NYC Wants You To Take A Staycation In Bed-Stuy: Here's Where

BED-STUY, BROOKLYN — Nothing says 2021 like a new kind of staycation.

NYC & Company — the city's official marketing organization — has launched a new campaign encouraging New Yorkers and visitors to take "NYC-cations" in the city's most culturally diverse neighborhoods as part of an effort to celebrate the Black experience in New York City.

First up on the list? Bed-Stuy.

“An always-shifting landscape coupled with the effects of the pandemic have impacted Black-owned businesses in Bed-Stuy, like in the rest of New York City and the US,” said Rondel Holder, NYC & Company's senior director of multicultural content.

“One way to lend a hand while immersing yourself in local culture, is to patronize Black-owned restaurants, bars, retailers and cultural attractions; it will do wonders to stimulate the senses, spark creativity and show much-needed support.”

The campaign — which is part of NYC & Company's The Black Experience in NYC page — highlights Bed-Stuy's long history in Black culture, from leaders in the Civil Rights Movement through music icons like Biggie Smalls and Jay-Z.

It comes with a guide to A Weekend Exploring Black-Owned Bedford-Stuyvesant.

"What better way for those living the legacy to celebrate Bed-Stuy's enriched culture and experience its festive food and brownstone streets than by vacationing in place?” said Bed-Stuy Gateway BID Interim Executive Director Lynette Battle in a release.

Here's a peek at what NYC & Company suggests for visiting the neighborhood:

Black-Owned Retailers:

• Moshood/Afrikan Spirit in Restoration Plaza
• Sincerely, Tommy
• Peace & Riot
• Ancient Blends
• Make Manifest
• Byas and Leon

Restaurants, Cafés and Bars:

• Brooklyn Tea
• Brooklyn Beso
• Grandchamps
• Bed-Vyne Brew
• Peaches Kitchen & Bar and Peaches HotHouse
• Southern Comfort
• Doc's Cake Shop
• The Bush Doctor Juice Bar
• Tilly’s BLYN
• Basquiat’s Bottle
• Brown Butter
• The Fly
• Milk & Pull
• Joloff
• Le Paris Dakar

Arts & Culture, and Wellness:

• Lavender Blues
• Richard Beavers Gallery
• Macon Library
• Life Wellness Center

Stay the Night at a Nearby Hotel or Inn:

• Akwaaba Mansion – Brooklyn
• The Brooklyn Hotel

See the full guide and suggested itinerary here.