It’s WNBA Season: Here’s Your Plan for a Girls’ Weekend in Brooklyn

Take the train to Penn Station or hop on a flight to JFK on a Friday afternoon. The A or C trains will take you to Boerum Hill, a quiet neighborhood known for its brownstones and dignified celebrity sightings (think Ethan Hawke, Keri Russel, and Peter Dinklage).

If you get in early enough, book yourself some pre-weekend self-care. Heyday or Glow Bar are great for facials, or maybe just grab a cute new lipstick from one of the makeup stores in the area—everything from Sephora to Benefit and Jones Road Beauty can be found nearby! There are also plenty of fun gyms around if you’d rather work out for self-care— everything from rock climbing to axe-throwing to pilates, pole, or parkour.

After you get settled in and relaxed, take a walk around the neighborhood for some evening bites—maybe a cocktail and oysters at Grand Army, a spritz on the sidewalk at Anais, or some pasta at Rucola. If that all feels too dignified and you’re ready for a silly girls' night out, check out one of the neighborhood’s many infamous dive bars: Someday Bar for women-owned, divey vibes with an incredible craft beer list; Boat or Great Bar Harry for pinball and pool; or Brooklyn Inn for old-school vibes. (Fun fact for my OG Gossip Girl–watching millennials: Brooklyn Inn is a bar that Chuck buys in the show!). If you’re jet-lagged and that all seems like a bit much, or you don’t feel like wandering far at all, don’t forget the bar at The Ace, which frequently boasts DJs and pop-up art exhibitions.

A warm Saturday morning in Brooklyn means pastries or bagels and park time! We recommend walking or taking a bike share over to Radio Bakery near Prospect Park. Get there early to avoid a long line and then enjoy a walk through Prospect Park with your pastries and coffee. If that feels too far, hit up Ciao, Gloria for one of their famous cinnamon rolls and wander around the crafts and farmers market over at Fort Greene Park.

In the afternoon, take advantage of some prime shopping. You could wander 5th Ave, Fort Greene, or Smith and Court Streets for shopping. If you’re in Fort Greene, hit up Yours Truly for cute stationery and Brooklyn Center for Fiction for books. On 5th Ave, don’t miss every romance reader’s favorite bookstore, The Ripped Bodice. Keep an eye out for luxe housewares and treat-yourself stores like Aesop, or pop into Annie’s Blue Ribbon General Store to check out the plethora of locally made goodies on their chaotically full shelves. If you’re over on Smith and Court Streets, you’ll find clothing stores to suit every taste—small boutiques, plus everything from high-end Rag & Bone to niche coastal brand Marine Layer, to vintage reseller Buffalo Exchange. If you need a second coffee to keep up with the NYC pace, check out the Cobble Hill Stumptown, located in a historic firehouse. For lunch, grab a slice from F&F Pizzeria or Baby Luc’s—ideally paired with an aperol spritz! Or if you need more of a lazy afternoon, sit down, sit in the backyard at June with wine and a cheese board, or nab a drink and some quiet time with a book at Liz’s Book Bar.

After shopping, it’s time to pregame. Hop over to local brewery Threes for beers, cocktails, and snacks before the game, or just grab some beers from women-owned Bierwitch. Both are within walking distance of the Barclays Center. Go cheer on your girls—and don’t forget to grab a Nathan’s hotdog once you’re in the arena!

Start your day with a walk or bike ride down to the waterfront in Dumbo. I’d recommend grabbing food from Time Out Market (hello, pancakes from Clinton St. Baking Company!) and sitting in the waterfront park for a lazy brunch with a view of the skyline.

If you’re feeling like a big adventure for your day, hop on the ferry to Williamsburg, Manhattan, or Long Island City to explore another neighborhood! Or, if the ferry caught your eye but you’d rather lounge in a park most of the day, hop on the ferry to Governor’s Island for more park-wandering, hammock-lounging, and taking in the city (and Statue of Liberty) views.

On your way back through Dumbo, stop off for a ride at the 100-year-old, still-running Jane’s Carousel for the cutest Insta shots with your girls!

Sunday night dinner reservations should be made in advance—I’d recommend Theodora in Fort Greene, perfect for sharing plates and laughing with friends over their tomato water martinis (trust me on this!). Check out Sailor, the new restaurant from foodie darling April Bloomfield, if you want more fish on the menu. Alternatively, if you’re craving pizza for your last night in NYC, try Pizza Loves Emily—or get there early for one of their famous burgers, which they only make a certain amount of each night!