When you think of Williamsburg, you may think of the neighborhood's bustling, future-forward persona, but Williamsburg was once a fledgling city of its own. Founded in 1802, it was not annexed by Brooklyn until 1855. Although the political landscape of Williamsburg has changed, not so the vision of the young creatives, dream-filled families, artists-at-heart, and longtime neighborhood stalwarts who call Williamsburg home. Enclaves of Italian-Americans, Polish-Americans, Hasidic Jews, Puerto Ricans, and Dominican Americans add to the cultural vibrancy of Williamsburg. Quaint streets lined with inventive restaurants, quirky shops, and rooftop bars make life in Williamsburg a daily adventure.

Living in Williamsburg means that at a moment's notice you can visit The City Reliquary, a tiny museum crammed-packed with forgotten treasures from New York City's past. Or, pop into the Williamsburg Art & Historical Center for a glimpse at artifacts – both artistic and historical.

The cultural norm around the neighborhood is to find joy in the small stuff, like bowling at Brooklyn Bowl, the half bowling alley/half concert venue, with food prepared by one of Brooklyn's leading names among gastronomes, Blue Ribbon Foods. If you're a true connoisseur (or simply wish to be) you can try cooking classes at Brooklyn Kitchen or shop for supplies at Whisk.

Williamsburg enjoys an embarrassment of riches when it comes to parks. MacCarren Park is home to baseball fields, basketball and bocce courts, running tracks, playgrounds, and an area for the dogs to run free, while East River State Park offers one-of-a-kind views of the Manhattan skyline.

Many in Williamsburg harbor an inner-artist. It is quite possible to recognize a neighbor's face on stage while attending an original reading at Pete's Candy Store or rocking out to an indie band at the Music Hall of Williamsburg.

And weekends are amazing in this neighborhood that never seems to sleep. There are vintage markets to visit -- like Artists and Fleas -- beer-infused painting sessions at BYOB Painting Workshop, a lineup of food stalls at Smorgasburg on the Williamsburg waterfront, and the famous Brooklyn Art Library, where artists from around the world fill sketchbooks with their work so others may wander in and enjoy it.

In Williamsburg, having a good time really is as simple as walking out the front door.