Q&A: My favorite spots in Williamsburg, Fall Activities, Decision Fatigue & more

Your questions, answered

It’s time for a Q&A, one day late because our home internet was out for two days, but we persist! I haven’t done one of these in a a while and really loved seeing your questions.

Now, let’s get into it! This is a good time to share that I’m an open book for paid subscribers—you can email me questions anytime and I’ll get back to you within 48 hours. I love getting to personalize recs and have helped plan events like engagement parties and find perfect gifts, so detail is always appreciated. Two questions are for everyone and two are for paid subscribers, thank you for your support!

Now, let’s get into it!

Q: What are some of your favorite fall activities in the city? Is it worth going to the fake "pumpkin patches" scattered about? Are there any legit local vendors to buy good apple cider donuts from? Thoughts on the village Halloween parade? Favorite places to see Halloween decor? I want to hear it all.

A:

Eden

, who asked this question, probably has a better answer than I do but I’ll take a stab at it! My favorite fall activities are getting fun drinks (I like a maple latte and Upstate Stock has a campfire latte that’s a little smokey and sweet), and listening to Red (Taylor’s Version) on a walk. I went on a really cool Madame Morbid ghost tour that’s more like a local history tour a few years ago and it was super interesting—a lot has happened in this city. Sleepy Hollow is an easy day trip via train from the city if you want to see some foliage and see some haunted sites—if you go, tour Kykuit, the Rockefeller estate. For lunch in town, eat at Bridge View Tavern. It gets packed, the beer list is huge, and the burgers and fries are great.

Buy your pumpkins at a farmers market or local market and price compare if you’re getting a big one (if it’s under $10 and mini, impulse shop away). I’ve mostly had apple cider donuts while apple picking (Brooklyn Cider House in New Paltz makes great ones) but I would trust a farm stand or a donut shop like Fan Fan. You want them to be fresh. I also saw Screen Door is introducing a fall ice cream flavor soon so I’m excited to check that out.

I have been to the Village Halloween Parade once and it was pretty fun and great people watching (though crowded). I do recommend checking out Forest Hills Gardens for some great Halloween Decor—people go all out and it’s very fun to see! This year, I will be in Miami for Halloween but I am looking forward to eating some candy and seeing pictures of my friends’ kids in cute costumes.

Feel Good Fall

Q: What are your top three favorite spots in Williamsburg (for any food/meal)?

A: Love this question! I’ve lived in Williamsburg since 2017, so I have thoughts

1. Lighthouse for dinner or happy hour: Sit at the bar solo or with a date or get a table for a group. Don’t miss happy hour oysters, labneh, and some natural wine or cocktails. Everyone there is so nice and say hi if you see me! I had my 30th birthday party there and it was extremely special.

   

2. Mesa Coyoacan for brunch or dinner: Get the mushroom tacos, guac, and a margarita. You can’t go wrong at brunch too. My parents go to this restaurant with their friends and they all live in Queens if that tells you anything.

3. Birds of a Feather is so good and I really need to go there more often! Every time I go, I say the same thing. I took Kira there on her first ever visit to Williamsburg and then we walked to Gentile Gelato for post dinner ice cream.

4. Bonus: Casual Coffee Spots: Lella Alimentari, Land to Sea, and Bakeri

Q: How do you stay motivated to cook when you have decision fatigue?