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    Destination Backcountry Adventures

    4.9 (100 reviews)
    Mon 6:00 am - 6:00 AM (Next day)
    Tue 6:00 am - 6:00 AM (Next day)

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    Michael B.

    As an avid hiker with friends who are flatly unenthusiastic about nature, climbing mountains, and/or swimming rocky streams, I found myself exploring extra-urban solo adventures online. I found DBA and, with no assurances other than the website, rolled the dice, laid down $100, and signed up for a day trip to the Catskills with a bunch of strangers. After payment online, I received a confirmation email with details about what to bring, what to wear, when to meet, and what to expect from the hike. When the day of our adventure came, I woke up early and hoofed it to Grand Central to meet the group. About 12 of us packed into a passenger van at 7 AM, where we were met with fresh coffee and copious breakfast snacks. We then set out on a 3 hour drive up to the Catskills, drinking coffee and chatting. When we arrived at the trail head at the base of Westkill Mountain, the van was met with a handful of guides lead by one guy who was way too energetic for the early hour, but you can't fault people for enthusiasm. After a long wait, we started our trek, hiking up a five-mile trail through furs and boulders to the top of the mountain. The adventure I signed up for was classified as "challenging" and was pleased to find that it was indeed a hike that pushed me physically. Our efforts were rewarded at the mountain summit with breathtaking views of the Catskill Mountain Range and a bountiful lunch provided by our guides. The hike back down the mountain was easy, but I'd wished I'd followed the guidelines sent in the email and brought more water. Luckily, I found a spring along the way and filled my bottle with perfectly cold and clean ground water. At the base of the mountain, we stripped down to our swim suits and jumped in a creek supplied by an absolutely beautiful waterfall. From there, we drove to a nearby brewery with live music, fresh barbecue and outdoor seating where we slated our thirst with local beer. The drive back was long, but our feet were grateful. I got back to the city about 9 PM and was showered and fast asleep by 10 PM, happy to have filled the day with nature and new friends. Given the amount of prep I've put in to planNING my own hikes in the past, DBA is a steal considering all I had to do was pay $100 and show up.

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    5 years ago

    I had a trip to Wittenberg with Brad. I really liked this experience. Great guide and amazing trip.

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    Review Highlights - Destination Backcountry Adventures

    Just took my first backpacking trip with Dave & Jess and it was everything I could have hoped for and more.

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    Shipwrecked

    Shipwrecked

    4.3
    (232 reviews)

    I slept on Shipwrecked for years, until I didn't. But even now I'm just now coming around to the…read morefact that it's a phenomenal place for kids' birthday parties. Let's run it down: 1. They have private party rooms where they'll bring in pizza and drinks and more for your kiddos. 2. There's built-in entertainment like mini-golf (obviously), a surprisingly extensive arcade complete with tickets to win and redeem for plastic that your kids will love and you will hate. 3. The staff is seriously on point. I'm telling you, they have headsets! They're communicating in real time about where everyone in your party should be, and what needs to be happening. I appreciate you people. 4. There's a BAR FOR THE ADULTS. I can't stress this enough. You know how parents just stand around awkwardly while their kids scream and play and run? Well, it's better when you have a drink in your hand. They've got a solid beer selection, frozen rum punch and pina coladas (see: shipwrecked), and some bottom shelf liquor that the bartender looked into my friend's (the parent of the birthday girl) dead eyes and offered him a heavier pour on the house. This is going to be a staple in my life for the next five years or so, and although I'm sure I'll get tired of it, at least there's a bar.

    Everything about the place was good. The staff there were very helpful.. I highly recommend…read more it. The only complaint is that most of the rooms were dark. They could use more lighting.

    Selfup Cooking Classes

    Selfup Cooking Classes

    4.9
    (191 reviews)

    Upon entry we received such a warm welcome from Chef Armando. The all-inclusive beverages and…read morecomplimentary charcuterie were a really nice touch to start the evening, especially if you arrive hungry like I did. We started by learning how to make Chicken Marsala, then moved into pasta making (my favorite part). After that, we learned how to make fresh mozzarella, and finally ended the night with dessert: tiramisu. The entire experience was so fun and interactive. I especially appreciated how knowledgeable Chef Alex was about everything we were making. When I asked about the type of pan she was using and why, she gave such a detailed and thoughtful explanation, which I really appreciated. By then, we had definitely worked up an appetite! We started dinner with a delicious salad and focaccia bread, followed by pesto fettuccine made from the pasta we created ourselves. Then came Chicken Marsala with mushrooms, and ricotta-stuffed ravioli in red sauce, also handmade by us. One of the best parts of the night was the atmosphere. Cooking, eating, and learning alongside people you've never met before somehow felt so natural and welcoming. You genuinely leave feeling like you made new friends. If I had one honest critique, I do wish there had been more opportunity to personally season some of the dishes to taste, as I felt parts of the meal were a little bland for my preference. I also personally prefer softer pasta over a firmer al dente texture. That said, I completely understood why the pasta had that texture since we didn't have much time for the dough to fully rest and develop. I also think some light Italian jazz music playing in the background would have elevated the atmosphere even more and really taken the experience to another level. Overall, I had a wonderful time and would absolutely take another class. It's definitely worth it for the experience, the knowledge you gain, and of course... dinner! Also, we got home (with our left overs) and finally had the tiramisu... and WOW. It was soooo delicious. The ravioli and tiramisu were definitely the stars of the show for me!

    Amazing glass! Chef Oliver and his crew were all so phenomenal. The class was informational and so…read moreworth the price. I'll be back for another class soon.

    Paint the Town

    Paint the Town

    4.3
    (6 reviews)

    We try to support vendors for our team events, but our experience with "Paint the Town" was chaotic…read morefrom start to finish. We booked a premium, full-service package for a team-building afternoon, but instead of relaxing, my team spent the entire time stressing, moving boxes, and cleaning up after the staff we hired. We aren't trying to be difficult clients; we simply wanted the service we paid for. Instead, we faced a massive burden: The setup was chaotic and late: For a group our size, the policy is a 40-80 minute setup window. The facilitator didn't show up until 1:33 PM for a 2:00 PM start. Her assistant didn't arrive until after the event started. We were left watching the clock, wondering if our event was even going to happen. We had to manage their logistics: The assistant arrived late and without ID. Since we are in a secure office building, she couldn't get in. Instead of the vendor handling this, my team had to stop what they were doing, leave the event space, and go down to the lobby to retrieve her and haul up the supplies she was carrying. Dismissive attitude: Mistakes happen, but the facilitator's attitude made it worse. She was dismissive about being late and shockingly unhelpful regarding her own assistant's supplies. At one point, when asked about the materials her assistant brought, she refused to help, telling us she "couldn't hang onto that." It felt like we were imposing on her, rather than the other way around. My team did the physical labor: Because they were so behind, the setup wasn't done until 2:30 PM--30 minutes into our paid time. To save the event, my colleagues and I had to step in and physically unpack boxes, set up stations, and distribute materials. We paid for a full-service event but ended up doing the heavy lifting ourselves. Contract issues: We paid extra for the "all new supplies" option so our team could keep their materials. Despite this, the facilitator packed up and took many of the paints and brushes back with her. They walked out on the mess: Despite the event starting late due to their tardiness, the facilitator refused to stay a minute past 4:00 PM. She started aggressively cleaning up while people were still painting, then bolted out the door right at 4:00, leaving us to finish the cleanup and break down the boxes. I cannot recommend this vendor. We paid for a fun, stress-free afternoon and instead received a chaotic experience where we had to work as the setup and cleanup crew.

    An absolutely wonderful experience! My company did the…read morepaint and sip as a happy hour, and it was one of the best we've had. The instructor created a fun and open environment and everyone was so present. It was a great group activity for any experience level. Huge shout out to Dana for leading with kindness and encouragement.

    Atelier Ariana

    Atelier Ariana

    4.7
    (15 reviews)

    I just came across this cafe today. It's right by the Smith-9th St stop, which I used to go through…read moreall the time, but the cafe wasn't there until last year. A very bright, airy space with a few tables. I liked that you can get a little treat such as a small cookie or something more substantial (sweet or savoury). I got a mini chocolate croissant loaf, which was the perfect size. Tasty and well made. It's great to have a little oasis in this somewhat industrial area by the F train.

    I stumbled upon a little piece of Paris in Brooklyn :) Atelier Ariana might make my favorite plain…read morecroissant in NYC--and that's saying a lot since I usually go for the flavored ones. It is a charming bakery in Carroll Gardens serving artisan French pastries and desserts, curated by Chef Ariana Barkin. Everything here is beautifully crafted. It's a quiet, relaxing café for getting work done on a weekday. I've already been to Atelier Ariana twice in a month. The staff couldn't have been sweeter. Big shoutout to Caroline for walking me through the menu and giving me great recs every time I visit. *Croissant $5 I could totally taste how fresh it was. Even at room temperature, it was still very flaky. The center was different from typical croissants, it was softer and fluffier, and wasn't overwhelmingly buttery either. It's a croissant I'd love to eat every day. *Strawberry Cake $6 I went with their spring special. The cake was filled with fresh strawberries and layered with jam, while the butter cake was incredibly moist and rich. So obsessed. *Gruyere and Rosemary Torsade $6 So aromatic and crunchy! I enjoyed the rosemary flavor. A solid savory pastry choice for breakfast. *Gateau Marbre $4 Highly recommended by Ariana and Caroline, I gave it a try and WOW, I got the hype! Imagine a fudgy and gooey brownie but better -- they blended hot fudge while making it. *Orange Almond Cake $3 Citrusy cake with a dense and moist texture, and it was gluten free! *Apricot Cookie, Strawberry Cookie $1.5/pc Seasonal cookies garnished with fruit jam. Fruity, bright, and buttery mini bites for summer. *Latte w. Oat Milk $5.9 The latte art really made my day. You don't usually get a solid latte at a bakery. The milk was well steamed, and the espresso-to-milk ratio was just right. The price even included alternative milk, which was a nice bonus.

    Destination Backcountry Adventures - hiking - Updated August 2026

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