Finding Joy in the Details: Planning My Ideal Day in Brooklyn

If I was asked to state one thing that was 100% given about me, it would be this: I love to plan a trip. Whenever someone mentions a city they’re visiting, I immediately ask if they have gaps in their itinerary needing filling. I love matching people with my favorite spots, experiences, views, and, of course, food and drink. For me, part of the joy of travel is in the planning.

I love anticipation and the building of a plan allows me to enjoy my trip before it’s even begun. I take time when planning so that I can focus on making intentional choices. I know myself and what makes me happiest, so even the planning is a little dopamine boost. By structuring the trip in a way that makes sense for me, I start enjoying it even before it happens.

As I’m writing this (on Tuesday, 9/24), I’m in the midst of planning a full day off for myself on Friday, 9/27. I’ve been very busy with work, and it’s paying off, but I firmly believe in the importance of taking time to just be and enjoy.

Lately, I’ve been obsessed with TikToks about the Bed Stuy Aquarium. And, of course, how I can go see it. Just about an hour ago, I realized that with events tomorrow and Thursday, Friday will be the perfect time to take a breather, so why not do that breathing in Brooklyn? Not only is Brooklyn my favorite place, but planning a trip is one of my favorite things. I’m thrilled not just that I’m going but with the joy of planning a return to a place that will always be home.

Planning a Perfect Day in Brooklyn

When I started looking at Amtrak tickets earlier this week, I was planning on going down Monday or Tuesday, but with events and client work, I found myself getting stressed out because I’d have to rush my day. I almost gave up on the idea of going.

This morning, though, while working away, I realized that I’m not going to want to work on Friday, and that that would be the perfect day to go. I took my time to think about what a perfect day in Brooklyn would look like for me.

I sat on my bed, sunlight streaming in and music on, imagining the day including getting a coffee downstairs at The Coffee Bar before driving to the train with my fall playlist on and windows and roof open. For me, the ideal is visiting spots I know like the back of my hand while also discovering something new. I’m nothing if not nostalgic, so I’m able to indulge this while also allowing myself the opportunity to find a place I can return to for nostalgia twenty years from now. 

Taking time to plan, but leaving time for happenstance, allows me to have a day that’s customized with a balance of things I want to do but only three rigid times: departure from Bennington, the play, and catching my train home.

Here, Fishy Fishy

The Bed-Stuy sidewalk aquarium is my purpose for going, but of course, one can only look at sidewalk fish for so long. I want to take my own pictures and video, viewing the experience through my own lens.

I looked at the trains and decided I’d love to get a later start to the day since I’ll have had two big nights leading up to it. I selected a noon train, arriving in the city around 2:30. I love strolling the city late at night, so I chose to also take the latest possible train back home, making sure I have plenty of time to take in the lights and sounds as I trod familiar routes and, of course, grab a beer or two.

When I lived in the city, I was always walking everywhere and at all hours. It’s one of the things I miss most. While I can’t experience it all the time, on a perfect day like this one I can get in allllll the walking.

It’s about a half-hour on the subway to the fish, and I’m one to dawdle on my route, checking out parks and shops and whatever else catches my eye. Having points in my day that are fixed, but spread out, allows me to enjoy the kind of day I like best: a full but slow one.

Sweater Weather (w/ a Chance of Umbrellas)

Not too far from the fish are a few of my favorite spots: the Prospect Park Zoo, Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, and Brooklyn Museum. A quick look at the weather showed me it’s going to be touch and go, so I’m keeping these options flexible. I’ll probably walk to Prospect Park if it’s not raining to take advantage of the fall weather. If it’s bad out, I can hop the subway and enjoy the Museum.

One place that I love in Brooklyn and haven’t visited in forever is the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Back in my Brooklyn days, I visited several times a month for films, but I’ve only been back a handful of times since moving away.

I checked out the films and found one that looked great, but then, on a whim, looked at what else was going on. Turns out there’s a musical with music by the guy from Guster about time travel running. I love musicals, Guster, and time travel.

Needless to say, I bought a ticket to Safety Not Guaranteed. The play starts at 7:30, leaving me time for another favorite thing before my train ride home: a late dinner.

Take Time For Yourself

For me, this is the ideal day. I’ll read on the train (I’m not bringing my laptop!) and subway, feed my need for kitsch, visit the animals OR take in some great art. I’ll have time to meander before heading to the theatre, and then a lovely dinner in Fort Greene. By the time I get back to Penn, I’ll have spent a day enjoying my favorite things in my favorite place and, the best part? Still have Saturday and Sunday to enjoy at home in Vermont.

This trip is already an act of self care. I took time today to plan it, and am now writing about it. Over the next few days I’ll think up things I might want to check out. I know at some point I’ll google the neighborhoods I’ll be in to see where I can find TouchTunes, check out stationary supplies (I have to buy myself a souvenir, obviously!) and do some record shopping.

I look forward to Friday but also all the things in between, including the act of slowing down to plan.