In September 2013 I took a short trip to New York. A year later I had the opportunity to go again as part of the Enterprise Nation Go Global small business mission to the city.

Our base for the trip was the trendy Paramount Hotel, just metres from the craziness of Times Square. The energy of the area is addictive but after a day and a half amidst the hustle and bustle of the heart of the Big Apple, I needed something more sedate so jumped in the subway and headed to Brooklyn Heights.

I’d heard good things about the area but had never visited despite it being my fourth time in New York. Although it’s only 20 minutes away from Manhattan, Brooklyn Heights couldn’t be more different.

It was Saturday morning and the atmosphere was relaxed as the locals strolled around the neighbourhood enjoying the September sun. The architecture is also different with the skyscrapers replaced by grand gothic revival mansions and brownstone buildings.

I took a stroll around the area and stumbled across a flea market where local residents were selling books, jewellery, clothes and other bric-a-brac. After a browse I explored more and entered Montague Street. We love a good independent business at Lifestyle District so I was in my element taking in the sights and sounds. The Garden of Eden fruit and vegetable store was jam-packed with treats and with Halloween around the corner, pumpkins of various colours were in plentiful supply!

The 25-year-old Brooklyn Borough Hall Greenmarket was also in town with vineyard and farm owners from across New York and New Jersey selling their wares. I was particularly drawn to the fruit and vegetable stall run by Fishkill Farms, an organic orchard and vegetable farm in the Hudson Valley. With temperatures in the mid-20s a refreshing drink was in order so I settled on a cold bottle of fresh apple cider. It was gorgeous and the fruitiest fruit juice I’ve ever tasted!

Brooklyn Bridge was a short walk away and despite the huge crowds, I couldn’t resist joining them.

The bridge is absolutely massive and the views of Manhattan are spectacular. As I strolled across it, I stopped every so often to take in some of the most famous sights in the Big Apple; the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty among them. I spent a good half hour on the bridge but still didn’t reach the other side! By this point, I was pretty hungry so headed back to Brooklyn for a bite to eat.

I settled on that New York staple of pizza but didn’t fancy a big chain. Luckily Brooklyn’s independent spirit meant I wasn’t disappointed. I had a huge and delicious slice of freshly prepared pizza and a bottle of Boston Lager in MontyQ's back on Montague Street.

I still had a few hours left in New York so headed back to the subway to check out some more sights. More about that in another post.          

Dan