Spring Break Activities: Brooklynites

Spring break is only a week away, or a few days for some. Whether you're in elementary, middle school, high school or college, spring break usually falls during this time of the year. And in addition to spring break, we're spoiled with beautiful weather, so why stay in when you can stay out?

Since this break is only one week (or a few days) for most of us, wouldn't it be too vague to fly back all the way to California or Texas when you can spend it in New York City?

Put your mind into the thought of Brooklyn. What do you visualize when you think of Brooklyn? Most native New Yorkers perceive Brooklyn as mostly dangerous, but it's just like any other borough in New York; there are good areas and there are also not-so-good areas.

For those who will be in the city for the break, here are some things you can do to make your time worthwhile.

1. Brooklyn Botanic Gardens - New York's most prestigious land of nature, as I'd like to call it. Walk your way through thousands of different flowers from around the world and culture-themed sites in the Prospect Park neighborhood of Brooklyn. This is the best time in the season to discover fully bloomed flowers that will only last for a short amount of time. While you're in the area, be sure to walk down to Prospect Park, the Central Park of Brooklyn, you won't even know you're in Brooklyn! Central who?

2. Williamsburg - This edgy neighborhood at the tip of Brooklyn, known as the land of hipsters, is more than meets the eye. Known for their live (and free!) concerts at night, clubs, bars, restaurants and shopping, it's hard to imagine what there isn't in Williamsburg. If you're one who loves art and clothing, be sure to check out the notorious Artists & Fleas, an indoor flea market with independent artists and designers. Guaranteed, you'll find something you'll love!

3. Brooklyn Bridge Waterfall - Many people don't know this, but there is a waterfall right under the Brooklyn Bridge! I know, I know, you'd think you'll only see that at Niagara Falls but you better believe it, New York City has not one, but quite a few!

4. Coney Island - Most people only think of two places when they hear Brooklyn: Brooklyn Bridge and Coney Island. Coney Island is one of the oldest beaches in New York, with a notable boardwalk and amusement park, formerly known as Astroland. The preeminent rides of the amusement park, now called Luna Park, are the Cyclone roller coaster and the Wonder Wheel ferris wheel. Although I do not recommend jumping in the water, the amusement park comprises the fun!

5. Brooklyn Heights - Brooklyn Heights, right on the perfect skyline view of Manhattan, is the ideal place to live in for comfort, proximity and on top of it all, a killer view! If you're not among the millions of daily commuters and enemies of the MTA, you'll be intrigued with the New York Transit Museum, which provides an oriental historical background of the transit system of New York.