Hidden Gems if you Will

I am a big fan of the old off the beaten path finds.  

Recently on a horrific schlep to find an apartment in the NYC Metro area, I exited the subway in Brooklyn on the L at Jefferson.  This is a sad area turning hipster fabulous (if that exists).  

The streets are not welcoming but the one block of small cafes (probably vegan and all things earth friendly) on Wykoff is an amazing find and worth the hipster road bike excursion to it or a subway treck on an early morning.  

Why morning?  Because there is a cafe that has the BEST ICED COFFEE that I've had in a long time.  (Sorry Starbucks, your new non-corporate ads still don't give you the best coffee).  Check out this awesome detail in the shoe-box sized establishment:        

I don't know that name of this place but it's the only coffee shop there.

Down the road, past the restaurant serving brunch with a side of fashionable hipsters (oxymoron?) is the COOLEST THING I'VE EVER SEEN.  Behind a tall wooden fence is an oasis of mini golf in the midst of this rebirthing ghetto.  It's THE PUTTING LOT at 12 Wykoff.  Check out their Facebook (definitely fan-worthy).

I didn't get to go, but I wrote down the address because it was THAT cool.   

Best thing about it: it's made of recycled materials, sponsors events and is yet another NYC (Brooklyn) way to entertain yourself and stay green.  Read more here.       

A New Shade of Green

We all love to be a part of the "green campaign" - at times - and now we can be eco-friendly and get our party on too.  Introducing New York City's first GREEN nightclub/lounge and event space: 

The Greenhouse.  

150 Verick St, SoHo

New York, NY

The Greenhouse has L.E.E.D certifications (green-construction) and is a 6,000 square foot space that is outfitted with recycled and reusable materials.  The owner of Greenhouse is proud to merge nightlife with a positive message about protecting the planet and take positive steps towards the future.  And he is merging quite the nightlife - this bi-level establishment has many VIP sections and multiple sound systems.  And it reinforces it's green message with its ceiling of hanging crystals that emulate a landscape and beautiful bar scenes.           

 

Turns out New Yorkers love to be green and this place attracts all of them - check out the website for weekly events geared towards hipsters and chic upper westers too (on separate days of course - Converse and Gucci don't mix).

The Greenhouse hosts many events - inhouse and satelite (think Kentucky Derby and VMAs)- and provides floorplans and event pricing on their website - all in an effort to spread their ingrained eco-friendly message.

So go green and forget you did by morning - open 10pm to 4am.  Enjoy tree huggers.