One of the best things I ever did in New York was walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. My wife and I were celebrating our 10th anniversary, and took a stroll on a beautiful April morning. Without really planning, we followed a ramp onto the deck then turned around. All of Manhattan opened up to us -- the skyline looked close enough to touch.

The memory makes me want to head back next week for the bridge's 125th birthday. The city's celebrating with a weekend long party, reports Newyorkology.com.

Events start Thursday May 22 with a free Brooklyn Philharmonic concert.  Over the next few days, there will be outdoor movies, art exhibits, lectures and, of course, guided walking tours. I'm particularly intrigued by the Brooklyn Icons Mini Golf course, available for play at Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park on Saturday and Sunday. Who wouldn't want to putt across the bridge, even it's HO scale?

So happy birthday to the engineering masterpiece. Wish I could send a card.

Photo: Global Jet via flickr