Click To Play

Designed by legendary Central Park architects Fredrick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, Prospect Park is an enormous oasis of 585 acres resting in the middle of Park Slope. It was built in the late 1860s, with features including the pristine 90-acre Long Meadow, the 60-acre man-made lake, and Brooklyn’s last remaining natural forest. “The forest was really in shambles, almost gone,” recounts Parks Administrator, Tupper Thomas. “Luckily, we were able to completely rebuild the majority of it, creating nature trails, complex water systems and new wildlife habitats.”

The park also books fun and educational events and activities year round. The winter months are choc full of options such as skating at Wollman Rink, crafting workshops at Lefters Historic House, and the annual bird Christmas Bird Count for the national bird census that helps conservation researchers track bird population. They even have a New Year’s Eve fireworks show and a Christmas Tree recycling program
See the complete listing at www.propectpark.org

“Calling all science geeks, nature freaks, and other rogue geniuses!” The 3rd annual Carnivorous Nights taxidermy contest is back and Union Hall’s Secret Science Club is looking for award winning entrants. Three years ago, owners of Floyd Bar, Andrew Templar and Jim Carden, entered a Rump Ape into a taxidermy contest that was held along side a book signing for “Carniverous Nights: On the Trail of the Tasmanian Tiger” by Margaret Mittelbach and Michael Crewdson. The four enjoyed themselves so much they decided to continue the creature contest with an annual event. The years since have seen many a curiosity, including an Australian sloth, hairy fish and last year’s winner, a Merrabit – part mermaid part rabbit. “What is fascinating are the stories the specimen comes with,” muses Templar. “Whether it was a wedding gift, card game prize, or wherever they happen to discover them.” Dig out your most unique stuffed friend this Day of the Dead, November 2nd, and see if you can’t scare up a little attention!

Catch a look at the competition at www.carniverousnights.com

703 Union Street, Park Slope, 11215

Step inside Park Slope’s cavernous Union Hall and you find yourself transported to another era. The bar top sits nestled in a stately library and a collection of armchairs and settees invite you to pull down a volume and settle in for a beer and a bite. “People read the books,” bartender Michelle reports, “and sometimes they walk out with them. That’s a drag.” The library is one feature of the old-school social-club feel, which also boasts two bocce ball courts in the back. The clientele, thankfully, are not as snooty as a real social-club might indicate. While weekends draw a crowd from all over New York, especially for the music shows, weeknights are usually full of Park Slopers sipping ales and enjoying the Hall’s various events such as science night. Whether you stroll in for a Sunday afternoon read or bop by for a Wednesday evening spelling bee, Union Hall doesn’t disappoint.

702 Union Street @ 5th Ave., 11215

www.unionhallny.com

Jon Peyson and Naomi Josepher spent 12 months testing out recipes on friends and neighbors before they opened the doors to The Chocolate Room, a chocolate and dessert café in Park Slope. Head Chef Jennifer Jupiter has received accolades for her triple-layer chocolate cake, and revitalizes the classic brownie sundae by only using ingredients made in-house, from the ice cream to the whipped cream. “We have high standards; we only use the freshest of the fresh,” says Peyson. Warning: merely entering the store may kick your sweet tooth into overdrive.

86 5th Avenue between St. Mark’s Place and Warren Street
www.thechocolateroombrooklyn.com