2 TIMES • MAY 12, 2016 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.qns.com GLENDALE RIDGEWOOD: OUR NEIGHBORHOODS RIDGEWOOD BY ANTHONY GIUDICE agiudice@ridgewoodtimes.com @A_GiudiceReport Over the last few years Ridgewood has seen some drastic changes; the real estate market has exploded, new bars and restaurants pop up seemingly every week and artist studios are now sprinkled throughout the neighborhood. Amidst all these changes, one thing this has stayed the same: Ridgewood’s character. Ridgewood is a neighborhood where the young and old, newcomers and home-grown residents, natives and immigrants can all come together to celebrate their differences, but also what binds them together, a love for their community. The history of Ridgewood as a neighborhood dates back to the late 1800s when it was the disputed boundary between Queens and Brooklyn. Remnants of its history still stand to this day at the Vander Ende- Onderdonk House, which was built in 1661 and is the oldest Dutch Colonial stone house in New York City. Now, almost 200 years later and the creative types from Williamsburg and Bushwick are pouring over the border to get a taste of what Ridgewood has to offer. One place to fi nd out everything that is going on in the neighborhood is Ridgewood Social. The website highlights the best things to do and place to visit in Ridgewood, including visiting Harry Houdini’s grave, the Ridgewood Reservoir, eateries like Julia’s and Onderdonk & Sons, and venues such as Reservoir Art Space and the Ridgewood Market. “Ridgewood Social, which is a local source for all things to do and small businesses, helps locals come together,” said Sarah Feldman, creator of the website. “I wanted to give a reason to stay in the neighborhood and not venture out. A majority of my really good friends I have met in Ridgewood because of Ridgewood Social. I love how we can go to places like Rudy’s Pastry Shop and have a cannoli.” New and interesting bars like the outdoor venue Nowadays are opening all across Ridgewood, creating a fun atmosphere for the neighborhood. “My favorite new places are Nowadays, an outdoor beer garden with very friendly owners. A womanowned bar called The Bad Old Days that has a really cozy environment,” Feldman said. “Bridge and Brewery just opened and has a nice familyfriendly feel. Julia’s has been here for over a year and makes everyone feel welcome. I believe they have some of the best beer and food to eat in the neighborhood.” “What I love about Ridgewood is the historic row-houses, the unique bricks that casts a nice light during a sunset. I think that is why our sunsets in Ridgewood are so spectacular,” Feldman said. “I love that you can take a 15-minute walk and probably see someone you know. The neighborhood defi nitely has a small town feel. I love how the natives are so warm and welcome. I also love how the German-inspired architecture gives this place a European feel.” LIVING IN
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