Bread Pudding and Contemporary Art in Ridgewood

Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.

You might know Ridgewood as the place regrettably dubbed "Quooklyn" by The New York Times last June. It's the neighborhood in Queens that shares a border with Bushwick, so the nickname has some basis in reality: Bushwick's artist faction, craft beer bars, vintage stores, and locavore restaurants have bled into Ridgewood a bit. But the Queens hood tempers that with its own low-key vibe, quiet blocks, and historical landmarks. See what we mean, this way.

Start your Saturday on a high-energy note with the Weekend Super Step class at Force Fitness Club (63-03 Fresh Pond Road). The hour-long session takes stepping to the next level, in terms of both adrenaline-pumping fun and calorie burning. It will especially work your abs and glutes. [Photo: Yelp]

Starving after that step class? Lovingly baked treats and savory dishes await at Norma's (59-02 Catalpa Avenue), a cozy neighborhood spot. Order a strong, delicious coffee and dig into a fresh breakfast sandwich or a bread pudding with spicy bacon. Don't leave without a pastry like a banana ganache, mini Bundt cake or gingerdoodle cookies.

If you feel like scoring vintage treasures for your closet and apartment for the cost of lunch, head to Gotham Thrift Shop (60-21 Myrtle Avenue). There's something for everyone, and you can stock up on $1 books, $15 pumps and $10 totes.

Kiara's Shoes (5912 Stephen Street) is Ridgewood's go-to for affordable, on-trend footwear. Expect a good mix of classic shoe closet staples and more stand-out pieces from recognizable brands at lower prices than you could find elsewhere.

Embrace Ridgewood's art scene at Valentine Gallery (464 Seneca Avenue). The cool yet friendly spot runs a constant rotation of exciting shows from truly unique, buzzworthy artists. This is your last weekend to catch the exhibit "4 Who Paint" with work from Peter Acheson, Yevgeniya Baras, Andrew Baron and Gaby Collins-Fernandez.

An unexpected trip back in time happens at the Vander Ende-Onderdonk House (1820 Flushing Avenue), the oldest Dutch Colonial stone house in NYC, and a leafy patch of idyllic, nineteenth century charm in the middle of an urban landscape. You can tour the house to learn about its original inhabitants and their stories, while ongoing exhibits also provide a look into that time period and New York's history as a whole. Look out for special events like candlelight tours with mulled cider.

Keep the history lesson going by taking a stroll down Ridgewood's landmarked block, Stockholm Street (between Woodward Avenue and Onderdonk Avenue). The road is paved with yellow bricks here, and the street is lined by yellow brick houses with white porches. The Victorian block is bookended by a church and a cemetery, perfecting its step-back-in-time feel—you'll almost forget you're in 2014 New York for a second.

End your day at the inviting Gottscheer Hall (657 Fairview Avenue) and treat yourself to your fill of conversation, beer and bar snacks. The friendly, spacious hall serves up German suds and food, with hot pretzels, potato pancakes and three cheese spaetzle perfect for sharing.

· All Perfect Saturday Posts [Racked NY]