So, here’s some news thanks to Jeanne Ramirez, New York 1’s incredible Brooklyn reporter: Brooklyn is one of the must-see places in the world, according to Lonely Planet, the largest independent travel guide. In its 2007 Blue List, the Best in Travel edition, Brooklyn is on their “Go List” as a top destination, chosen by their global team of about 50 editors. This from NY1:

“They’re extremely open-minded in terms of what they’ve seen and how they compare and contrast. And you’re up against stiff competition when they’re assessing you against what they’ve learned about travel,” said Lonely Planet writer Ginger Otis. “So for them, for that team to have picked Brooklyn, is really quite a coup.”

Some of the editors’ standouts include Coney Island’s beaches, particularly when the Polar Bears take the New Year’s Day dip in the frigid waters. The neighborhood’s annual Mermaid Parade and Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. The views from Brooklyn’s waterfront and most famous bridge and Jacques Torres chocolate treats are listed as some of the borough’s defining experiences. The Brooklyn Museum, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Prospect Park, and Williamsburg nightlife are also featured.

Lonely Planet says a cultural movement has emerged and now Brooklyn is the hippest part of the city.

“I think Brooklyn is unique in that it’s got all the attributes of a really big modern city,” said Otis. “And yet it’s got all these pockets of hometown charm. But the home, of course, can be somewhere from Italy, the home could be in Pakistan. The home can be from anywhere. But there’s such intense nuggets of ethnic flavor, of regional flavor.”

Of course, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz says the recognition is well deserved.

“Bravo I couldn’t agree with them more. Thank you Lonely Planet. You’ve got it right,” said Markowitz.

Markowitz says the travel guide will really help bring tourism to Brooklyn – something he’s been pushing for over the last several years. In 2004, Markowitz set up this tourist center in Borough Hall as well as a website on where to go, what to see and even things to wear. But he was taken aback last year when he traveled to Europe to promote Brooklyn and travel agents didn’t know much about it.

“When I asked them what they thought of Brooklyn, there was no reaction, because many of them didn’t know what Brooklyn is, other than we have a bridge,” said Markowitz.

Well many will soon be learning about Brooklyn now. Lonely Planet publications have their largest number of readers throughout Western Europe and Australia.

Other U.S. destinations that made the “Blue List” are Hawaii and New Orleans. Finland, San Sebastian, Spain, and Northeast India are also included.

– Jeanine Ramirez