Author: Vitagraph Management

Empty street with rows of townhouses under sunlight shaded by trees

Things to Do and Places to See in Brooklyn Heights

Brooklyn Heights is one of New York City’s most sought-after neighborhoods. The neighborhood’s roughly one-third square mile of surface area is lined with beautiful brownstones. While Brooklyn Heights is home to fewer bars, restaurants, and businesses than the rest of Brooklyn, you’re likely to be delighted when you discover these must-see attractions in the neighborhood.

Check Out Montague Street

Montague Street is the lively center for Brooklyn Heights. The four-block street is packed with businesses. The first block after Clinton Street features over a half-dozen spas, massage therapists, and other esthetician services.

The next block features fine jewelers and one of the best Thai restaurants and bars in Brooklyn at Lantern Thai, which offers authentic Thai food via takeout, no-contact delivery, and dine-in.

Up the street is Brooklyn Cat Cafe, a feline-friendly eatery run by the Brooklyn Bridge Animal Welfare Coalition. Here, you can grab coffee or tea and choose from a range of freshly made snacks.

Enjoy Gothic Revival Architecture

At Montague and Clinton, the first thing you’ll notice is St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church. The massive, 275-foot-tall church is adorned with dozens of stained glass windows depicting figures and events from the New Testament.

This National Historic Landmark regularly hosts community events such as live storytelling and the annual Brooklyn Folk Festival.

Catch a Concert by the Brooklyn Chamber Orchestra

St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church is also home to the Brooklyn Chamber Orchestra, an 18-person group that typically performs at least every month. In addition, the orchestra occasionally hosts world-renowned guest musicians, even commissioning brand-new musical works to be premiered here in Brooklyn Heights.

Right next to the Brooklyn neighborhoods of Kensington and Ditmas Park, The Vitagraph luxury apartment rentals offer easy access to the eateries and attractions mentioned above. Choose from one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, all of which feature oversized layouts with plenty of unobstructed natural light.

Image by Warren Eisenberg at Shutterstock.

Families at outdoor dining in Brooklyn

3 Healthy, Resolution-Friendly Lunch Spots

It’s that time of year. You’ve set your resolutions. You’re prepared to get fit, eat healthily, and transform your figure as the new year rings in. Thankfully, living in Brooklyn makes this resolution more effortless than ever. This borough has various health-oriented restaurants with delicious dishes without sacrificing nutrition. 

At the Vitagraph, you’re just steps away from Midwood’s most popular restaurants & attractions. This historic neighborhood houses bustling eateries for every taste, whether you’re craving international cuisine, comfort food, or something more classic. Hungry? Give these three healthy options a try. 

Sunflower Cafe

This kosher restaurant features a lengthy menu of classics, from fat-free, sugar-free morning pastries to nutrient-packed breakfasts served all day. Its extensive salad and sandwich menu has something to satisfy every taste. You can also get wraps, pasta, juices, and hot drinks. From omelets with fine herbs and feta to salads stacked high with veggies, you’ll have plenty to choose from. 

Sushi Meshuga

Get the finest sushi in Brooklyn at this buzzing spot. You can experience authentic Japanese cuisine with their extensive, kosher-friendly sushi menu. Every selection is fresh & nutritious, making this a go-to choice for those dieting this new year. In addition to sushi, the restaurant serves healthy appetizers, salads, poke, burritos, and bento boxes. Many vegetarian & vegan options are also available. 

Pescada New York

With a “Manhattan meets Brooklyn” aesthetic, Pescada has a seafood-heavy menu in a white tablecloth setting. Open for lunch and dinner, the restaurant’s healthy entrees include grilled tuna wraps, nectarine salads, pizzas, champagne mushrooms, ceviche, and glazed shallot salmon. All are freshly prepared with the finest ingredients in the city. Takeout is available so you can have five-star dining from the comfort of your apartment. 

A quintessential “Old Brooklyn” setting paired with elevated modern amenities, The Vitagraph stands at the forefront of modern life in the historic Midwood neighborhood. Experience scenic views from the cityscape rooftop, a fitness center, lounge, and business suite within walking distance from the borough’s top restaurants, shops, and attractions. 

Holiday Decor Ideas for Apartments

Looking to come up with holiday decor for your apartment that’s both reassuringly traditional and distinctly you? Here are five easy ways to quickly fill your home with the Christmas spirit.

Try a Different Tree

The classic Christmas tree is traditionally an evergreen pine or fir tree. Put your personal touch on your holiday decor with an artistic take on this winter staple.

Want to stay natural but still think outside the box? Bring a little Southwestern flavor to your Brooklyn apartment by building your holiday arrangement around a Christmas cactus or Christmas succulent rather than a pine tree.

Mix the Colors

Part of the fun of the holidays is observing tradition, but you can bust out of the ordinary by ditching the classic red-and-green color scheme.

Experiment with a different base color combination. Aqua and gold, pink and yellow, or green and blue all make for unique looks. You can also go for a high-contrast black-and-white design for a, particularly arresting approach.

Make Scents

Scent is the human sense most closely tied to memory. Placing some high-quality scented candles in your living room and bedroom can do a lot to bring out that childhood Christmas spirit.

Classic holiday scents are peppermint, gingerbread, and cinnamon. For a fully put-together look to your decor, look for candles in colors that match your unique palette choice.

Pare Down

Sometimes less is more, especially in apartment decor. Rather than going big and flashy, save space while increasing visual impact by going for a minimalist look.

A small tabletop Christmas tree decorated with only gently glowing white lights can create a serene scene. An arrangement of a few fresh, bare twigs placed in a mason jar and ringed by tea lights also evokes winter’s tranquility.

Look Up

Garlands and ornaments aren’t just for Christmas trees. Make the most of a small space by using chandeliers and other ceiling lighting to hang some of your classic decorations.

This unique approach helps keep some of your table and floor space free. It’s also a good way of placing some mistletoe in an unexpected location for a quick Christmas smooch.

Located in the heart of Brooklyn, the Vitagraph BK apartments are a perfect place to celebrate the holidays and ring in the new year. Units are available now; call or email today to set up a tour.

Image by Oxik

Fun Fall Activities In Brooklyn

It’s that time of year again. There’s a cool crispness in the air, and the delightful scent of pumpkin spice lingers around every street corner. That’s right, fall in Brooklyn, NYC, has finally arrived, and the borough is jam-packed with fun activities.

This fall, if you’re looking for things to do in Midwood, Brooklyn, here are a few can’t-miss events for your 2021 calendar. 

Light Up Your Life At Lightscape

Who’s ready for a glow-up? Starting this November, you and your friends can enjoy Lightscape, an enchanting illuminated trail coming to Brooklyn Botanic Garden. The after-dark event features a mile-long trail complete with colorful lights and music.

Conveniently located near our Vitagraph BK apartments, you can get to Brooklyn Botanic Garden in roughly 20 minutes. Tickets for Lightscape cost $34 for adults and $18 for kids. Children age 0-2 get in for free.

Bask In Fall Foliage At Prospect Park

Basking in fall foliage is one of the best ways to enjoy the season. You can soak up seriously stunning views from Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. Here’s where to admire the colors while you enjoy cozy picnics, hiking, and horseback riding. 

Explore A Rooftop Farm At Brooklyn Grange

Brooklyn Grange has you covered whether you want to wander the farmers market or enjoy a prepared meal from a pop-up restaurant. Its urban rooftop farms let you see the city from a whole new perspective.

Enjoy Fall In Brooklyn From Your Vitagraph Apartment

Fall is one of the best times of year to be in Brooklyn. And with so many things to do, you won’t want to be far from the action. At Vitagraph BK, we have a variety of luxury apartments for rent in Midwood, Brooklyn.

When you live here, you’ll never have to miss the best fall activities Brooklyn has to offer. For more information about our one-, two-, and three-bedroom options, contact us today.

Image By Micheli Amorim

Great Brooklyn Spots to Visit in the Fall

With the muggy weather of the summer finally clearing out, it’s time to breathe in the fresh air of autumn. The Vitagraph’s modern apartments are ideally located in central Brooklyn, providing excellent access to all the best parts of the borough in the fall. There’s plenty to do now that the city’s cooled off a little from the parks to Coney Island and all the great eateries nearby.

Parks and Beaches

If you’re a fan of the outdoors in autumn, it’s worth your time to visit Shirley Chisholm State Park. The changing colors of the fall leaves are beautiful, and you can ride down 10 miles of trails on one of the park’s loaner bikes. Shirley Chisholm is about 30 minutes from The Vitagraph by car and 90 minutes by train, making it an excellent choice for a day trip with friends or family.

Dyker Beach Park, approximately the same distance from The Vitagraph, is another great place to see the autumn leaves. You can bike, walk your dog, or even go golfing while enjoying views of the iconic Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and Staten Island. There are also tennis courts, baseball fields, and plenty of nearby entertainment.

Coney Island

Historic boardwalk area Coney Island has a reputation as a destination for summer tourists, but those crowds have usually cleared up by the time fall comes. You won’t have to deal with long lines at amusement parks Luna Park or Deno’s Wonder Wheel, and there are plenty of concerts that run all fall at the Coney Island Amphitheater. The amusement parks along the boardwalk tend to get into the Halloween season early as well, so there’s plenty to look forward to as the seasons change.

Cafes and Restaurants

Even closer to The Vitagraph apartments for rent, you’ll find dozens of cozy cafes to warm you up on a rainy fall morning. Grab a toasty lox and cheese sandwich at the Oh Bagel Cafe or a quick cup of coffee from Chock Full O’Nuts, both of which are less than a 5-minute walk from The Vitagraph’s front door. 

Dinner options also abound in the neighborhood. Focaccia Pizza and Perizia Pizza are both great spots to grab a slice. You can get sushi from Koma, gyros, other Mediterranean treats from Gala and quintessentially American counter-serve burgers from Joseph’s Dream Burger. If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, Bordeaux Steakhouse provides a refined experience just a few blocks away.

The Vitagraph is situated in the perfect place to see all the best things about Brooklyn in the fall. With our central location on Avenue M and easy access to the Q line into Manhattan, there’s no better hub for you to explore everything to see. 

Shirley Chisholm State Park: Your own Private Brooklyn

Urban living usually means being surrounded by concrete, bricks, asphalt, and people. You work in a high-rise office and go home to your high-rise apartment. You spend more time in an elevator than you do outdoors. The thought of going for a bike ride or a hike after work isn’t appealing. Fighting cars for space on Manhattan’s streets ends in frustration. But you have options in Brooklyn—actually, almost 1,000 acres of options.

Relax Hard After Working Hard

Regardless of your job, you must work hard to make it in New York City. So give yourself a chance to relax when you’re home. One of the best places to relax is Brooklyn’s beautiful Shirley Chisholm State Park (SCSP). Both individuals and families have many options for relaxation after work or for a fun-filled Saturday or Sunday on its 407 acres.

Before we get too far, let’s introduce Shirley Chisholm. She was a Member of Congress, representing New York’s 12th Congressional District from 1969 to 1983. Shirley Chisholm State Park is in her former district. She was the first black woman elected to Congress. her Additionally, in 1972 she became the first woman and the first African American to seek party’s nomination for President. She died in 2005.

Chisholm Park Offers Great Downtime in Brooklyn

Shirley Chisholm State Park is a great way to escape the city. SCSP offers ten miles of biking and hiking trails, loaner bikes, waterfront access, fishing, kayaking, and picnicking. SCSP opened in 2019, giving residents from Brooklyn and all of New York’s boroughs access to Jamaica Bay for the first time in decades. The park is located on some of the highest ground in New York, providing views of Midtown Manhattan, New York Harbor, and Jamaica Bay. 

The Rest of the Neighborhood   

Chisholm Park is near Brooklyn’s historic district, where Grace Episcopal Church, St. Ann’s and the Holy Trinity Church are located. In addition, the Heights Casino and the Packer Collegiate Institute are nearby. 

Another great outdoor option is Prospect Park, nicknamed Brooklyn’s Central Park. It’s the largest park in Brooklyn with 526 acres. It includes the Brooklyn Zoo, an ice rink, and multiple playing fields and recreational areas. 

Shirley Chisholm State Park is one of the perks of living in Brooklyn. It allows you the opportunity to step away from the busy New York lifestyle whenever you wish. Another benefit is the rentals available at Vitagraph BK, apartments comprised of free-standing homes with beautiful landscaping. Living at Vitagraph BK puts you in the center of Brooklyn, convenient to your favorite coffee house and escapes from your daily grind. 

Image by Galvin Bros

Colorful Cuisine Makes These Spots Pop Around Prospect Park

Whether you’re new to the neighborhood or just a weekend visitor, be sure to pop into these tasty spots and give your mouth something to talk about. These eateries are close to the beautiful Prospect Park, making them a terrific stop-along after your run or after an afternoon spent chasing your doggos around the park.

So bring your friends for some authentic inter-continental cuisine and fresh cocktails and see what these luxury apartments have to offer.

Olmstead – Prospect Heights 

This beauty, located in Prospect Heights, is the best of all things Brooklyn. The restaurant was met with plenty of wary eyes after arriving on the scene with their “farm to table” approach.

But besides becoming a firm favorite around Vitagraph BK in Brooklyn, Olmstead has since been reviewed favorably both in the New York Times and Eatery NY. You can recline in their beautiful, urban farm-style backyard, lit with string tungsten globes that bathe the afternoon in romance.

Olmstead has a wide variety of small bites and cater to everyone’s whim and wonder, with dishes like their frozen yogurt with whipped honey and lavender, and their giant Latke with lemon creme fraiche and trout roe, which might not be small but is definitely worth the wonder.

Wangs – Park Slope

If you’re on the lookout for small bites, you should definitely not skate past this absolute gem. Wang’s is a pan-Asian delight, where the South has a sticky fling with all things chicken.

They offer everything from whole chicken to Korean wings and Bahn Mi sandwiches. Wangs is primarily a take-out spot focused on sustainability, sourcing fresh ingredients, organic birds, and using earth-friendly packaging. Most widely known for their fried Korean-style jumbo wings, Wangs serves up a choice of either regular or hot sauces, and their popcorn chicken marinated in Buttermilk and black pepper.

They also have chicken sandwich lunch boxes available for pick-up Monday to Friday that might make that workweek slip on by just a little quicker.

Whisk & Whiskey – Park Slope

Surprising flavors and toothsome options are stock standard at this colorful eatery located in the heart of Park Slope. Your senses are bound to be delighted with all the intoxicating aromas and colors of the sustainable and seasonal products in this Caribbean-meets-southeast-Asian eatery.

The Whisk & Whiskey menu is all about the flavor and the sharable things. Their shredded brisket bake is a taste explosion, and their Charcuterie board is excellent for sharing.

You’ll find a fantastic array of colorful cocktails, draft beers, and wines to pair with the food to spice things up. They also have the aromatic joys that only La Colombe coffee can bring you.

Live in Brooklyn

With such variety available right on your doorstep, we can see why oodles of people are looking to these Prospect Park luxury apartments for a chance to break away from the bustle. Original, full of life, and ready to add color to your world.

Couple silhouetted in the rain in Madison near The Vitagraph Apartments

The Loveliest Walkable Date Nights Around The Vitagraph

Date night is a big deal. But, you don’t want to spend most of it on public transport — and you don’t need to. There are so many great date ideas all within walking distance in the trendy Brooklyn area near Madison and The Vitagraph Apartments.

Michael’s of Brooklyn

Every good date night starts with food. Michael’s of Brooklyn, is one of the staple restaurants of the borough, family-owned since 1964. Its elegant dining room is reminiscent of a classy yet glitzy ballroom. The experience sets the perfect level of intimacy for you and your date. Try the Braised Short Ribs and Fried Gnocchi.

Bordeaux

Turn your date night into steak night at Bordeaux, another highly-reviewed restaurant right around the corner. The wine list is enough to fall in love, but the exquisitely prepared steak (made from high-end Kosher beef) will have you down on one knee.

View of bar for Date Night around The Vitagraph Apartments in Brooklyn (1)

Sycamore Bar + Flower Shop

After dinner, take a stroll for a romantic nightcap. Sycamore Bar + Flower Shop is almost too perfect of a date night spot. Drinks and flowers? Romance 101. In addition to their creative cocktails, there’s a lovely backyard garden that’s oh-so romantic.

Ice Cream House

Ice Cream House is a fun spot for dessert that’s become a Brooklyn favorite. Share an ice cream sundae with your sweetheart or a delicious milkshake with two straws.

After a vibrant, intimate evening out, head back to your elegant, luxury apartment home at The Vitagraph for quality time together. The beautifully designed complex is inspired by the heart of the area while providing residences with a rejuvenating respite from busy city life.

mother blowing bubbles with child in Marine Park - Vitagraph apartments

5 Fabulous Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day in Marine Park, NY

Mother’s Day is just around the corner! If you haven’t figured out what you’re doing yet, this is the time to make a plan! Luckily, Marine Park is a fun place to live when you’re trying to entertain your mom on that special day.

In Marine Park, there are a million great places to eat and some wonderful shopping opportunities as well! At the Vitagraph, we like to help our residents pick out fun things to do around holidays like this one. Check out our suggestions for a fun day with mom. One more thing: remember that COVID restrictions can affect in house dining, so call ahead to find out what the policies might be at establishments where you’re thinking about eating at in-person. 

Eat a Nice Meal at Michael’s of Brooklyn

Michael’s of Brooklyn has been a Marine Park institution since 1964. Take your mom to Michael’s for a delicious meal! If you’re looking for a suitable gift to give your mom, try Michael’s Sauce of the Month Club! Michael’s accepts reservations, so get your Mother’s Day table at Michael’s booked early. 

Get Your Mom the Perfect Gift at Marine Park Hardware Corporation

Marine Park Hardware Corporation has been a true gem of the neighborhood for decades! You can buy just about anything from this store packed with useful and fun items. Does your mom like bird feeders? You can get her a bird feeder here! There’s so much to see in this shop, you’ll just have to check it out for yourself

eating pizza in Marine park for mothers day - Vitagraph brooklyn apartments

Satisfy Your Pizza Craving at Lenny and John’s Pizza

Who doesn’t love a good slice at Lenny and John’s Pizza? Come for the great food, but stay for the quality time with your mom. Lenny and John’s has been around since 1969, so you know they’re doing something right! The garlic knots are astounding, so don’t forget to order them for your meal. 

Grab a Coffee at Jilly’s Coffee Off the Corner

Jilly’s Coffee Off the Corner is a good place to take your mom for a good conversation and a cup o’ joe. Want to celebrate Mother’s Day at your mom’s house? Order Jilly’s from Uber Eats, and have it sent to where ever you are!

Enjoy a Treat at Marine Park Carvel

If it’s hot on Mother’s Day, Carvel is the perfect place to get some ice cream. You can also order your mom a delicious cake and take it back to her place.  

Come Home to Mother’s Day at the Vitagraph 

At the Vitagraph, we’re enjoying apartment living and celebrating Mother’s Day! Come join our community and see for yourself how it makes a difference when you love where you live. Call today to make an appointment and see one of our available units.

Green apartments in Brooklyn near Sheepshead

Get Ready for Earth Day at the Vitagraph

Earth Day is approaching! This April 22, celebrate earth day by making lifestyle changes that can make your home a cleaner and safer environment. There are many things you can do to prepare. Even living in an apartment, you can take steps to live a greener lifestyle. Here’s what we suggest.  

Turn Off Light Bulbs

It’s a habit to leave lights on when we leave the room – after all, if you leave the lights on, then they’ll be on and waiting for you when you come back into the room! Turning off the lights saves energy and money, so it’s good to get into the habit of turning off lights when you leave the room. 

Some people have a harder time remembering to do this than others. If you’re one of those people who always forgets to turn off the lights, try buying smart light bulbs, which can be easily turned on and off from a panel on your smartphone.  

Change Your Heating and Cooling Habits

Adjust your thermostat to reduce your HVAC usage when it’s time for bed. This might mean letting your apartment get a little colder than you might like, or a little warmer than you might like.

Either way, adjusting the temperature of your home can save energy and money. Use your programmable thermostat to change the temperature of your home strategically, and adjust the temperature just enough so that your house will be comfortable by the time you’re awake. 

Switch to Reusable Items

Stop throwing away plastic straws and plastic bags. Instead, keep reusable versions of those products in your house. Metal straws, cloth bags and other reusable items help keep garbage out of landfills and can also save you money over time. Check out this comprehensive list of reusable items.

Reusable items in apartment near Sheepshead

Make Safe Cleaning Products At Home

Many standard cleaning products are toxic. You can make your own safe cleaning products at home with household goods that you probably have in your kitchen. Using items like vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice, you can make safe, environmentally friendly cleaning products that are effective for cleaning your counters. 

Clean Your Home’s Air

Experts say that it takes about 2 houseplants per 100 square feet of space in your home to keep your home’s air clean. Fill your apartment with houseplants and reap the rewards of clean air! If you’re not comfortable growing plants, we suggest growing a pothos plant – they’re easy to care for and rewarding to grow.  

Come Join Us At the Vitagraph

Are you interested in one, two, and three bedroom apartments in Brooklyn near Sheepshead Bay? Come see what it’s like to live at the Vitagraph. Our residents are preparing for Earth Day – you can join us in the action! Call today to make an appointment to learn more about renting at the Vitagraph – and come see our available units!