A Beautiful Mess Guide to Brooklyn

Visiting New York City can feel overwhelming, especially when you don't have friends or family letting you know about all the real deal spots to visit. I might be a bit biased, but as a Brooklynite, I think Brooklyn should always be first on the visiting list! There are so many layered pockets to visit and explore here.
I have so many favorites. One thing is for sure, you won't get bored when you visit!
Places I normally visit and love:

I will be the first to admit, I'm not much of a tea drinker. Well, unless I am sick, pregnant, and or trying to be super cool. Bellocq is a go-to for many visitors and locals who want to sit back and relax in their beautifully decorated fern room. It's lush and always camera-ready. If you are a tea drinker, then you'll like this atelier even more.

There's no shortage of coffee here in the city. And with each person you meet, you will get a different coffee recommendation. I have many favorites, but one that stands out is Blue Bottle Coffee. On any summer day, I suggest you grab the New Orleans.

We have a few favorite brunch spots here in Brooklyn, but anytime I really want to sit and enjoy a delicious homestyle brunch, I visit Egg. We try and go during the week, as it's a hot spot during the weekend.

We love watching movies, plays, talks, and shows at BAM. There is always something happening there, and usually everything is fairly priced. It's a Brooklyn arts must.

I love how every little neighborhood in Brooklyn has it's own character and style. One minute you are surrounded by factories, next you're amongst colorful row houses, and within a few minutes, you'll be wrapped up in mansions that go back to the early 1800s. It's what I love most about living here. There's constantly so much to take in, and you're never given the chance to really get bored. If you happen to get bored, just hop on over to another neighborhood and explore. Things are always changing.

Dough. This place has the best donuts in Brooklyn. Hands down! A lot of cafes sell their donuts now, but you're missing out if you don't go to their first location right in Bedstuy Brooklyn. Everything is made there and is always fresh!

I absolutely love going thrifting here. It's more expensive than leaving town to go thrifting, that's for sure. But still, there are so many little shops, and so much to purchase secondhand and love. I feel like the list for kids' clothing is pretty short though. I adore Lulu's Then and Now. If you're here and need to purchase a few things, I highly suggest shopping here. There are lots of new things plus some vintage. And usually everything is in pristine condition.

Momufuku has delicious ice cream, great coffee, and weird (good weird) tasty pastries.

I can always count on Black Forest for a delicious meal and beer with kids or without. It's huge and spacious. Plus, it's located right next to Atlantic Terminal, where you will find just about every reliable train. So it's a go-to if you want to enjoy a meal, but don't want to veer too far off.

As a plant lover, I think I enjoy the purchasing portion of owning a plant the most. Homecoming effortlessly mixes my love for coffee, flowers, and plants. They also have a well-curated home knick knack section as well.

(source: habanaoutpost.com)

Habana Outpost is a hot spot for the warmer months. If you're visiting Brooklyn during that time, then you have to grab a bite here. Even though I love the food, it's not really the food you come for. It's decked out in everything yellow, orange, green and blue. It's a complete splash of color, true eye candy. This is a picture of their eco bathroom. They have outdoor movie night, kids' events, and they're always playing good music.

Places I highly recommend:

Prospect Park- It's like Central Park, but for Brooklyn. Maybe even better? Depends on who you ask.

Brooklyn Botanical Gardens- Visit in the spring when the blossoms are blooming.

Ample Hills Creamery- My husband thinks it's the best ice cream in Brooklyn. I kind of agree.

L Train Vintage- Super duper inexpensive vintage pieces located in a warehouse. You will thank me!

Baby's All Right- A chill venue that hosts some of the best artists and events in New York.

East River Ferry- Perfect for a day trip.

Jane's Carousel- Carousels aren't just for kids.

Madiba- Best and only South African food I've had in New York.

The Brooklyn Children's Museum- So many great rooms and activities for little hands.

I really have so many great things to do and see in New York! I feel like I'm just tapping the ice with this list. But I hope if you do visit, you will find this list helpful, also delicious and fun, depending on what you're doing. Enjoy! LaTonya

Credits: Author: LaTonya Staubs, Photography: Peter Staubs (unless otherwise noted). Photos edited with The Signature Collection.