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Fort Greene is one of those rare neighborhoods that hasn't been completely discovered yet—the masses know it for the Brooklyn Academy of Music and the Flea, but many of its best spots still have that insider vibe. Whether you're one of those or just looking to explore a part of Brooklyn that's new to you, there are plenty of incredible restaurants, shops, and bars to make a pretty sweet day out of it.
Chez Oskar (211 DeKalb Avenue) for a relaxed and cozy brunch. The unpretentious spot does Gallic fare right—find with one of their scrumptious crepes, eggs Benedict dish, or the moules frites—and don’t forget to add a Bloody Mary.
A bright, minimal interior makes shopping the inventory at Cloth (138 Fort Greene Place) all the more pleasant. A mix of brands like Velvet, American Vintage, Cotedelac, plus the store’s eponymous line, create a quintessential Brooklyn.
The retro dry-cleaner exterior might be what first attracts you to French Garment Cleaners Co. (85 Lafayette Avenue), but it’s the mix of brands like A.P.C., Rachel Comey, Raquel Allegra and Christophe Lemaire that'll keep you coming back.
If you’re in need of a dose of pretty, pop into Saffron (31 Hanson Place) for their unconventional and enchanting mix of flowers, art, and vintage. With their expert arrangements dotted by colorful jewelry and handmade greeting cards, the store is like a real-life Pinterest board.
Thistle & Clover (221 DeKalb Avenue) emphasizes up-and-coming designers, so you’ll be able to find your new favorite brand while flipping through the ones you already love, like Joie, Dusen Dusen, Sundry and Ace & Jig. Don’t leave without browsing their barely-there jewelry.
No Fort Greene Saturday is complete without a trip to the Brooklyn Flea (176 Lafayette Avenue), since the market has become one of the city’s most iconic shopping experiences. Spend the whole day digging through vintage, browsing crafts, hunting for antiques, trying on handmade jewelry, and snacking from the many delectable food vendors. [Photo by Brian Harkin]
All the walking, shopping, and vintage hunting you’ve done has earned you some relaxation, so head to Cynergy Spa (87 Fort Greene Place). Here you can indulge in subtly updated versions of classic spa treatments, like the Rain Forest Facial, the Bacial (a facial for your back), the Ancestrala Aromatherapy Massage, or the De Isalnds’ Brown Sugar Scrub.