“I’m certain that a prettier neighborhood doesn’t exist in all of Brooklyn,” brags TONY editorial coordinator Amy Plitt. “I lived in and around Prospect Heights for nearly four years, and loved nothing more than to wander around looking at all of the beautiful brownstones and tree-lined streets. There’s also a great sense of community here. The neighborhood is pretty diverse, and while you see plenty of kids around, it doesn’t have the Stroller Mafia feel of Park Slope.”

Read about her favorite spots after the jump.

Her favorite places to hang:

Acme Pet Food Inc. (628 Vanderbilt Ave between Park and Prospect Pls, 718-789-8062) “This store is a great example of why mom-and-pop shops beat big-box chains (in my opinion, anyway): They have a great selection of food, toys, and more for both cats and dogs; the staff is really helpful, and will answer any pet-related questions; they deliver (great when you’re buying a 20-pound bag of kitty litter); and they have a store cat who’s always up for being petted. Can Petco say the same thing?”

Fermented Grapes (651 Vanderbilt Ave between Park and Prospect Pls; 718-230-3216, fermentedgrapes.net) “You can tell that the proprietors of this shop really care about wine—their selection is small and well-edited, and their recommendations are always spot-on. Hit them up on Saturday afternoons for a free tasting, and you’ll probably leave with a bottle or two.”

Brooklyn Museum (200 Eastern Pkwy at Washington Ave; 718-638-5000, brooklynmuseum.org) “It’s pretty great to live near a world-class museum that happens to be pretty inexpensive (I also voted here in the last presidential election, which was cool). My favorite part is the Sackler Center for Feminist Art; Judy Chicago’s The Dinner Party is absolutely a must-see.”

Brooklyn Public Library (Grand Army Plaza at Flatbush Ave, 718-230-2100, brooklynpubliclibrary.org) “Despite the fact that I’m incapable of returning books on time, I love libraries, and this one is probably the best in Brooklyn. I’ve yet to go here and not end up staying for a few hours. I also love the small exhibits on the first floor; keep an eye out for a Sesame Street one, opening up in November.”

The Arch at Grand Army Plaza (at Flatbush Ave) “Grab a spot on one of the benches surrounding the arch on a gorgeous, sunny day and just relax. It’s a really peaceful place—probably because very few people are ever there.”

Her favorite bars:

Bar Sepia (234 Underhill Ave between Eastern Pkwy and Lincoln Pl, 718-399-6680) “I have yet to find a bar in the city that equals Sepia in chillness. There’s always good music playing (most nights it’s a combination of R&B, indie and jazz), but never too loud; it never gets too crowded; it has a backyard patio; and the pours are downright huge.”

Weather Up (589 Vanderbilt Ave between Bergen and Dean Sts, no phone) “I’m not a fancy person at all, but when I’m in the mood for a nice cocktail in a classy setting, I go here. It can get crowded on the weekends, so go during the week, when you’re almost guaranteed a spot. You’ll want to sit at the bar so you can watch the suspender-wearing mixologists prepare drinks.”

Freddy’s (485 Dean St at Sixth Ave; 718-622-7035, freddysbackroom.com) “This is one of my favorite dive bars in the city. The front room is small, with televisions that constantly play a loop of fucked-up videos (think Twilight Zone eps spliced with weird performance-art pieces), while the back room hosts comedy, live music and more. Plus, the drinks are cheap, and the owners are still fighting the good fight against Atlantic Yards.”

Soda Bar (629 Vanderbilt Ave between Prospect Pl and St. Mark’s Ave, 718-230-8393) “They advertise one of the longest happy hours in Brooklyn—from noon to 8pm every day. The music is a great combination of classic and indie rock, and the atmosphere is generally pretty relaxed. I like to grab a seat on the upper level of the bar and people-watch.”

Her favorite restaurants:

Franny’s (295 Flatbush Ave between Prospect Pl and St. Mark’s Ave; 718-230-0221, frannysbrooklyn.com) “Best pizza in the city, hands down. It’s not the cheapest, but so worth the splurge. The anchovy pizza will change your life (and your opinion of anchovies).”

Purity (43 Underhill Ave between Dean and Pacific Sts, 718-789-6363) “Purity serves pretty standard diner fare, but they do it really well. Nothing soothes a hangover quite like one of their Florentine omelettes and a huge cup of coffee.”

Joyce Bakeshop (646 Vanderbilt Ave between Park and Prospect Pls, 718-623-7470) “This tiny café serves excellent coffee and pastries—their muffins are top-notch. And their friendly staff doesn’t mind if you hunker down at a table for a while.”

Burrito Bar (307 Flatbush Ave at St. Mark’s Ave; 718-230-8646, burritobarbrooklyn.com) “Great burritos, great guacamole (they make it next to your table, to your specification, and serve it with house-made corn and plantain chips) and great margaritas. Outdoor seating in the summer is a bonus.”

Le Gamin Café (556 Vanderbilt Ave between Dean and Pacific Sts, 718-789-5171) “I love brunch at this cramped French restaurant; even though I usually have to wait a while, the massive cappuccinos are worth it. The food ain’t too shabby either—the Ouef Gamin (a poached egg perched atop ratatouille and a potato-goat cheese pancake) is damn good eats.”