Now, how did this neighborhood get its hyphen? Quite simply, by combining the names of two early settlements: Bedford and Stuyvesant Heights. Bedford was located near the present-day intersection of Bedford Avenue and Fulton Street. At the same time, Stuyvesant Heights was more south-centrally located and currently remains home to hundreds of historic rowhouses. Herbert Von King Park—named for a leader active in the community for 50 years—offers a de facto town square complete with a recreation and cultural center and an amphitheater. Across Lafayette from the park is a southern magnolia tree, an official city landmark. Planted in the 1880s, it remains thriving far north of its typical southeastern U.S. habitat. Today, Bed-Stuy is undoubtedly one of the most culturally rich neighborhoods in all of NYC, if not beyond. It’s home to many iconic figures, particularly from the arts, and has a certain name-brand cache.

As time has progressed, Bed-Stuy has started staking its claim to the throne as one of New York City’s best neighborhoods for food. No matter what you’re in the mood for—from Southern to French to Caribbean, and many more—you’ll find something to chow down on. This is not to mention an abundance of cafes rising up like the cream in your coffee (if that’s how you take it). If you’re looking for a nightlife scene, you needn’t look much further: Bed-Stuy is home to countless great venues for beer, wine, or cocktails, and even spots for live music and dancing. There are plenty of small, locally-owned shops worth supporting popping up across the broad swath of the neighborhood. Along the southern edge of Bed-Stuy, Fulton acts as the primary commercial drag, providing an all-purpose mix of stores and eateries.