but feel inspired. Due to this spot’s popularity, it can become crowded. If you are serious about seeing the view (uninterrupted) make sure you get there at sunrise or right after sunrise when it is less crowded.Brooklyn Bridge
Walking over the Brooklyn Bridge is a New York rite of passage. According to the Department of Transportation more than 10,000 pedestrians cross the bridge daily. The walk is about a mile long so you're looking at anywhere from 30- to 60 minutes of walking time depending on your pace. To walk across you will use the Brooklyn Bridge Pedestrian Walkway. After catching the view on Washington Street, head to the staircase located in the underpass on Washington Street/Cadman Plaza East and Prospect Street. At over 100 years old, the bridge opened to the public in 1883 and will forever be cemented in the history of New York City. Did you know that DUMBO was originally called Fulton Landing? The area was renamed DUMBO by fearful residents in the 1970s who wanted to deter real estate brokers and gentrification. However, they couldn’t stop fate. This acronym actually did the opposite, becoming a trendy term. Instagram is filled with pictures of tourists posing on Washington Street (where you can see views of the Manhattan Bridge). Subsequently, DUMBO is now the most expensive neighborhood in Brooklyn. Are you thinking of moving into DUMBO Brooklyn? Trust iStoreGreen for all of your moving and self storage needs. We’re the premier self storage location in Brooklyn and we offer moving and self storage specials that you will want to take advantage of!
The 5 Most Common Items in Self Storage Units
1. Furniture
The number one most common item for self storage is furniture. Whether antique, new, or old, furniture takes up room in the home, garage, and even outdoors. Storing your furniture at an affordable price is a great option to free up living space in your home.2. Collectibles
Some collectors have spent a lifetime acquiring the items in their collection and this can add up. Often, these items are worth some money and need to stay in the best condition possible. That’s why collectibles make it onto our list as the second most common self storage item. From baseball cards to antique furniture, self storage units are home to many valuable collections. Self-storage units are a good option for long-term storage of collectibles because they offer security as well as climate-controlled environments allowing your items to be stored long-term with no damage.3. Seasonal décor
Holiday decorations, outdoor furniture, Halloween decorations, and more are common storage unit items. You only need access to these items once a year so what is the point of clogging up all of your home’s storage space with them? Renting an affordable storage unit or locker is a great option to keep your holiday and seasonal décor in one place.4. Vehicles
Vehicles that are infrequently used or are seasonal (think motorcycles) are commonly found in self storage. If your vehicle is sitting around taking up space or outside being worn down by the elements, a self storage unit is probably a better option and will help extend the life of your vehicle or boat.5. Inventory
Why pay for office space when you can store your excess inventory in a self storage unit for a more affordable price? It’s a no-brainer. Many business owners are doing this, which is why inventory makes our list of the most common items in self storage units. Find yourself with an abundance of any (or all) these top five items and are considering a self storage unit? Look no further than iStoreGreen in Brooklyn, NY. iStoreGreen is the leader in self storage in Brooklyn, NY offering the most secure and affordable space to store your things.
The History of Clinton Street in Brooklyn
The History of Clinton Hill
Clinton Hill is a neighborhood in North-Central Brooklyn, New York. Known to locals simply as The Hill, it sits on the highest elevation in the area. Its cornerstone is Clinton Avenue, a tree-lined boulevard that was built along the crest of a hill in 1832. It is named for former New York Governor DeWitt Clinton (1769–1828). This neighborhood is a combination of apartment buildings, mansions, brownstones, and brick rowhouses. Clinton Hill is home to Pratt Institute and St. Joseph’s University of Brooklyn. Similar to many neighborhoods in Brooklyn, Clinton Hill was established during the Gilded Age (1874–1907), a time characterized by great wealth. While Mark Twain coined this term to describe the late 19th century as a period that was glittering on the outside but corrupt on the inside, it also resulted in incredible architecture, parks, squares, transportation systems, and mansions. Neighborhoods like Clinton Hill are a reminder of the great wealth it took to make these achievements possible. Underneath the booming wealth, neighborhood development and westward expansion was the other side of the Gilded Age. Racial inequality, political corruption, and industrial regulation ran rampant and are as important to the history of Clinton Street, Clinton Hill and Brooklyn, New York as is the great wealth of industrious American entrepreneurs who helped shape them.The Secrets of Clinton Hill, Brooklyn
Mansion row
The many unique mansions on Clinton Avenue in Brooklyn are a must see for anyone living in the neighborhood. In the 19th century, the wealthiest people in town built their stately homes along Clinton Avenue, which became an affluent neighborhood and cultural hub. But by the 20th century, the wealthy had made their way to Park Avenue or new suburbs and these former mansions were turned into apartment buildings or sold to institutions. It’s still worth your time to stroll down Clinton Avenue today as this architectural timeline is one of Brooklyn’s great gems.Hidden tunnels
A 165-year-old secret is hidden underground in Brooklyn. Thousands of people walk over it every day not knowing that there is something more below them than just sewers. This Civil War era secret spans thousands of feet under Brooklyn. Built in 1844 by Cornelius Vanderbilt using Irish immigrant labor, it was meant to be the world’s first subway and help avoid accidents of trains striking errant Brooklynites. In a corrupt deal, the subway tunnel was buried and forgotten about by the end of the 1850s. Over 100 years later, a curious young man found the tunnel by reviewing an old blueprint in the local library. He conducted tours and many neighborhood residents found access points in their basements. The tunnel is now closed to the public and remains so indefinitely.Hauntings
Clinton Hill is home to one of the most haunted homes in the city. Known as the Lefferts-Laidlaw House, this residence was built in the 19th century and is the only Greek Revival mansion left of its kind. In 1878 former residents of the home and their neighbors were so spooked by haunted activities that it was written about in The New York Times.Living in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn
Walt Whitman, The Notorious B.I.G., and Susan Sarandon are among some notable celebrities who have been residents of Clinton Hill Brooklyn. In fact, if you take a look around you can see it is the people who lived in Clinton Hill that give it the character and charm that you find in the neighborhood. Thinking of moving to Clinton Hill? If you’re moving in and need a place to store your belongings, contact the professionals at iStoreGreen of Clinton Hill who provide the best self-storage experience in Brooklyn.
The Guide to Visiting Brooklyn Botanic Garden
If you live in Brooklyn, NY, chances are you have heard of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. This urban oasis is located in Central Brooklyn near Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Museum. It is a sprawling 52-acre garden filled with lush greenery and plants galore. The botanic garden is a must see for every New Yorker and a staple of Brooklyn culture. This article covers the complete guide to visiting the museum. We will take you through getting there, paying less, and exactly what to look for depending on when you plan to visit.
Getting there
What is the best entrance to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden? This depends where you are coming from. There are three ways to enter the Brooklyn Botanic Garden: 150 Eastern Parkway, 455 Flatbush Avenue, and 990 Washington Avenue. If you plan on taking the subway, the nearest subway stops are Prospect Park Station (B, Q, S lines), Franklin Ave. / Botanic Garden Station (4,5 lines), Eastern Parkway-Brooklyn Museum Station (2,3 lines) and Grand Army Plaza Station (2,3 lines). If the weather is nice you can also bike there using Citibike. There are three Citibike stations near Grand Army Plaza and along Washington Avenue so you will only have to walk a few minutes to reach Brooklyn Botanic Garden. If you drive into the city and you are looking for a place to park, there is parking (for a fee) at 900 Washington Avenue. More transportation details can be found on the Brooklyn Botanic Garden website.Go Free
Why pay when you can visit for free? You have three basic options when it comes to visiting the gardens for free. You can 1) become a member, 2) be under 12 years of age or 3) visit during a weekday from December through February and pay what you wish! There are also community tickets where a portion of each day’s tickets are available free of charge to those who need them. There are also a few other ways to gain free entry that you can read about in more detail on the Botanic Gardens’ website.Leave Your Pets at Home
It is against the rules to bring pets to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden so be sure to leave your critters at home! Consistent with the American with Disabilities Act and NYC Human Rights Laws, service animals are allowed. There are a few guidelines about service animals that can be found in detail here.What to See
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden offers year round admission and indoor and outdoor exhibits so there is something to see during every season of the year.Winter
Inside
Warm up from the winter frost in the glass-enclosed Aquatic House where it is warm and moist even in the coldest winter months. Here, tropical plants abound. There are hundreds of tropical orchids growing on tree trunks and hanging from wooden pots or racks. Be sure to look for the giant lily pads in the bog. After making your way through the glass-enclosed greenhouse, head to the tropical fruits and flowers in The Steinhardt Conservatory. Aromatic olive blossoms grow freely as do colorful flowers in the blooming Desert Pavilion. In just a few minutes, you’re sure to forget about those snowy New York winters.Outside
As you make your way outside, look for the Japanese garden. Japanese gardens are manicured to highlight seasonal change. Plants are carefully selected so viewers can appreciate it during every season. Spot the unique evergreens and snow viewing lantern in Turtle Island: It’s a must-see in the Japanese Garden. Cardinals and other wildlife (a pair of eagles) can be spotted in the garden—even in the winter!After Dark
As night falls the garden’s after-dark Winter Cathedral lights up the garden pathways with a 98-foot-long cathedral made of tens of thousands of LED light globes. This after-dark light show is truly spectacular!Spring
Early Spring
As spring comes, so do the cherry blossoms. Arguably the most loved floral of early spring, you can see several different types of cherry blossoms in o the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden. Weeping higan cherry blossoms are the first to bloom and then the famous Yoshino ornamental cherry. There are also early blooming azaleas in magenta and white. Bulbs also abound in the early spring so be sure to check out their amazing display in the Annual Border on Lily Pool Terrace. Each year’s design is unique so you can visit every year and still be wowed!Late Spring
Check out the tree peony collection that blooms in early- to mid-May. There are more than 300 plants in this collection and they are so fragrant! Late spring also brings beautiful blooms like wisteria, bluebells, lilacs, crabapples, Spanish bluebells, and more cherry blossoms! Be sure to check out the Osborne Garden, an Italianate garden with a sprawling lush lawn and pathways lined with spring flowers.Summer
Summer is a great time to visit the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.Your first stop should be The Water Garden that features a stream and pond lined with wetland plants. Keep an eye out for the ducks, herons, frogs, and dragonflies who live on the pond and stream in the summer months! Summer also means roses so make your way to the historic Cranford Rose Garden. June presents a spectacular show of roses with a second flush in late August. The original roses were planted in 1927 and are still growing today.Autumn
Autumn is all about finding that beautiful orange and red foliage and there is no shortage of that at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Starting in October, the gardens start to change color. Look for rows of deep red scarlet oaks and yellow-leaved ginkgos. There are also many colorful maples and sumacs in the Discovery Garden. In the Japanese garden, you will find vibrant Japanese maples that stand 20 feet tall. Before you leave, be sure to check out the Herb Garden for pumpkins, squash, apples and ornamental corn! No matter what season you visit Brooklyn Botanic Garden, we hope our guide allows you to fully embrace all it has to offer. If you find yourself inspired to go green by its beauty and you need a place to store your belongings, contact the eco-friendly self storage expert in Brooklyn, NY for a safe and affordable space to store your stuff!
The Guide to Holiday Cheer in Brooklyn, NY
Things to Do during the Holidays in Brooklyn, NY
December is officially here and Brooklyn, NY, is full of holiday activities for the whole family to enjoy. In our Guide to Holiday Cheer, we have compiled a list of holiday activities. From picking out a local Christmas tree in Clinton Hill to celebrating the best Hanukkah parties in the area —we’ve got something for everyone.Where to get your Christmas tree in Brooklyn, NY
Now that December is upon us, the holiday season is in full swing. Follow the smell of the pine needles to one of these local christmas tree vendors located in the Clinton Hill/Fort Greene area:- Fulton and South Portland Streets, northeast corner
- Lafayette Avenue and Fort Greene Place, outside Brooklyn Medical Plaza
- Adelphi Street and Myrtle Avenue, southeast corner
- Vanderbilt and Myrtle Avenues, southeast corner
- Hall Street and Myrtle Avenue, northwest corner
The Best Hanukkah Foods—New York
New York City is brimming with delicious Kosher eats and its thriving Jewish community will be celebrating Hanukkah until December 6. We’ve created a list of some of the best kosher food delis in NYC that are fully stocked for the holidays.Katz Delicatessen
This famous kosher deli is home to legendary pastrami and Jewish deli classes. Order online for your holiday feast!Frankel’s Delicatessen
Located on Manhattan Avenue, Frankel’s Deli is a family-owned and operated restaurant bringing Jewish fare to Brooklyn, NY.Mile End Delicatessen
This New York City-based Jewish delicatessen specializes in traditional foods like smoked meats!Mill Basin Kosher Deli
This Kosher Deli has everything and more! The menu is a mix of delicious kosher foods from sandwiches to salmon. They have something for everyone.Hanukkah Celebrations in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn
JCC Hanukkah celebration
Celebrate Hanukkah at the Community Celebration hosted by JCC Brooklyn Clinton Hill on Sunday December 5 from 10am–12pm. Bring the whole family for arts & crafts, music from Yonatan and, of course, plenty of latkes, dreidels and fun Hanukkah traditions. Proof of COVID vaccination required. Located at 309 Grand Ave. between Greene & Lexington Avenues.Accumulations: Hanukkah lamps
See more than 80 Hanukkah lamps that represent the four continents and six centuries of art at The Jewish Museum. The Jewish Museum holds the largest collection of Hanukkah Lamps in the world consisting of 1,050 pieces they have collected over 114 years! Admission for adults is $18 & children under 18 are free!Hanukkah Hunt Gallery program
On Sunday, December 5 from 10:30am–3:00pm, The Jewish Museum’s Hanukkah Hunt features Hanukkah menorahs from around the world. There will be a playful hunt exploring the different types of menorahs throughout the museum.Hanukkah family fest
This festival, brought to you by The Jewish Children’s Museum, blends holidays and food. What could be better? Get into the holiday spirit by designing unique Hanukkah arts and crafts and decorating holiday doughnuts! Check it out on Sunday, December 5 from 10am–5:30pm.Abington Square menorah lighting
See the annual giant menorah lighting on Sunday, December 5 at 5pm in Abingdon Square Park, on the intersection of Bleecker and Hudson streets in Greenwich Village. Admission is free & food will be served!Check Out These Winter Festivals in Clinton Hill
Fort Greene tree lighting
Celebrate the holiday tree lighting on Sunday, December 5 from 4:00–5:00pm in Fort Greene Park with the community at Myrtle Ave. & St. Edwards Street in Brooklyn, NY. Bring the family and neighbors and enjoy free hot cocoa, meet Santa, live music and more!Merry on Myrtle Winter Festival
The annual Merry on Myrtle Winter Festival will be held Saturday, December 11 from 11am– 2pm on Myrtle Avenue between Washington Park & Classon Ave. Bring the kids for free hot chocolate and photos with Santa! Make sure you stop by at least one of these events to fully embrace all that Brooklyn can offer during the holiday season. If you find yourself cleaning up for the holiday season and you need a place to store your belongings, contact the experts in self storage in Brooklyn, NY for a safe and affordable space to store your things.
3 Tips for Organizing Your Self Storage Space
Once your eco friendly storage unit starts filling up, it can be difficult to keep track of everything in there. Even if you label the boxes, you might not know the precise contents of each. It's pretty simple to keep track of what is in your unit. Follow these three steps, so your self storage experience is a good one:
Step 1: Label, Label, Label
The easiest way to make your storage unit a sea of unknown items is to not label anything. And after awhile, all of the boxes can start to look the same. Make up simple names for each box of stuff, as long as they are distinct. Then be sure to write that designation on all sides of the box of items. That way, a labeled side is always facing you.Step 2: An Inventory Sheet
Once you are ready to pack, create an inventory sheet. As you add items to a box, write down with enough detail to understand what's in there later. Try to avoid vague labels, like "books," which could be anything from cookbooks to textbooks to murder mysteries.Step 3: Make a Map
If you have a larger unit, you’ll definitely want to do this. Create a basic map labeling where your belongings are. If reading maps isn't your forte, you can instead make a note on your inventory sheet like "Box 51: back left corner." Ready to store your stuff in our green storage facility? Contact iStoreGreen to take advantage of our unbeatable prices and service.
Simple Home Seller’s Self Storage Tips for House Staging
You’re selling your home, and your real estate agent tells you to get rid of half of the furniture and all of the clutter in order to sell. You take a second to digest this information, another second or two to pick up your jaw from the floor, and wonder: “What am I going to do with all of my stuff?” Renting a self storage unit can be the perfect answer for staging your home and getting results. According to real estate agents, decluttering and cleaning are the top recommendations for selling your home quickly. As little as $200 spent can increase the value of your house by as much as $2,000. When you look at it in those terms, there really is no reason not to use storage space as a means to a quick and profitable sale.