During this strange world, I've been enjoying taking advantage of all the amazing virtual…read moreopportunities out there we may not otherwise get because of our world circumstances. One of these opportunities includes The New York Adventure Club, a tour company that in typical times hosts in-person "adventures" around New York. I love the idea of a group of citizen experts showing off all the awesome things in their city. In normal times, it looks like they tour museums, historical sites and lots of hidden "secrets" around the city. I've always been interested in the arts and history of New York and have really enjoyed hoping on these virtual experiences. So far, I've attended two virtual events, "The Secrets of TriBeCa: Lofts, Artists, & Alleyways" led by Gardiner and "The Famous Gilded Age Balls that Forever Changed NYC" led by Kristen. I would easily attend more. I was really impressed with the breadth of knowledge of these guides, and how much time, energy and thought was put into the research and assembly of these webinars. In particular, Gardiner grew up in TriBeCa and had such a personal spin to his entire virtual event, which was super cool. For a $10 ticket to these online events, you're getting so much more in value. I'm so pleasantly thrilled with the type of content they offer and will definitely be attending more of these in the future. If you live outside of NYC, definitely consider hopping on one of these fantastic events and learning something new! Love this cool business.

I attended a Brunch Classics cooking class at Essex Market on Saturday, August 13, 2022 organized…read moreby New York Adventure Club and was stunned that even though this was an indoor event with approximately 12 people sitting ultra-closely side by side around a prep island, that the class leader, Chef Jon Lovitch was permitted to actively discourage mask wearing among the participants during his opening remarks. His reasoning was that in eating some of the dishes he would be preparing, we would get "cinnamon and sugar all over our mouths," and therefore he emphasized we should NOT wear a mask throughout the class since the CDC had recently relaxed those guidelines, and "we should all be getting back to normal." It was obvious that I was the only mask wearer and that I would continue to wear my mask in response, so he turned to me in front of everyone and asked if I was OK with everyone else not wearing a mask, essentially trying to pressure me into removing mine. I resisted the combination of both public peer pressure and mask-shaming and did not remove it except to eat and then I kept those moments ultra-brief. I'm a breast cancer survivor and have to be extra careful at indoor events where people are seated in close proximity to one another and are not wearing masks. In other instances of ultra-poor planning by the New York Adventure Club, It should be noted that no napkins were provided together with the food-sampling plates and forks, which was curious as either purposeful or an oversight given the heavy-duty negative pressure not to wear masks from the class leader; that the elevator to the floor with the demo kitchen where the class was being held was turned off to that floor so that someone in a wheelchair could not even reach the class at all; that only two of the four recipes were printed out and those were only distributed at the end of the class, preventing someone from taking notes on the recipes in real time as with most well-run cooking classes; and that when I tried to speak to the group's owner, Corey William Schneider, who was in attendance at the class at all times, he brushed me off completely and told me to only give him feedback at the end of the class (he was busy taking photos throughout but otherwise remained completely silent). In short, I can't recommend any of this group's in-person events, because there is not a sufficient emphasis on protecting the health and well-being of participants, and if you read their other Yelp reviews, you'll see that many of their events actually end up getting cancelled. I also believe they may be violating the Americans With Disabilities Act with some of their lack of organization and socially irresponsible messaging. So if you have any kind of health condition or are disabled, please be very careful about attending any of this group's in-person events. And if you attend any of their cooking classes with Chef Jon Lovitch, you should be prepared to resist concerted pressure to remove your mask if you are someone who typically wears one at indoor events where you're sitting side by side with a lot of other people who aren't mask wearers. Each person has to decide about mask wearing for themselves now, but I don't think the New York Adventure Club should be actively supporting not wearing masks in close quarters, or they risk litigation should someone becomes ill as a result.

Beautiful horse and carriage rides at various spots in Central Park and one of those iconic scenes…read moreportrayed in so many movies.

I made a reservation ahead of time, but considering we got asked if we wanted a carriage ride each…read moretime we stepped out of the Ritz Central Park it was probably unnecessary. We got a text from Oscar 30 min before our 10am meeting time telling us where to meet him, conveniently across the street from our hotel. He was easy to find despite all the other carriage drivers. It was the most gorgeous day in NYC so this couldn't been timed more perfectly. The carriage was plenty spacious for our party of 3 (would have been fine for 4 or 5 if had kids). We stopped for a few pictures and Oscar pointed out some highlights including where movies were filmed. He also showed us a fountain where other carriage drivers were telling their riders that it was the fountain from friends but he said he couldn't lie to us. ;). And we even got to feed Oscar's lovely horse strawberry some carrots. 45 min later our 50 min carriage ride came to an end. As soon as we paid Oscar he left us quickly in search of his next ride. Again no need to book this experience ahead of time, but if you want to plan ahead you'll be in good hands with Oscar and his horse, strawberry.

Conservatory Water, Central Park - Conservatory Water has a very pleasant, family-friendly…read moreatmosphere and reminds me of peaceful parks in European cities. The small lake, model sailboats, and benches create an ideal place to relax. It is a tranquil corner of the park where visitors can sit, watch children and families, and momentarily forget that they are in the middle of bustling New York City.

Conservatory Water is a charming ornamental pond in Central Park, famous for model boating, hidden…read moresculptures, and a rich 19th‑century history. The pond's name comes from a planned glass conservatory for tropical plants that was part of the 1857 Greensward Plan by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. The conservatory was never built, but the "hard‑edged" reflecting pool was, and it became the pond we know today. When Central Park was created in the mid‑1800s, hardy water lilies grew wild in the mud, while delicate varieties were wintered in the park's conservatory. Later, the pond was reshaped into the model boat pond we see now. The pond's water originally came from the Sawkill stream, which once flowed through the area toward the East River, via the Ramble and Lake. Children have been sailing here for over 150 years, inspired by similar ponds in Paris and London. Today, you can rent radio‑controlled or wind‑powered boats from the Kerbs Memorial Boathouse. The pond's edge is home to Alice in Wonderland and Hans Christian Andersen statues, popular with kids and art lovers.

I used to eat my lunch in this small park and I love it…read more It used to frame the twin towers nicely, and I would just sit there and gaze at them. The new look, south, down that street, you can't even see the new tower, so it's bitter sweet. Again, a LOT of car traffic surrounding this park, so if that bothers you, you might want to search for a quieter place, but for me, it seethes the city.

After not going out on New Years Eve and waking up fresh as a daisy on January 1st, I decided to…read moresnag a cigar and take a walk through Lower Manhattan. Cigars ARE a healthy alternative to cigarettes, don't let the mainstream media fool you... you won't catch me with a vape though I'm a grown ass man lol. Halfway through my cigar, the headrush starting to rattle my prefrontal cortex, I stumbled upon this "park." I guess we are using the word "park" as loosely as we are using the term "GOAT" now lol. This triangular "park" probably spans 500 ft in total surface area as it is essentially just a small intersection of 6th Ave and W Broadway. I'd take my estimate with a grain of salt though as Pythagoras had my number in high school geometry aahaahaha. I sat here ripping my cigar on one of the many open benches enjoying the architecture in the skyline, as the Jenga building stands tall watching over the "park." I think if I didn't have severe hyperhidrosis of the hands I would have been an architect. Seems like such an enriching profession, just seeing your work go from drafts on paper to actual buildings must be a beautiful feeling. In my humble and holier-than-thou opinion, staying in on New Years is a life hack and will be a chapter in the book I will continue to draft but never finish. I'd rather not pay $200 to get into an overrun hotel bar and wait 30 minutes for a watered down tequila soda. Thanks though. HAPPY 2024 Y'ALL LET'S GET THIS BREAD! IG @jnov_ Tiktok @jnov__

Ok! I'm taking the easy way out for this review. You want a super duper descriptive review and…read morebeautiful photos? Please read Harald's review. He's my Yelp Friend and I consider him my inspiration for all things Central Park has to offer. All I can say about Cedar Hill is that it's beautiful any season. I enjoy seeing families playing. I enjoy seeing dogs and owners playing. I love the landscaping. The trees are some of the most beautiful Central Park has to offer. The surrounding area is filled with interesting sights and sounds. I pass this way when I walk. I always see something new. When you visit Central Park go to Cedar Hill. Climb up and then run down as fast as you can. That's the freedom of Central Park Cedar Hill!

This hilly area of Central Park offers some nice views…read more The rolling grass covered hills here are picturesque with large rocks to sit on, many large trees offering shade, along with a few wooden benches to sit on and take it all in. Be sure to check out the dedication plaques on the benches as they always tell a story.

Central Park-Pilgrim Hill is a place I'm very familiar with when I cross the park from East to…read moreWest. How many years now I've gone up and down this hill and didn't realize it has a name. I asked a very nice park employee and he told me it's named after the Pilgrim in the Statue. It's a good landmark and I love the look of the statue. I recommend you visit this location in the park as it's very close to Fifth Avenue where you have restaurants, shopping and entertainment of all kinds. It's a popular spot for people watching and relaxing with a book. Enjoy!

Great vibes! Really fun to walk around, bike, and run. Perfect for a picnic and people watching :)read more

Such great views and well kept trails. Loads of parking and multiple outlets along this long park…read more Def a go to easy hike!

I absolutely love this park for hiking. I usually hike along the coast and the views are amazing! I…read morelove a nice water view and this park provides it. You get views of New York City from here. There is a small fee to park in the parking lot here. During my last visit, we encountered a friendly trooper who gave us a park map. We didn't need it, but it was a nice gesture. There is a beach like area along the trail and I enjoy stopping in this section and looking for seashells. If you're not into hiking or biking, this still seems like a nice park to sit and enjoy the day for a few hours. Pack a picnic lunch and go!

High Line Park - The High Line is a unique urban park that offers a completely different view of…read moreNew York. Walking along the former elevated railway above the streets is , green, and provides many interesting perspectives. I especially like the combination of nature, architecture, and art. It is the perfect place to slow down and relax in the middle of busy Manhattan. We also discovered some fascinating sculptures here. The route is several kilometers long.

Originally created for an elevated train, which last ran in 1980, the High Line was converted into…read morea beautiful public green space that opened in 2009. It's 1.45 miles long, and is filled with luscious trees, plants, flowers, art and incredible views of unique architecture. Open from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., you can enjoy a leisurely walk, sit down and catch up with friends and have lunch, take a breath and enjoy the beauty of nature or check the calendar of events ahead of time and see what activities will spark your spark. This is a fantastic line of gardens that feeds your soul in the middle of NYC's concrete jungle. A great way to connect yourself to the city in a whole new way.