New York Adventure Club

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1981949663797

In the early 20th century, the Woolworth Building in downtown Manhattan not only dominated the NYC skyline, but also held the title of "tallest building in the world" for over 17 years. What secrets lie behind its towering limestone and terracotta façade? Now’s your chance to step inside one of New York’s most breathtaking interiors — a hidden architectural marvel that's been off-limits to the public since 2020 (until now).

Join New York Adventure Club for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Woolworth Building — commissioned by retail magnate Frank Woolworth in 1910 to house his company’s corporate headquarters, this neo-Gothic style skyscraper designed by architect Cass Gilbert laid claim to the world’s tallest building from its opening in 1913 until 1930.

Led by licensed NYC tour guides and Woolworth Building experts Bob Gelber or Ed Welter, this official experience — and the only way inside this private building — will include:

• The story behind the “Cathedral of Commerce,” from its creation by retail magnate F.W. Woolworth to its groundbreaking design by Cass Gilbert
• A look at the exterior’s intricate terracotta façade, rich with neo-Gothic ornamentation and symbolic details
• A private tour of the soaring lobby, with its marble-clad walls, vaulted ceilings, and hidden symbols embedded in the architecture
• A visit to the subterranean vault, where the building’s original safe deposit boxes are tucked beneath its towering frame
• A special trip to the mezzanine balcony, offering a close-up view of the vaulted mosaic ceiling, richly inspired by the opulence and patterns of the Byzantine Empire

See you there!

*There are no public restrooms on the tour, so please plan accordingly
**This tour is limited to the lobby and first sub-level
***Please refrain from wandering around the lobby before, during, or after the tour

About Bob
After retiring from the New York State Court System, Bob Gelber became a licensed New York City tour guide to share his deep knowledge and passion for his hometown. Over the past twelve years, he has led visitors through neighborhoods many tourists overlook, while also serving as a docent at the Woolworth Building and volunteering at both the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Open House New York. A longtime member of the Guides Association of New York City, Bob has served on its Board of Directors and several key committees. From Central Park to the Lower East Side — and even chocolate-themed walks through SoHo — Bob brings history to life with every step.

About Ed
With over four decades of experience in construction and nearly 15 years in the tourism world, Ed Welter brings a unique perspective to New York City's built environment. After starting his guiding career at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in 2010, Ed went on to become a senior docent and trainer at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, where he has been sharing the site’s powerful story since its earliest days. A licensed NYC tour guide since 2012, Ed also led Woolworth Building tours from 2014 until their pause in 2020 — and is excited to return as the tour program resumes with New York Adventure Club. His deep knowledge and passion have guided countless tours across Lower Manhattan, from the Brooklyn Bridge to City Hall Park, including topics like the Five Points, the African Burial Grounds, and the history of terrorism in New York.

Testimonials
"The tour of the lobby was full of secrets and mysteries and astonishing design. The lobby tour guide was kind, passionate, and extremely knowledgeable." -Simon
"Very informational. Knowledgeable lobby tour guide." -Jacqueline
"The guide was very knowledgeable and history interesting. My first with adventure club, not the last. I enjoyed it very much." -Judy
"...The guide was great… provided just enough information and stories, answered questions… and best of all really enjoyed seeing this iconic building up close! Wonderful event. Just the right amount of time." -Aimee
"A fascinating combination of history, architecture and biography in a magnificent building. The guide was exceptional." -Beth
"Informative on architecture, history, and history of Woolworth himself. Also notable comments on the strains between Woolworth and his architect, Cass Gilbert. Excellent speaker, humorous, personal, and interested in all facets of the building." -Margaret
"The history and love that went into building this magnificent building" -Jojo
"The information about Woolworth himself and the history of the 5 and 10 business was particularly good. Makes me want to learn more. Of course, just getting access was a treat. It's kind of a hidden treasure." -Leandro
"It was highly informative and the guide was engaging." -E
"Didn’t realize that this beautiful building was not open to the public so it was very special. Also the building was awesome. Guide was terrific." -Murray
"The guide was so knowledgeable, explained everything in an interesting way, was patient with questions and managed the group well. It was outstanding!!" -Betsy
"Tour guide's knowledge of the subject." -Lucien

Disclaimer
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
Categories: In-Person, Neighborhood Tours

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1979308307429

Beyond the Manhattan skyline lies a neighborhood where Brooklyn’s grandest homes quietly rival the Gilded Age mansions of Fifth Avenue. How did Park Slope’s tree-lined enclave become one of New York’s crown jewels of historic architecture and civic pride? It’s time to hit the streets and uncover the timeless beauty of this iconic neighborhood.

Join New York Adventure Club for a stroll through Park Slope, Brooklyn, a neighborhood shaped by industrial magnates, master architects, and the sweeping beauty of Prospect Park.

Led by licensed New York City Tour Guide Ann McDermott, this unique experience will include:

• A walk past the historic Montauk Club, featuring Venetian-inspired architecture and friezes of George Washington and Native Americans
• A look at the famous "Chicklet House," once home to the creator of Chicklets gum and said to be haunted by lingering spirits
• An overview of C.P.H. Gilbert’s early residential works, showcasing the designs of the architect behind some of Manhattan’s most iconic buildings
• A glimpse at the corner where Charles Feltman, inventor of the Coney Island Hot Dog, lived, along with historic photos of his grand estate
• Stories of Park Slope’s incredible homes along Prospect Park West, and the rich history behind them, including presidential visits and notable developers

See you there!

*Please bring a water bottle and comfortable pair of shoes as we’ll be on our feet for the duration of the experience
**This tour concludes at Park Place and 7th Avenue, around the corner from the 7th Avenue station (Q / B Train) next to Antionio’s wonderful Brooklyn pizza place

About Ann
Ann McDermott, was born and raised in Park Slope. She spent her childhood exploring Prospect Park and going to the Grand Army Plaza library, the Brooklyn Museum, the Botanic Gardens and of course Zoo. She'll give you a unique insight into a bit of the history of the neighborhood as well as how lovely it was to have friends who lived in some of those mansions.

Disclaimer
Event takes place rain or shine.
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
Categories: In-Person, Neighborhood Tours

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1981018258940

For over 10 years inside his Upper East Side apartment, one celebrated entertainer and author has been hosting one of New York's best kept secrets: an under-the-radar jazz experience complete with a rare blend of soul-stirring performances, rich conversations, and home-cooked hospitality. This is more than a concert — it’s an invitation into the heart of a New York jazz tradition where elegance meets soulful tunes. Get ready for an "only in New York" music experience like no other.

Join New York Adventure Club for a sophisticated and intimate jazz experience in the heart of the Upper East Side that celebrates authentic old school Black American Jazz and Blues, blending world-class live music with the warmth of a home-cooked BBQ dinner that will make you feel right at home.

Hosted by JaRon Eames — acclaimed jazz and blues vocalist, archivist, and author of Historical Jazz Conversations — this unforgettable afternoon in his East 80s home will include:

• Rare access inside JaRon's cozy and eclectic private Upper East Side parlor
• A live jazz performance featuring JaRon Eames alongside suprise special guests such as pianist Les Kurtz
• A home-cooked BBQ dinner (brought right to your lap!) including Creole Shrimp & Rice, Salad, Cornbread, BBQ Chicken, and dessert
• Complimentary wine throughout the event
• An exclusive book signing of JaRon Eames’ acclaimed 600-page jazz history tome, Historical Jazz Conversations (book sold separately)
• Fascinating conversations with about jazz history, culture, and stories

Whether you're a longtime jazz aficionado or a curious newcomer, this special Sunday event will transport you to the golden age of jazz, all while creating new memories with like-minded music lovers.
Don’t miss this unique celebration of community, music, and culture — see you there!

*This experience is located inside a private residence in the East 80s — the exact address will be revealed in the confirmation email.
**Please be respectful of the property and do not share the location with others.
***Please note that the residence is located up one flight of stairs.
****Doors open at 2:00pm, jazz begins around 3:00pm.

Click here for a preview of the experience 📽️

About JaRon Eames
JaRon Eames is a celebrated jazz and blues vocalist, archivist, and author, renowned for his dedication to preserving the legacy of Black American music. With a career spanning around four decades, JaRon has performed alongside legendary musicians such as Doc Cheatham, Harold Mabern, and Dorothy Donegan, gracing iconic stages from the Apollo Theater to Berlin’s vibrant jazz scene. As the host of The JaRon Eames Show, a jazz and blues talk show, he has archived the stories of some of the greatest names in the genre, including Nancy Wilson and Joe Williams.
A Louisiana native, JaRon’s passion for jazz has taken him around the globe, but his mission remains rooted in celebrating the timeless art of "swinging saloon singing." Now based in New York City, he continues to inspire audiences with his unforgettable performances, rich storytelling, and deep love for the jazz tradition.

Disclaimer
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
Must be 21 or older to consume alcohol. ID will be checked at door.
Ticket price is for a book signing with complimentary jazz performances, food, and beverages.
Categories: In-Person, Activities

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1368801134039

Over the past 30 years, one Brooklyn resident has quietly compiled a collection of thousands of artifacts in her industrial loft left by friends, and invited guests, alike — from the antique to the bizarre, each with their own unique story to tell. Now, for the first time ever, the apartment owner is ready to open her doors and show off her cabinet of curiosity to curious New Yorkers looking to peek inside one of NYC's most interesting spaces.

Join New York Adventure Club for an exclusive look inside the House of Collection, a private 2,000-square-foot apartment located inside a refurbished bookbinding factory in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, that contains a sprawling curated collection of lost-and-found, passed down, left behind, and gifted items to the house.

Led by Paige, the Mad Hatter of this eclectic wonderland, our experience down the rabbit hole of one of New York City’s most unique apartments will include:

• The origin story behind the House of Collection, from how Paige first acquired the apartment 30 years ago, to her decisions to transform it into an urban sanctuary containing over two-decades-worth of items from friends and strangers
• A tour through the nooks and crannies of Brooklyn's most interesting home, which includes a massive indoor garden housing over 70 plants and a 'conservatory' containing items like antique garments to rare artwork
• A discussion around the house's most interesting pieces and artifacts, such as steel tools from abandoned farms and tiny glass bottles pried out of the sands of New York's Dead Horse Bay

No experience at the House of Collection is ever the same.

Click here to see pictures from one of our last visits to the House of Collection!
Read more about the House of Collection in this New York Times article here
Watch a short documentary on the House of Collection here
See you there!

*Attendees with pet allergies should take precaution as the apartment owner has a cat
**Wearing a mask is encouraged for this indoor tour

Testimonials
"The subject matter, the warmth and hospitality of our hostess, that you were also willing to wait for the latecomers, pretty much everything was perfect" -Sherri
"Amazing and unique space with friendly host." -Jonah
"Paige was such a gracious host and gave us just the right amount of info and time to explore on our own. The tea and refreshments were an added plus." -Caitlin
"The personality of the host, her charm, and her hospitable spirit." -Daphne
"The space itself is cool I didn’t know what to expect, it was really great hearing paige’s stories about how she got the apartment and How she acquired some of the things" -Holly
"Intimacy and amazing host/space" -Daniel
"The space is beautiful and fascinating. The host (Paige) is an inspiring and lovely soul." -Rachel
"The hostess was very welcoming. The artificats were interesting and fun to see." -Carmit
"The host was lovely and gracious, as was the brand ambassador, and you really got a great look at an absolutely unique place that is so Brooklyn." -Catherine
"Offbeat and interesting to enter a private home" Debbie
"Paige and her apartment are both wonderful!" -Katie
"The host is very friendly." -Klaus-Peter
"Paige was so nice and explained all her collections to the group. she even made tea and had cold water for us. It was an amazing experience." Marilyn
"Quite an unusual person and space." -Yael
"It's all about old stuff and that's my passion" -Robin
"Uniqueness of the venue..... it certainly was thinking outside the box" -Brona
"The apartment was a very Only-In-NY kind of thing. Very cool and off the beaten track." -Gregor
"It was fascinating, off the beaten path and felt like the fabric of NY." -Kim
"It felt very special and generous. And that describes Paige as a host to her home and her world. Paige said she didn't have and perhaps should develop a talk or script, but there's no need. There are a billion stories in H of C and those I heard yesterday were wonderful." -Robin

Disclaimer
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
Categories: In-Person, Houses