Bay Ridge Commerce & Culture
While some bemoan that the same national chains dominate retail in certain New York City neighborhoods, it’s a charge that’s entirely inaccurate when it comes to Bay Ridge. Though it may not be host to leading cultural institutions, Bay Ridge is (according to some) home to more happy hour bars than anywhere else on earth. Even if that claim is perhaps dubious, when you see the bustling after-work scene along Third Avenue, you’ll have no choice but to take it seriously. Nestled in the northwest corner, Owl’s Head Park is a green space for all seasons: One person’s summer picnic spot can be another’s winter sledding destination. Narrows Botanical Gardens is a haven along the coast, a thriving oasis created and maintained by the local community. Take a leisurely stroll down the Bay Ridge Promenade and soak up the scenic views of New York Harbor and the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.